Oral Lachnoanaerobaculum levels and survival in patients with head and neck cancer:pooled analysis of two prospective studies

The oral microbiome plays a critical role in cancer treatment responses. Pooled analysis of two prospective trials in Germany found that higher salivary abundance of Lachnoanareobaculum spp was associated with improved tumor control and survival in patients undergoing definitive (chemo)radiotherapy for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Increased salivary abundance of Lachnoanareobaculum spp was associated with higher CD4-positive and CD8-positive TIL counts. The authors conclude that these findings support further investigation into microbiome-targeting interventions to improve HNSCC treatment effectiveness.