PhD Scientific Days 2025

Poster Session III. - S: Dental Research

Oral microbiom and colorectal cancer

Name of the presenter

Bognár Katalin

Institute/workplace of the presenter

Semmelweis University

Authors

Katalin Bognár¹

1: Semmelweis University

Text of the abstract

Introduction: Following the gastrointestinal tract, the oral cavity is the second most diverse and complex microbial community in the human body. Previous studies have linked the development of CRC to oral dysbiosis. They suggest that Fusobacterium nucleatum (Fn) is enriched in CRC tumor cells. Moreover, Fn may play a role in the development and progression of CRC and contribute to chemoresistance.
Aims: We aim to investigate the relative abundance of Fn in the saliva of colorectal cancer (CRC) patients and healthy controls. Depending on patients' oral health status, we offer further dental care in the Clinic for Oral Diagnostics (Faculty of Dentistry).
Method: We collect saliva at the Department of Surgery, Transplantation and Gastroenterology (Semmelweis University). We joined in the prehabilitation program, which prepares patients for surgery, (physically and mentally) and rehabilitation. We integrated in the prehabilitation oral examination, stomato-oncological screening, subjective periodontal questionnaire, and collection of unstimulated saliva. During our research, we examine patients' oral health and offer further professional dental care, if necessary. In the future, we will compare the amount of Fn DNA in saliva samples from CRC patients and control individuals.
Results: N= 80 (N=72 CRC group and N=8 control group) individuals have been tested. The results of the subjective questionnaire and the dental examination differ among the patients. In the questionnaire, only 36% of the patients (26 individuals) admitted to having inflamed gums, whereas in the oral examination, gingivitis was found in 71 % (47 individuals). Tooth mobility was reported by 8 patients (13%), while 14 patients (21%) were found to have mobility during oral examination. During stomato-oncological screening, potential precancerous lesions were suspected in 5 patients (7%).
Conclusion: In conclusion, we think that oral health and prevention is crucial for CRC patients before surgery.
Funding: 2024-2.1.1-EKÖP-2024-00004 Scholarschip