Mechanisms underlying the effects, and clinical applications, of oral microbiota in lung cancer: current challenges and prospects

The oral cavity contains a site-specific microbiota that interacts with host cells to regulate many physiological processes in the human body. Emerging evidence has suggested that changes in the oral microbiota can increase the risk of lung cancer (LC), and the oral microbiota is also altered in patients with LC. Human and animal studies have shown that oral microecological disorders and/or specific oral bacteria may play an active role in the occurrence and development of LC through direct and/or indirect mechanisms. These studies support the potential of oral microbiota in the clinical treatment of LC. Oral microbiota may therefore be used in the prevention and treatment of LC and to improve the side effects of anticancer therapy by regulating the balance of the oral microbiome. Specific oral microbiota in LC may also be used as screening or predictive biomarkers. This review summarizes the main findings in research on oral microbiome-related LC and discusses current challenges and future research directions.