Saliva bacteria may help detect deadly esophageal cancer

Researchers at Wits University and Columbia University identified distinct bacterial patterns in the saliva of patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. A model combining bacterial DNA sequencing and machine learning distinguished cancer patients from controls better than clinical and demographic data alone. The approach still needs validation in independent populations and would not replace endoscopy.

• Saliva microbiome model outperformed clinical data alone
• Fusobacterium nucleatum was more abundant in ESCC patients
• Mean patient age is 50, with 18% under 40
• The test still requires validation in independent populations