The microbiome and gynecologic cancer: Cellular mechanisms and clinical applications. Original paper
Researched by:
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Divine Aleru
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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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Divine Aleru
Read More
Researched by:
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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 reviewed?
This review focuses on the significant role of the microbiome in gynecologic cancers, highlighting cellular mechanisms and clinical applications. The authors explore how microbial dysbiosis in the gastrointestinal and female reproductive tracts contributes to the development and progression of gynecologic cancers. Additionally, the review discusses how the microbiome impacts cancer therapies such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and radiation, with potential strategies for microbiome modulation in cancer treatment and prevention.
Who was studied?
The review synthesizes findings from various studies involving patients with gynecologic cancers such as cervical, uterine, ovarian, and vulvar cancers. It also includes data from animal models to understand how microbial communities in the reproductive and gastrointestinal tracts affect cancer biology. Additionally, clinical studies exploring microbiome changes during cancer treatments are discussed.
Most important findings
The review underscores that microbiome dysbiosis is a key factor in the carcinogenesis of gynecologic cancers. For example, a shift from a Lactobacillus-dominant vaginal microbiota to non-Lactobacillus species is associated with an increased risk of HPV persistence and cervical cancer. Similarly, alterations in the gut microbiome are linked to endometrial cancer and ovarian cancer, with specific microbial signatures influencing estrogen metabolism and inflammation. Furthermore, the microbiome has a role in modulating treatment outcomes. Studies indicate that the gut microbiome can influence the efficacy of chemotherapy and immunotherapy. Disruptions caused by antibiotics or chemotherapy lead to reduced treatment responses, while probiotic supplementation can enhance therapeutic efficacy.
Key implications
The findings emphasize the potential of microbiome modulation as a novel therapeutic strategy for gynecologic cancers. By understanding the microbial signatures associated with cancer progression, clinicians could use the microbiome for early detection, prognostication, and personalized treatment approaches. Modifying the microbiome with probiotics, prebiotics, or fecal microbiota transplantation may improve the efficacy of cancer therapies, especially in cases of treatment resistance. However, further research is needed to identify the most beneficial microbial species and the mechanisms through which they influence cancer pathogenesis and treatment.
Ovarian Cancer
Ovarian cancer is one of the most lethal cancers affecting women worldwide. Known for its "silent" progression, this disease often goes undetected until it reaches advanced stages, making early diagnosis crucial for improving survival outcomes. With a variety of subtypes, ovarian cancer presents unique challenges in both treatment and prevention. Recent advancements in research are shining a light on the importance of the microbiome, particularly how microbial imbalances in the gut and vaginal microbiota can influence cancer progression. Repurposed drugs such as metformin and innovative interventions like probiotics, microbiota transplantation, and intratumoral microbiota therapies offer promising new avenues for improving ovarian cancer treatment.