Bacteria in saliva could form basis for future test to help diagnose pancreatic cancer
According to research presented today at the American Society for Microbiology, patients who have pancreatic cancer have a specific profile of distinct bacteria in their saliva, compared to healthy patients. These findings indicate that someday bacteria in saliva could be used to form the basis for a test to diagnose pancreatic cancer in its earliest stages.
It's the age of salivary diagnostics. Saliva plays an enormous, multifaceted role in the mouth, but one of the fastest growing discoveries for this precious fluid is its amazing ability to detect diseases in other parts of the body. Scientists have found that by examining saliva markers, they can determine various signs related to other diseases that might enable them to offer earlier treatments and tests. Today's news puts the spotlight on pancreatic cancer in light of saliva markers.
According to research presented today at the American Society for Microbiology, patients who have pancreatic cancer have a specific profile of distinct bacteria in their saliva, compared to healthy patients. Pancreatic cancer patients have higher levels of two oral bacteria, Leptotrichia and Campylobacter, and lower levels of Streptococcus, Treponema, and Veillonella.
These findings indicate that someday bacteria in saliva could be used to form the basis for a test to diagnose pancreatic cancer in its earliest stages. Isolating these bacteria may help further direct the course of research over the coming months.
Vicki Cheeseman is an associate editor in PennWell’s Dental Division. She edits for DentistryIQ.com, Surgical-Restorative Resource, Dental Economics, DE’s ENDO File, Bracing for Success, and RDH. Follow her on Twitter @vlcheeseman or contact her by email at [email protected].
Vicki Cheeseman is an associate editor in Endeavor Business Media’s Dental Group. She edits for Dental Economics, RDH, DentistryIQ, and Perio-Implant Advisory. She has a BS in mathematics and a minor in computer science. Early on she traded numbers for words and has been happy ever since. Vicki began her career with Dental Economics in 1987 and has been fascinated with how much media production has changed through the years, yet editorial integrity remains the goal. In her spare time, you’ll find her curled up with a book—editor by day, reader always.
