Cancer cells can develop sophisticated ways to evade treatments and spread. Recently, scientists discovered a new strategy: tumor cells can change their identity. This change, also known as “phenotypic plasticity”, allows cancer cells to convert into different cell types, such as endothelial cells. Head and neck cancers (HNC) represent a group of globally common malignancies. In Finland, approximately 800 new cases are diagnosed every year. The most common areas of occurrence are the lips, oral cavity, larynx and pharynx. Most of these tumors are in close proximity with oral microbiome, which includes more than 700 types of bacteria. Some of these bacteria are believed to contribute to cancer development or prevention. In this research, we study the dynamic interaction between cancer cells and oral bacteria, focusing on its effect on phenotypic plasticity and other key cancerous processes. Our findings could help to develop new therapeutic and prognostic approaches for cancer patients.

2024

2028