Gut microbiome associations with breast cancer risk factors and tumor characteristics: a pilot study Original paper
Researched by:
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Divine Aleru
ID
Divine Aleru
Read MoreI am a biochemist with a deep curiosity for the human microbiome and how it shapes human health, and I enjoy making microbiome science more accessible through research and writing. With 2 years experience in microbiome research, I have curated microbiome studies, analyzed microbial signatures, and now focus on interventions as a Microbiome Signatures and Interventions Research Coordinator.
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Women’s Health
Women’s Health
Women’s health, a vital aspect of medical science, encompasses various conditions unique to women’s physiological makeup. Historically, women were often excluded from clinical research, leading to a gap in understanding the intricacies of women’s health needs. However, recent advancements have highlighted the significant role that the microbiome plays in these conditions, offering new insights and potential therapies. MicrobiomeSignatures.com is at the forefront of exploring the microbiome signature of each of these conditions to unravel the etiology of these diseases and develop targeted microbiome therapies.
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Breast Cancer
Breast Cancer
Traditionally linked to genetic predispositions and environmental exposures, emerging evidence highlights the microbiome as a critical and underappreciated factor influencing breast cancer progression, immune response, and treatment outcomes.
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Divine Aleru
Read More
Researched by:
-
Divine Aleru
ID
Divine Aleru
Read More
Microbiome Signatures identifies and validates condition-specific microbiome shifts and interventions to accelerate clinical translation. Our multidisciplinary team supports clinicians, researchers, and innovators in turning microbiome science into actionable medicine.
Divine Aleru
What was studied?
This study explored the relationship between the gut microbiome and breast cancer risk factors and tumor characteristics, focusing on the diversity of gut microbiota in relation to estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) status, as well as other factors such as age at menarche, body mass index (BMI), and total body fat (TBF). The authors used 16S ribosomal RNA sequencing to analyze fecal samples from women diagnosed with incident breast cancer, aiming to discern microbial differences across these parameters.
Who was studied?
The study was conducted with 37 women diagnosed with incident invasive breast cancer. Most participants were Hispanic (73%), and the majority (75%) had overweight or obesity, with a mean age of 50.6 years. These women were either premenopausal (54%) or postmenopausal (46%), and their breast cancer diagnosis varied in terms of stage (I/II or III), grade (I/II or III), and hormone receptor status (ER+/PR+ or ER−/PR−). The study considered various risk factors, including BMI, TBF, parity, and physical activity levels.
Most important findings
The study found no significant differences in gut microbiome diversity by ER or PR status, tumor grade, or stage. However, women with HER2+ breast cancer had lower alpha diversity compared to those with HER2− tumors. Additionally, a higher abundance of Bacteroidetes and a lower abundance of Firmicutes were noted in HER2+ compared to HER2− patients. Women with earlier age at menarche (≤ 11 years) also exhibited lower diversity and an altered composition, with a significant decrease in Firmicutes abundance. Interestingly, women with higher TBF (> 46%) had significantly lower diversity than those with lower TBF (≤ 46%).
Key implications
The findings suggest that the gut microbiome is associated with key breast cancer risk factors such as HER2 status, age at menarche, and body composition. A lower microbial diversity, particularly among HER2+ patients and those with early menarche, may indicate an altered microbiome that could influence breast cancer progression or susceptibility. These associations warrant further investigation with larger sample sizes and longitudinal studies to confirm the microbiome’s role in breast cancer subtypes and prognosis.
Breast Cancer
Traditionally linked to genetic predispositions and environmental exposures, emerging evidence highlights the microbiome as a critical and underappreciated factor influencing breast cancer progression, immune response, and treatment outcomes.
Estrogen Receptors (ER)
Estrogen receptors (ERs) are specialized proteins that respond to the hormone estrogen, playing a critical role in regulating biological processes such as reproduction, cellular growth, and differentiation.