Microbiome in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Role of Human Microbiome in Head and Neck Cancer

This study aims to determine whether dysbiosis actively contributes to HNSCC and if so, the underlying molecular mechanisms.

HNSCCis a lethal cancer with a 5-year survival rate below 50%. Although smoking, alcohol intake, and human papillomavirus (HPV) infection are linked to HNSCC, only a small proportion of individuals exposed to these factors develop cancer and not all cases progress. Thus, additional environmental or host factors must contribute to HNSCC. The Study Team and others have observed significant oral dysbiosis in human HNSCC cases, both before and after treatment. This study aims to determine whether dysbiosis actively contributes to HNSCC and if so, the underlying molecular mechanisms.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Subjects equal to or above the age of 18.
2. Patients who are seen and evaluated by a provider within the adult Otolaryngology clinic at the University of Colorado Health.
3. Patients that present with a diagnosis of OSCC.
4. An equal number of age-matched patients who are visiting the clinic for reasons other than OSCC diagnoses, as the control group.
5. Ability to understand and willingness to sign a written informed consent document

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Subjects under the age of 18 or over the age of 100
2. Subjects unwilling to particiapte