Microbiome of Saliva in Radiotherapy Treated Head and Neck Cancer Patients

摘要

Background: The microbiome of the saliva changes composition as a result of radiotherapy treatment to the head and neck region. We investigated saliva samples collected before, during and after radiotherapy treatment with the aim of identifying changes to the bacterial and fungal content. Methods: 20 patients had stimulated whole mouth saliva collection before, during and after radiotherapy treatment. DNA extraction and storage was successfully performed and targeted analyses were initiated for presence of ribosomal and eukaryotic DNA, as well as total DNA multiplex sequencing. Results: Feasibility of DNA sequencing was established and results are presently under analysis, with indications that post-treatment samples will differ in their composition. Conclusions: Saliva samples were found to be acceptable for DNA sequencing. Changes in saliva microbiome composition can be evaluated using these methods.