Potential tools for predicting response to chemotherapy in OC: Assessment of immune dysbiosis, participant's self-rated health and microbial dynamics

Taylor Badger ¹, Elizabeth Anderson ¹, Sarah Nelson ¹

¹Department of Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Cell Biology, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, 801 N. Rutledge St, Springfield, IL 62702, United States.
²Center for Clinical Research, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, 201 E. Madison St, Springfield, IL 62702, United States; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, 415 N. 9th St, Springfield, IL 62702, United States.
³Center for Clinical Research, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, 201 E. Madison St, Springfield, IL 62702, United States; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, 415 N. 9th St, Springfield, IL 62702, United States; Simmons Cancer Institute, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, 315 W. Carpenter St, Springfield, IL 62702, United States.
⁴Center for Clinical Research, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, 201 E. Madison St, Springfield, IL 62702, United States.
⁵Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, 415 N. 9th St, Springfield, IL 62702, United States; Simmons Cancer Institute, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, 315 W. Carpenter St, Springfield, IL 62702, United States.
⁶Department of Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Cell Biology, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, 801 N. Rutledge St, Springfield, IL 62702, United States; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, 415 N. 9th St, Springfield, IL 62702, United States; Simmons Cancer Institute, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, 315 W. Carpenter St, Springfield, IL 62702, United States.

⁰Department of Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Cell Biology, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, 801 N. Rutledge St, Springfield, IL 62702, United States.

Journal of Reproductive Immunology +

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March 16, 2024

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

Elevated inflammation may predict longer disease-free intervals in ovarian cancer (OC) patients. Immune and microbial profiles show potential for predicting chemotherapy response and OC recurrence.

Area Of Science

Gynecologic Oncology
Immunology
Microbiome Research

Background

Epithelial ovarian cancer (OC) is a leading cause of cancer death in women, with poor survival linked to chemotherapy resistance.
Peripheral inflammation and peritoneal microbial features have been previously associated with OC.
Understanding immune and microbial factors may improve prediction of disease recurrence and treatment response.

Purpose Of The Study

To investigate if peripheral immune profiles and peritoneal microbial features predict disease-free interval (time to recurrence) and chemotherapy response in OC.
To explore self-rated health (SRH) as a potential screening tool in relation to peripheral inflammation.
To correlate immune status, microbial features, and clinical outcomes in OC patients.

Main Methods

Blood and peritoneal fluid samples were collected from OC patients and benign adnexal mass (BPM) controls.
Immune cell populations (lymphocytes) were analyzed via Fluorescence Activated Cell Sorting.
Serum cytokines, peritoneal microbial features (Next Generation Sequencing), and SRH were assessed.

Main Results

A positive correlation was observed between elevated inflammatory status and longer disease-free intervals in OC patients.
No significant correlation was found between SRH and immune status.
Peritoneal microbial features correlated with chemotherapy response, suggesting immune dysbiosis may predict OC recurrence.

Conclusions

Immune dysbiosis may serve as a predictive marker for ovarian cancer recurrence.
Immune profiles show promise for predicting platinum-based chemotherapy responsiveness in OC.
Further research is warranted to leverage immune findings for improved OC management.

Keywords:

Chemotherapy Immunity Microbiome Ovarian cancer Prediction

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