The role of the vaginal microbiome in gynaecological cancer

Abstract

Human microbiome research has shown commensal bacteria to be a major factor in both wellness and disease pathogenesis. Interest in the microbiome has recently expanded beyond the gut to include a multitude of other organ systems for which the microbiome may have health implications. Here, we review the role of the vaginal microbiome in health and disease, with a particular focus on gynaecologic malignancies. Further, we suggest that it may be possible to expand the use of probiotics in the treatment of gynaecological cancers.

Tweetable abstract: A review of the research to date on the relation between the vaginal microbiome and gynaecological cancers.

Keywords: Cervical cancer; Lactobacillus; cervical intraepithelial neoplasia; human papillomavirus; probiotics; vaginal microbiome.