Association between oral pathogens and prostate cancer: building the relationship

Background: Chronic inflammation and infections are associated with increased risk of prostate cancer development. There is considerable evidence that proves the interrelationship between bacterial/viral infections and carcinogenesis. Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease triggered by gram-negative anaerobic bacteria. In this narrative review, we investigate the relationship between periodontal disease and prostate cancer by reviewing previous studies of the association and possible mechanisms that may explain this link. Methods: A comprehensive search for articles published was performed using the key words, “periodontal disease”, “prostate disease”, “prostate cancer”, “prostatic inflammation”. Thorough reviews of each study were conducted and assessed for eligibility, and data was summarized. Results: The role of inflammatory responses in the prostate as drivers of malignancy appears to be predisposed by periodontal pathogens and/or periodontitis inflammatory mediators. Conclusion: Periodontal diseases might be associated with prostate cancer. However, the mechanism(s) explaining this relationship remains unclear and requires further elucidation