NEWS
Oral microbes linked to increased risk of pancreatic cancer
Twenty-seven species of bacteria and fungi among the hundreds that live in people’s mouths have been collectively tied to a 3.5 times greater risk of developing pancreatic cancer, a study led by NYU Langone Health and its Perlmutter Cancer Center shows.
It was recently discovered that bacteria can travel through swallowed saliva into the pancreas. However, precisely which species may contribute to the condition had until now remained unclear. A new study, recently published online by JAMA Oncology assessed the genetic makeup of microbes collected from the saliva of 122,000 healthy men and women. It is the first to show that oral fungi – namely a type of yeast called Candida that naturally lives on the skin and throughout the body – may play a role in pancreatic cancer. The researchers also identified these oral Candida species in patients’ pancreatic tumours.
The findings identified 24 species of bacteria and fungi that individually either raised or lowered pancreatic cancer risk. Another three kinds of bacteria tied to the cancer were already known to contribute to periodontal disease, a serious gum infection that can eat away at the jawbone and the soft tissues surrounding teeth. Altogether, the entire group of
microbes boosted participants’ chances of developing the cancer by more than threefold. In addition, by assessing the makeup of each participant’s oral microbiome, the scientists for the first time developed a tool that could estimate their cancer risk. The research team next plans to explore whether oral viruses could contribute to cancer and how the mouth’s microbiome may affect patients’ chances of survival. n Meng Y, Wu F, Kwak S, et al. Oral Bacterial and Fungal Microbiome and Subsequent Risk for Pancreatic Cancer. JAMA Oncol. Published online September 18, 2025. doi:10.1001/jamaoncol.2025.3377
Chief Ethics Officer joins Genomics England
Genomics England has announced the appointment of Dr Natalie Banner as its Chief Ethics and Engagement Officer.
Natalie joined Genomics England in 2022 as Director of Ethics, bringing a decade of experience in navigating ethical, regulatory and governance challenges in the use of genomic and health data, and data- driven technologies. She previously led Understanding Patient Data at the Wellcome Trust, where she pioneered accessible communications and community engagement strategies to foster public trust in health data initiatives. She is also a member of the National Data Guardian’s Panel.
In her new role, Natalie will be
responsible for embedding ethics and equitable approaches across Genomics England’s programmes and ways of working. This reflects the central importance
of ethics, equity and public engagement to Genomics England’s work – ensuring the organisation remains a trustworthy steward of participants’ data and so that as genomics becomes part of everyday healthcare, it does so in step with public views and the benefits are felt equitably. Natalie holds a PhD in the philosophy of psychiatry and has published on decision-
making capacity in clinical settings. She lives in North London with her wife and two rescue cats. “We are delighted to welcome Natalie into her new role,” commented Dr Rich Scott, Chief Executive Officer, Genomics England. “This appointment reflects the central importance of ethics, equity and engagement in our strategy as we ensure that – as genomics enters the mainstream of healthcare – its adoption is shaped by public views and public trust in the use of genomic data is strong.”
BHR Biosynex announces UK distribution deals
Diagnostics firm BHR Biosynex has announced two exclusive distribution deals for new analyser platforms in the UK.
The first is with Hunan Ehome
Health Technology for the EHBT-50 Minilab Multi-Functional Analyser, an all-in-one diagnostic platform that brings together haematology, immunology, biochemistry, urine and faecal testing in a single compact device. For healthcare professionals, the
EHBT-50 enables faster, more efficient and cost-effective workflows across hospitals, laboratories, GP practices and community settings. For patients, it translates into quicker access to accurate results, earlier diagnosis, timely treatment decisions and smoother care pathways – helping to improve both outcomes and overall healthcare system efficiency. BHR Biosynex is pleased to confirm that the EHBT-50 will launch in the UK with a fully validated NHS Hospital Protocol Template to support clinical adoption.
10
The second agreement is with Hangzhou AllTest Biotech for the AFR-900 Fluorescence Immunoassay Analyser (pictured), which combines laboratory-level accuracy with true portability, making it an ideal solution for a wide range of care environments, from GP surgeries and community clinics to hospitals and ambulance services. Weighing less than 1.5 kg and equipped with a built-in battery, the analyser can be easily deployed wherever rapid, reliable results are needed. The system’s broad menu of tests covers key clinical areas including cardiac markers, inflammation, endocrinology, infectious diseases, and women’s health.
OCTOBER 2025
WWW.PATHOLOGYINPRACTICE.COM
Freepik / Drazen Zigic
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56
