IMPACT OF ORAL MICROBIOME DYSBIOSIS ON THE RISK, PATHOGENESIS AND TREATMENT OF HEAD AND NECK CANCERS: A LITERATURE REVIEW

Paulina Musiał; Szymon Pieczara; Zofia Stefanik; Ewa Drzazga-Wilk; Mikołaj Stańko; Julia Smagowska; Wojciech Nowicki; Piotr Urbanowicz; Damian  Machaj; Katarzyna Rekiel

doi:10.31435/ijitss.3(51).2026.5988

Authors

Paulina Musiał University Dental Center of the Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, Katowice, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0001-1386-6087
Szymon Pieczara Wrocław Medical University, Wrocław, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0003-0355-4762
Zofia Stefanik University Dental Center of the Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, Katowice, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0005-0722-2700
Ewa Drzazga-Wilk University Dental Center of the Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, Katowice, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0006-8411-9042
Mikołaj Stańko Academy of Silesia, Faculty of Medicine, Katowice, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0006-8703-4482
Julia Smagowska University Dental Center of the Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, Katowice, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0003-4275-0846
Wojciech Nowicki Wrocław Medical University, Wrocław, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0004-8555-7373
Piotr Urbanowicz Wrocław Medical University, Wrocław, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0001-9630-4871
Damian Machaj Wrocław Medical University, Wrocław, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0007-8299-0990
Katarzyna Rekiel Wrocław Medical University, Wrocław, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0002-1236-2802

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.31435/ijitss.3(51).2026.5988

Keywords:

Oral Microbiome, Dysbiosis, Head and Neck Cancer, Squamous Cell Carcinoma, Carcinogenesis

Abstract

Background: Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is the seventh most common malignancy worldwide and is associated with substantial morbidity and mortality. Although tobacco use, alcohol consumption, and human papillomavirus (HPV) infection remain the principal risk factors, growing evidence suggests that oral microbiome dysbiosis may contribute to tumor initiation, progression, and treatment response.

Aim: This review summarizes current evidence linking oral microbiome dysbiosis with HNSCC, evaluates proposed biological mechanisms, and highlights major gaps requiring future investigation.

Methods: A literature review was conducted by searching PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar for studies published through March 2026.

Summary: Prospective cohort studies and case-control analyses have reported enrichment of periodontal-associated pathogens, including Fusobacterium nucleatum, Porphyromonas gingivalis, and Treponema denticola, in tumor tissues and saliva of patients with HNSCC, alongside depletion of commensal genera such as Streptococcus, Rothia, and Actinomyces. These organisms may influence carcinogenesis through NF-κB activation, Wnt/β-catenin signaling, epithelial–mesenchymal transition, apoptosis resistance, and immune modulation. Cancer therapies, particularly radiotherapy and chemotherapy, profoundly alter oral microbial communities and may worsen oral mucositis, candidiasis, and dental complications. Microbiome-targeted strategies, including probiotics, represent promising adjunctive approaches, although robust clinical validation is still required.

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