The discovery of new bacteria creates new doors for prostate cancer research

Researchers at the University of East Anglia (UEA) have discovered the genetic blueprints of 18 new bacterial species in prostate cancer patient genomic data, most originating from the mouth including new types of Porphyromonas and Treponema. Published in npj Biofilms and Microbiomes on 20 October 2026, the work from the Pan Prostate Cancer Group opens substantial new research territory across the emerging oral-prostate axis and prostate cancer microbiome category.

The UEA team recovered 249 near-complete bacterial genomes from 194 prostate cancer patients using metagenomic assembly on sequencing data normally discarded as “noise” during human DNA analysis. The approach screened 2,176 Pan Prostate Cancer Group (PPCG) sequencing datasets at no additional cost. Of the recovered genomes, 24 did not match any species on record, with 16 given formal provisional names including Candidatus Porphyromonas leptis, Candidatus Treponema oralis and Candidatus Nanosyncoccus prostatocharitus. The PPCG draws whole genome sequencing data from more than 2,000 prostate cancers across nine countries.

Senior author Prof Daniel Brewer positioned the findings around the emerging “oral-prostate axis”, building on 2022 UEA research showing men carrying anaerobic oral bacteria were more than twice as likely to see cancer progression, and 2024 research linking Porphyromonas gingivalis to benign prostate enlargement via inflammatory mechanisms. The findings sharpen commercial positioning across the prostate cancer therapeutic landscape dominated by Astellas (Xtandi), Bayer (Nubeqa), J&J (Erleada, Zytiga), Novartis (Pluvicto) and AstraZeneca (Lynparza), while opening adjacent biomarker opportunity across preventive oral care manufacturers Colgate-Palmolive, Procter & Gamble (Oral-B) and GlaxoSmithKline (Sensodyne).

The commercial signal is an emerging oral-prostate axis research category where oral microbiome bacteria are increasingly linked to prostate cancer progression and benign prostate enlargement, opening substantial biomarker and therapeutic development opportunity. Antimicrobial repositioning offers novel strategic territory. Expect Astellas, Bayer, J&J, Novartis, AstraZeneca and preventive oral care specialists to monitor microbiome prostate cancer research through 2027 and 2028.

For the latest updates and in-depth insights into the world of Life Science, including breakthrough treatments, industry trends, and regulatory news, contact Bailey Osborne today!