title: The vaginal and gastrointestinal microbiomes in gynecologic cancers: a review of applications in etiology, symptoms and treatment.
abstract: The human microbiome is the collection of microorganisms in the body that exist in a mutualistic relationship with the host. Recent studies indicate that perturbations in the microbiome may be implicated in a number of diseases, including cancer. More specifically, changes in the gut and vaginal microbiomes may be associated with a variety of gynecologic cancers, including cervical cancer, uterine cancer, and ovarian cancer. Current research and gaps in knowledge regarding the association between the gut and vaginal microbiomes and the development, progression, and treatment of gynecologic cancers are reviewed here. In addition, the potential use of probiotics to manage symptoms of these gynecologic cancers is discussed. A better understanding of how the microbiome composition is altered at these sites and its interaction with the host may aid in prevention, optimization of current therapies, development of new therapeutic agents and/or dosing regimens, and possibly limit the side effects associated with cancer treatment.
authors.affiliation: Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Arizona Cancer Center, Creighton School of Medicine at St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center, Phoenix, AZ 85013, USA.
authors.forename: Dana
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Chase
authors.affiliation: Department of Basic Medical Sciences, The University of Arizona College of Medicine - Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ 85004, USA.
authors.forename: Alison
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Goulder
authors.affiliation: Department of Basic Medical Sciences, The University of Arizona College of Medicine - Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ 85004, USA.
authors.forename: Frederic
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Zenhausern
authors.affiliation: Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Arizona Cancer Center, Creighton School of Medicine at St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center, Phoenix, AZ 85013, USA.
authors.forename: Bradley
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Monk
authors.affiliation: Department of Basic Medical Sciences, The University of Arizona College of Medicine - Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ 85004, USA. Electronic address: mherbst1@email.arizona.edu.
authors.forename: Melissa
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Herbst-Kralovetz
mesh_terms: D005260:Female; D041981:Gastrointestinal Tract / Q000382:microbiology*; D005833:Genital Neoplasms, Female / Q000382:microbiology*; D006801:Humans; D064307:Microbiota; D014621:Vagina / Q000382:microbiology*
keywords: Bacterial therapeutics; Commensal microbiota; Dysbiosis; Epithelial barrier function; Probiotics; Quality of life; Radiation and chemotherapy