A common type of bacteria has been found to make some cancers “melt”, according to researchers.

People who had fusobacterium in their head and neck cancers had “much better outcomes” – with scientists saying they were “brutally surprised” at the findings.

The bacteria is commonly found in the mouth, and in lab studies led to a 70-99% reduction in viable cancer cells when left in petri dishes for a few days.

Researchers also analysed 155 patients with head and neck cancer from the Cancer Genome Atlas database and found a 65% reduction in risk of death where fusobacterium was detected.

The apparent benefit of fusobacterium was a surprise as previous research has linked it to the progression of bowel cancer.

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The study was carried out by experts at Guy’s and St Thomas’ and King’s College London, in partnership with international researchers.

They are now studying the exact biological mechanisms behind the findings.

It’s hoped the bacteria could help formulate new treatments for patients with head and neck cancer, which encompasses cancers of the mouth, nose, sinuses, throat and voice box.

“In essence, we found that when you find these bacteria within head and neck cancers, they have much better outcomes,” said senior study author Dr Miguel Reis Ferreira, a consultant at Guy’s and St Thomas’ and senior lecturer at King’s College.

“The other thing that we found is that, in cell cultures, this bacterium is capable of killing cancer.”

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Dr Reis Ferreira added: “This research reveals that these bacteria play a more complex role than previously known in their relationship with cancer – that they essentially melt head and neck cancer cells.

“However, this finding should be balanced by their known role in making cancers, such as those in the bowel, get worse.”

The study is detailed in the journal Cancer Communications.

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