The Biomedical Research Institute of A Coruña (Inibic) is conducting a research on colorectal cancer with the collaboration of Dr. Simón Pardiñas López. This study led by the researcher Margarita Poza seeks to analyze the influence that the bacterial diversity present in the intestine and in the mouth can induce in the appearance of colorectal tumors, or how this microbiome can favor or complicate the result of certain cancer treatments.
Bacteria in the mouth and its relation to colon cancer.
This project will be developed between 2021 and 2023 and will have the collaboration of several researchers and doctors from different fields, such as microbiology, oncology, surgery, metagenomics, bioinformatics. Dentistry will also be present since the bacteria in the mouth are one of the main objects of study in this research.
There are many studies that conclude the close relationship between dental diseases and general health problems. The pathogens and bacteria found in the mouth cannot only cause oral cancer, gum disease, tooth loss, cavities or bad breath, but are also related to other types of diseases such as arthritis, diabetes, heart attacks , Alzheimer's and strokes. This is because these pathogens can spread to the rest of the body through the bloodstream and can be present in tumors in different parts of the body.
The influence of the microbiome on colon cancer treatments.
As we mentioned, this research will also help to predict the response of each patient to treatment against the disease. Taking the microbiome as a reference, specific therapeutic weapons can be designed to control or eliminate these bacteria, preventing the appearance of tumors. It is already known that certain bacteria have a protective function against colon cancer, and that others induce its appearance, so the study will seek the relationship between the peculiarities of the genome of bacteria, viruses and fungi that live in the intestine and the mouth with a higher or lower risk of colon and rectal tumors.
For Clínica Médico Dental Pardiñas it is a pride that our doctors participate in this kind of research, a clear example of the dedication of our medical team to improve the patient’s quality of life.
