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In a groundbreaking study conducted by researchers at Rutgers University in the US, a simple oral rinse has emerged as a potential game-changer in the fight against gastric cancer, the fourth-leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide. The study, unveiled on Thursday, highlights how this oral rinse could serve as a crucial tool in identifying early risks of gastric cancer and its precancerous conditions.
The research, led by Shruthi Reddy Perati, a general surgery resident at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson School of Medicine, demonstrated that a straightforward oral rinse could reveal distinct patterns of oral bacteria in patients with either cancer or precancerous conditions. The implications of this discovery are profound, as it suggests a direct link between the oral microbiome and the development of gastric cancer.
The study involved collecting bacteria samples from the mouths of 98 patients scheduled for endoscopy procedures. Among these patients, 30 were diagnosed with gastric cancer, 30 exhibited premalignant gastric conditions, and 38 served as healthy controls. The analysis of these samples revealed subtle yet significant differences in the oral microbiome of patients with cancer or precancerous conditions compared to healthy individuals.
“While the differences observed in the samples were minimal, they indicate that changes in the microbiome may occur early on, signaling the onset of conditions that could progress into cancer,” explained the researchers. This finding underscores the potential of oral bacteria as biomarkers for assessing the risk of gastric cancer.
Moreover, the research team developed a model comprising 13 bacterial genera, representing the most substantial variances between healthy controls and patients with cancer or precancerous conditions. This model not only enhances our understanding of the microbial landscape associated with gastric cancer but also offers a promising avenue for early detection and intervention.
The significance of these findings will be presented at the upcoming Digestive Disease Week (DDW) 2024 in Washington, D.C. The presentation at this esteemed conference underscores the importance of this research in advancing our knowledge of gastric cancer detection and prevention strategies.
In essence, the study conducted by Rutgers University sheds light on the potential of a simple oral rinse to revolutionize the early detection of gastric cancer. By unraveling the intricate connection between the oral microbiome and gastric health, this research paves the way for more effective screening methods and personalized interventions, ultimately saving lives and mitigating the global burden of gastric cancer.
