Identification of consensus head and neck cancer-associated microbiota signatures: a meta-analysis of 16S rRNA and The Cancer Microbiome Atlas datasets

Objective Multiple reports have attempted to describe the tumour microbiota in head and neck cancer. However, these have failed to produce a consistent microbiota signature which may undermine understanding the importance of bacterial-mediated effects in head and neck cancer. The aim of this study is to consolidate these datasets and identify a consensus microbiota signature in head and neck cancer. Methods We analysed 11 published head and neck cancer 16S ribosomal RNA microbial datasets collected from cancer, cancer-adjacent and non-cancer tissue to generate a consensus microbiota signature. These signatures were then validated using The Cancer Microbiome Atlas database. Results We identified unique bacteria enrichment within tissue types and correlated it with possible functional and clinical outcomes. Conclusions Our meta-analysis demonstrates a consensus microbiota signature for head and neck cancer, highlighting its potential importance in this disease. Highlights ### Competing Interest Statement The authors have declared no competing interest. ### Funding Statement This study did not receive any funding ### Author Declarations I confirm all relevant ethical guidelines have been followed, and any necessary IRB and/or ethics committee approvals have been obtained. Yes The details of the IRB/oversight body that provided approval or exemption for the research described are given below: The study used published 16S rRNA dataset and WGS datasets located in NCBI SRA and dbgap I confirm that all necessary patient/participant consent has been obtained and the appropriate institutional forms have been archived, and that any patient/participant/sample identifiers included were not known to anyone (e.g., hospital staff, patients or participants themselves) outside the research group so cannot be used to identify individuals. Yes I understand that all clinical trials and any other prospective interventional studies must be registered with an ICMJE-approved registry, such as ClinicalTrials.gov. I confirm that any such study reported in the manuscript has been registered and the trial registration ID is provided (note: if posting a prospective study registered retrospectively, please provide a statement in the trial ID field explaining why the study was not registered in advance). Yes I have followed all appropriate research reporting guidelines, such as any relevant EQUATOR Network research reporting checklist(s) and other pertinent material, if applicable. Yes The data used to support the findings of this study are included within the article and within supplementary material.