PT  - JOURNAL ARTICLE
AU  - Faden, Asmaa A.
TI  - The potential role of microbes in oncogenesis with particular emphasis on oral cancer
AID  - 10.15537/smj.2016.6.14048
DP  - 2016 Jun 01
TA  - Saudi Medical Journal
PG  - 607--612
VI  - 37
IP  - 6
4099  - http://smj.org.sa/content/37/6/607.short
4100  - http://smj.org.sa/content/37/6/607.full
SO  - Saudi Med J2016 Jun 01; 37
AB  - For over a century, non-virus microorganisms, notably bacteria have been implicated as causal agents of cancers, a relatively small number of researchers have provided evidence to support the so-called “cancer germ” hypothesis. With the exception of the link between Helicobacter pylori and stomach cancer, other supposed links have been ignored. A wide range of bacteria and other non-virus microbes, including fungi, have been implicated over the years in oncogenesis, as well as the ability to induce inflammation, which may cause cancer. It seems that there is no single “cancer germ,” as most bacteria can apparently induce cancer. Here, the role of bacteria and other non-virus microorganisms and oral cancers will be discussed. By ignoring bacteria as a causal agent of cancer, we set back our understanding of this crucially important disease and, as a result, have hindered the development of potential cures.