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There is a growing level of interest in the potential role inflammation has on the initiation and progression of malignancy. Notable examples include Helicobacter pylori -mediated inflammation in gastric cancer and more recently Fusobacterium nucleatum -mediated inflammation in colorectal cancer. Fusobacterium nucleatum is a Gram-negative anaerobic bacterium that was first isolated from the oral cavity and identified as a periodontal pathogen. Biofilms on oral squamous cell carcinomas are enriched with anaerobic periodontal pathogens, including F. nucleatum, which has prompted hypotheses that this bacterium could contribute to oral cancer development. Recent studies have demonstrated that F. nucleatum can promote cancer by several mechanisms; activation of cell proliferation, promotion of cellular invasion, induction of chronic inflammation and immune evasion. This review provides an update on the association between F. nucleatum and oral carcinogenesis, and provides insights into the possible mechanisms underlying it.

Background Participating in research is widely accepted to have benefits for participants, but there is less evidence about the impact on researchers, clinical staff and organisations involved in the research delivery. Aim To explore how participation in a randomised controlled clinical trial impacts on researcher development, professional development of clinical staff, organisational capacity and delivery of clinical services. Design Longitudinal qualitative study using interviews undertaken at three timepoints across the period of a clinical trial. Participants and Setting Three groups of participants involved in a clinical trial being undertaken at nine centres across India will be invited to participate. This includes: 1) Research staff involved in the design and delivery of the clinical trial; 2) Clinical staff involved in delivering the clinical aspects of the trial; 3) Organisational representatives from the hospital senior management teams at each site. Materials and Methods Ethical approval has been granted by University of Leeds Dental Research Ethics Committee and Bharath Institute of Higher Education and Research. Interviews will be undertaken virtually using communication platforms that are commonly used across India (Microsoft Teams and Zoom). Training and technical support will be offered to anyone who is not familiar with the platforms. Participants will be asked for consent for the interviews to be audio-recorded and auto-transcribed. Experienced qualitative researchers will facilitate interviews using a topic guide. Data will be collected at three time points: at the start of the clinical trial, 18 months and 3 years after recruitment commences. Analysis will follow an inductive reflexive thematic approach.

Purpose of Review To describe the global impact of COVID-19 on oral cancer incidence and prognosis and to inform strategies for early detection and prevention. Recent Findings There is international evidence of delayed diagnosis and more advanced oral tumours presenting during the pandemic. Lockdowns were also associated with delayed surgeries and compromised treatment. School closures during the pandemic resulted in a rapid decline of human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine coverage among adolescents globally. There was a rise in risk factor uptake in the form of tobacco use and alcohol consumptions across many parts of the world to manage stress and boredom during the pandemic. The economic fallout from the pandemic is another barrier to dental access and therefore early cancer detection. Summary The full impact of the pandemic on oral cancer incidence and mortality may not be seen for some time. Strategies aimed at prevention and early detection of oral cancer should be prioritised.