Relationship between oral microbiota and colorectal cancer: A systematic review

This systematic review aims to investigate the microbial basis underlying the association between oral microbiota and colorectal cancer. A comprehensive search was conducted across four databases, encompassing potentially relevant studies published up to April 2024 related to the PECO question: “Is there a differentiation in oral microbial composition between adult patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer compared to healthy patients?”. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale was used to evaluate the quality of the studies included. The level of evidence was assessed through the GRADE (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation) tool. Sixteen studies fulfilled the eligibility criteria. Based on low to moderate evidence profile, high levels of certain subspecies within Firmicutes (such as Streptococcus anginosus, Peptostreptococcus stomatis, S. koreensis, and S. gallolyticus), Prevotella intermedia, Fusobacterium nucleatum, and Neisseria oralis were found to be associated with colorectal cancer. Conversely, certain bacteria (e.g., Lachnospiraceae, F. periodonticum, and P. melaninogenica) could exert a symbiotic protective effect against colorectal cancer. Based on existing evidence, it appears that variations in oral microbiota composition exist among individuals with and without colorectal cancer. However, further research is necessary to determine the mechanisms of oral dysbiosis in colorectal carcinogenesis.