Cancers of the oesophagus and stomach: Additional insight from the oral cavity: Mini review

Periodontitis as a chronic infection that affects between 10 and 15 percent of the world's population. It is characterized by the loss of connective tissue attachment and alveolar bone. Periodontitis and the resulting systemic inflammation are associated with numerous systemic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, rheumatoid, arthritis, respiratory diseases, impairment of cognitive function. The exact mechanism of the association between periodontitis and UGI cancers is not known, but may include direct bacterial ingestion, chronic inflammation, and immune modulation. Considering that about 15% of tumors are the result of chronic inflammation, it is necessary to examine in detail the relationship between chronic periodontal disease and UGI cancer. Specifically, keystone periodontal pathogens, including Porphyromonas gingivalis and Treponema denticola may react with the molecular hallmarks of gastrointestinal cancers, triggering mutations, and generate a permissive immune microenvironment by impairing anti-tumor checkpoints.