Increasing evidence suggests a significant association between periodontal disease and the occurrence of various cancers. The carcinogenic potential of several periodontal pathogens has been substantiated in vitro and in vivo. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the diverse mechanisms employed by different periodontal pathogens in the development of cancer. These mechanisms induce chronic inflammation, inhibit the host's immune system, activate cell invasion and proliferation, possess anti-apoptotic activity, and produce carcinogenic substances. Elucidating these mechanisms might provide new insights for developing novel approaches for tumor prevention, therapeutic purposes, and survival improvement.
Keywords: cancer; carcinogenesis; cell invasion; cell proliferation; immune response; inflammation; periodontal pathogens.
© 2024 The Author(s). Periodontology 2000 published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.