Remarkable progress in head and neck cancer research
Charity-funded research finds a bacteria that destroys cancer cells, and could lead to better treatments and outcomes for patients.
With the support of our generous donors, researchers have had a “eureka moment” which could revolutionise the treatment of head and neck cancer.
Specialists from King’s College London and Guy’s Head and Neck Cancer Centre have discovered that a bacteria which usually leads to the progression of bowel cancer, actually destroys the most common type of head and neck cancer.
They found that head and neck cancer patients with higher levels of the bacteria – called Fusobacterium, which is commonly found in the mouth – tended to have a better prognosis than those with lower levels of the bacteria.
Following these findings, the expert team of researchers ran lab tests where they infected cancer cells with the bacteria. Remarkably, this led to a 70-99% reduction in the number of viable cancer cells.
Researcher Dr Miguel Reis Ferreira, consultant in head and neck cancers at Guy’s and St Thomas’, says: “This research reveals that these bacteria play a more complex role than previously known in their relationship with cancer – that they essentially melt head and neck cancer cells.
“Next we want to better understand how we can translate this new knowledge into improvements in the treatment of patients with head and neck, and other cancers.”
Our findings are remarkable and very surprising. We had a eureka moment when we found that our international colleagues also found data that validated the discovery.
By supporting this moment of progress, together we are taking a big step forward in improving care for head and neck cancer patients.
Donate today, and help Guy’s Cancer continue to push the boundaries of cancer research and treatment.
