Oral Health and Dental Management

Abstract

The Role of Oral Fusobacterium nucleatum in Female Breast Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Fariah I. Gaba*

Introduction: Breast cancer is the most popular malignancy worldwide, predominantly targeting post-pubertal fe- males of all ethnicities. As of late, oral Fusobacterium nucleatum species have been detected within malignant human breast tissue, thus highlighting the importance of microbes in cancer development and progression.

Objectives: To evaluate the potentiality of oral Fusobacterium nucleatum species as biomarkers for female-specific breast cancer.

Methods: A strict set of criteria for article inclusion were adhered to by all authors, with favorable acceptance of ar- ticles recording and evaluating women between the ages of 18-96 years with established breast cancer and gingivitis/ periodontal disease from their respective medical and dental health care specialists. Data was independently extricat- ed by all authors, creating a meta-analysis focused on risk estimation measurements of interconnections between oral Fusobacterium nucleatum species and breast cancer within females, determined from 95% confidence intervals and calculated relative risks.

Results: 78.70% of articles demonstrated positive correlations between oral Fusobacterium nucleatum and female breast cancer as depicted in the AXIS tool analysis. A rise in the prospect of breast cancer development was demon- strated in females with clinically visible signs of gingivitis/periodontitis due to the presence of abundant microbial levels of oral Fusobacterium nucleatum (95% confidence interval=1.63-1.91, relative risk=1.78). Statistical heteroge- neity of low-moderate levels was detected (I2=41.39%; P=0.02), and the significance of periodontal health on breast cancer development and progression was elucidated (95% confidence interval=1.01-1.30, relative risk=1.24).

Conclusion: Oral Fusobacterium nucleatum species are credible biomarkers for female specific breast cancer as ele- vated levels are a grave risk for its dissemination.

Published Date: 2024-09-27; Received Date: 2024-08-28