The microbiome and ovarian cancer: insights, implications, and therapeutic opportunities 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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Ovarian Cancer
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.
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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 studied?
This review explores the role of the microbiome in ovarian cancer, with a focus on how microbial communities in the female reproductive and gastrointestinal tracts contribute to carcinogenesis and affect treatment responses. The paper investigates the mechanisms through which the microbiome influences ovarian cancer development, including immune modulation, DNA repair, inflammatory pathways, and estrogen metabolism. The authors also discuss how dysbiosis, an imbalance in microbial populations, can impact chemotherapy efficacy and contribute to cancer progression. Potential strategies to modulate the microbiome to improve treatment outcomes, such as diet, probiotics, and fecal microbiota transplantation, are also considered.
Who was studied?
The review incorporates data from both pre-clinical animal models and human studies involving ovarian cancer patients. It includes observational studies that track microbiome composition in ovarian cancer patients, particularly those with different stages and histological subtypes of cancer. The review also explores microbiome alterations in patients undergoing chemotherapy and other cancer treatments. Studies on animal models, particularly in mice, are used to illustrate how microbiome modulation impacts cancer progression and therapeutic efficacy.
Most important findings
The review identifies a clear link between microbial dysbiosis and ovarian cancer progression. One significant finding is that specific microbial populations in the female reproductive tract, such as the absence of Lactobacillus species, are associated with a higher risk of ovarian cancer. In contrast, the presence of certain bacteria like Akkermansia muciniphila and Bifidobacterium is linked to anti-tumor activity and improved treatment outcomes. The study highlights that microbial signatures in the gut microbiome, such as changes in Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes, may also influence ovarian cancer development. Additionally, the review suggests that the microbiome’s impact on cancer treatment can lead to changes in treatment efficacy and toxicity. Antibiotic use, which disrupts the gut microbiome, can reduce chemotherapy effectiveness, while supplementation with probiotics may help restore microbial balance and improve treatment outcomes.
Key implications
Understanding the microbiome’s role in ovarian cancer offers new avenues for improving diagnosis, prevention, and treatment strategies. The potential for microbiome-based biomarkers in early detection is highlighted, particularly in distinguishing between benign and malignant ovarian masses. Furthermore, therapeutic strategies that modulate the microbiome, such as probiotics, dietary changes, and fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT), could be explored to enhance the efficacy of chemotherapy and immunotherapy in ovarian cancer patients. Given the complexity of the microbiome and its influence on various cancer pathways, further research is necessary to identify specific microbial targets that could lead to personalized cancer therapies.
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.
Estrogen
Estrogen is a steroid hormone primarily found in women, crucial for reproductive health, secondary sexual characteristics, and various physiological processes. It regulates menstrual cycles, supports pregnancy, and influences bone density and cardiovascular health. Dysregulation of estrogen levels can lead to various disorders and health complications.
Probiotics
Probiotics are live microorganisms that offer significant health benefits when administered in adequate amounts. They primarily work by modulating the gut microbiome, supporting a balanced microbial ecosystem. Probiotics have been shown to improve gut health, modulate immune responses, and even influence metabolic and mental health disorders. With growing evidence supporting their therapeutic potential, probiotics are increasingly recognized for their role in treating conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), antibiotic-associated diarrhea (AAD), and even mental health conditions like depression and anxiety through their impact on the gut-brain axis.
Fecal Microbiota Transplantation (FMT)
Fecal Microbiota Transplantation (FMT) involves transferring fecal bacteria from a healthy donor to a patient to restore microbiome balance.