More than a dozen bacterial species among the hundreds that live in people’s mouths have been linked to a collective 50 percent increased chance of developing head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), a new study shows.

Experts have long observed that those with poor oral health are statistically more vulnerable than those with healthier mouths to HNSCC, a group that includes the most common cancers of the mouth and throat.

Led by researchers at NYU Langone Health and its Perlmutter Cancer Center, the new analyses looked at the genetic makeup of oral microbes collected from healthy men and women. Of the hundreds of different bacteria that are routinely found in the mouth, 13 species were shown to either raise or lower risk of HNSCC. Overall, this group was linked to a 30 percent greater likelihood of developing the cancers. In combination with five other species that are often seen in gum disease, the overall risk was increased by 50 percent.

“Our findings offer new insight into the relationship between the oral microbiome and head and neck cancers,” said study lead author Soyoung Kwak, PhD. “These bacteria may serve as biomarkers for experts to flag those at high risk,” added Dr. Kwak, a postdoctoral fellow in the Department of Population Health and its Division of Epidemiologia at NYU Grossman School of Medicine.

“Our results offer yet another reason to keep up good oral-hygiene habits,” said study co-senior author Richard B. Hayes, DDS, MPH, PhD. “Brushing your teeth and flossing may not only help prevent periodontal disease, but also may protect against head and neck cancer,” added Dr. Hayes, a professor in the Department of Population Health and a member of Perlmutter Cancer Center.

Source: https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamaoncology/fullarticle/2824198

Head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC) – cancers linked to tobacco, alcohol, or human papillomavirus (HPV) – account for around 90% of all head and neck cancers. These malignancies arise in the mucous membranes of the mouth, pharynx or larynx. Even when operable, some of these tumours carry a high risk of recurrence after surgery. Two key high-risk factors have been identified: (1) when the tumour has spread beyond the membrane of the cervical lymph nodes; and (2) when complete microscopic resection could not be achieved.

Patients with high-risk resected head and neck squamous cell carcinoma have seen no major therapeutic advances since 2004, when the current standard of care was established. The results of the European phase III trial NIVOPOSTOP (GORTEC 2018-01), presented in the plenary session at the ASCO congress, mark a turning point for these patients with an otherwise poor prognosis. Sponsored by GORTEC, the French cooperative research group dedicated to head and neck cancers, the study demonstrates the benefit of adding immunotherapy after surgery in this setting. In the long term, it paves the way for a new global standard of care.

The NIVOPOSTOP trial was conducted between 2018 and 2024 across six countries and enrolled 680 patients under the age of 75 who had undergone surgery for a locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity, oropharynx, hypopharynx or larynx, and presented with at least one high-risk feature for recurrence.

After a median follow-up of over 30 months, the three-year disease-free survival rate increased from 52.5% with standard treatment to 63.1% with the addition of immunotherapy. This is the first major advance in this clinical setting in more than two decades,” says Dr Yungan Tao, last author of the NIVOPOSTOP study

Source: https://www.gustaveroussy.fr/en/asco-2025-first-time-20-years-new-treatment-shows-benefit-high-risk-head-and-neck-cancers

Head and neck cancers are among the most complex and diverse tumors, ranking as the seventh most common cancer worldwide.

The management of this heterogeneous group of cancer is complex and difficult.

These are malignant tumors of the head and neck, mostly represented by:

• squamous-cell carcinomas (epidermoid carcinomas),
• adenocarcinomas,
• sarcomas and lymphomas

The most frequent locations of tumors in the cervico-cephalic district are:

• Larynx
• Oral cavity
• Oropharynx

Less common sites are the nasopharynx, nasal cavities and paranasal sinuses, hypopharynx, and salivary glands.
Other head/neck tumors include:

• Intracranial tumors in adults and children
• Thyroid tumors
• Orbital tumors and retinal tumors
• Acoustic neuromas
• Skin tumors

They are most prevalent in older age, although the incidence among young people is increasing due to papilloma virus infection, which is a risk factor in oropharyngeal cancers.
Alcohol abuse and smoking are among the main causes of these tumors.

The graphic summarizes some risk factors ⚠️ that need to be kept under control, together with one or more of the following symptoms:

• asymptomatic neck mass
• nerve paralysis
• mucosal ulceration
• hoarseness
• dysphagia
• pain
• paresthesia
• mandibular trismus
• alitosis
• ear pain

Recognizing the signs early is critical, time can mean the difference between life and loss.