Integrating microbiome insights into cervical cancer

Area of Science:

• Microbiome research
• Cervical carcinogenesis
• Oncology

Background:

• Cervical cancer remains a significant global health burden, especially where HPV vaccination and screening are limited.
• Persistent high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) infection initiates cervical cancer, but host factors determine disease progression.
• The cervicovaginal microbiome is increasingly recognized for its role in modulating epithelial health and immune responses.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current evidence linking cervicovaginal microbial composition and function to HPV persistence and cervical cancer.
• To explore the microbiome-metabolome-epigenome axis in cervical carcinogenesis.
• To discuss the clinical implications of microbiome research for cervical cancer prevention and management.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of evidence from multi-omics and translational studies.
• Analysis of associations between microbial profiles (e.g., Lactobacillus crispatus, CST IV) and cervical disease.
• Review of emerging microbiome-based biomarkers and therapeutic interventions.

Main Results:

• Lactobacillus crispatus-dominated microbiomes are associated with antiviral states and mucosal stability.
• Anaerobe-enriched microbiomes (CST IV) correlate with chronic inflammation, metabolic dysfunction, and increased lesion severity.
• A microbiome-metabolome-epigenome axis may interact with HPV oncogenes and host epigenetics in cancer development.

Conclusions:

• The cervicovaginal microbiome plays a critical role in modulating cervical cancer risk and progression.
• Microbiome-based biomarkers and targeted interventions show promise but require further validation.
• Addressing methodological challenges is crucial for translating microbiome findings into clinical practice for cervical cancer prevention.