The link between the microbiome and head and neck cancers is an emerging field of study. The current state of knowledge suggests that alterations in the oral and gut microbiome can significantly contribute to the development and progression of head and neck cancers. The primary mechanism through which the microbiome affects these cancers is through the promotion of chronic inflammation, which creates an environment conducive to cancer development and weakens the immune system's ability to detect and eliminate cancer cells. Recent studies have also identified specific bacterial strains that produce carcinogenic compounds or alter the metabolism of certain substances, potentially increasing the risk of head and neck cancers. Despite these advancements, there is a need for a more comprehensive understanding of the microbiome's role in these cancers, including its influence on the efficacy and side effects of cancer treatments.The primary goal of this Research Topic is to delve deeper into the complex relationship between the microbiome and head and neck cancers. The focus will be on experimental studies that can provide a more detailed understanding of this relationship. The research aims to identify specific microbial biomarkers and their functional roles in the context of head and neck cancers, and explore their potential use as diagnostic tools. Additionally, the research will investigate the impact of the microbiome on cancer therapy outcomes and its interaction with the immune system in the context of these cancers.The scope of this Research Topic is limited to the role of the microbiome in head and neck cancers and its potential as a diagnostic tool. We welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:- Identification of specific microbial biomarkers in head and neck cancers- Functional roles of these biomarkers in the disease context- The microbiome's impact on cancer therapy outcomes- Interaction between the microbiome and the immune system in head and neck cancers. Please note, manuscripts consisting solely of bioinformatics, computational analysis, or predictions of public databases which are not accompanied by validation (independent cohort or biological validation in vitro or in vivo) will not be accepted in any of the sections of Frontiers in Oncology.
The link between the microbiome and head and neck cancers is an emerging field of study. The current state of knowledge suggests that alterations in the oral and gut microbiome can significantly contribute to the development and progression of head and neck cancers. The primary mechanism through which the microbiome affects these cancers is through the promotion of chronic inflammation, which creates an environment conducive to cancer development and weakens the immune system's ability to detect and eliminate cancer cells. Recent studies have also identified specific bacterial strains that produce carcinogenic compounds or alter the metabolism of certain substances, potentially increasing the risk of head and neck cancers. Despite these advancements, there is a need for a more comprehensive understanding of the microbiome's role in these cancers, including its influence on the efficacy and side effects of cancer treatments.The primary goal of this Research Topic is to delve deeper into the complex relationship between the microbiome and head and neck cancers. The focus will be on experimental studies that can provide a more detailed understanding of this relationship. The research aims to identify specific microbial biomarkers and their functional roles in the context of head and neck cancers, and explore their potential use as diagnostic tools. Additionally, the research will investigate the impact of the microbiome on cancer therapy outcomes and its interaction with the immune system in the context of these cancers.The scope of this Research Topic is limited to the role of the microbiome in head and neck cancers and its potential as a diagnostic tool. We welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:- Identification of specific microbial biomarkers in head and neck cancers- Functional roles of these biomarkers in the disease context- The microbiome's impact on cancer therapy outcomes- Interaction between the microbiome and the immune system in head and neck cancers. Please note, manuscripts consisting solely of bioinformatics, computational analysis, or predictions of public databases which are not accompanied by validation (independent cohort or biological validation in vitro or in vivo) will not be accepted in any of the sections of Frontiers in Oncology.