The Role of the Cervicovaginal Microbiome on the Genesis and as a Biomarker of Premalignant Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia and Invasive Cervical Cancer

Int J Mol Sci. 2019 Dec 28;21(1):222. doi: 10.3390/ijms21010222.

Abstract

The microbiome is able to modulate immune responses, alter the physiology of the human organism, and increase the risk of viral infections and development of diseases such as cancer. In this review, we address changes in the cervical microbiota as potential biomarkers to identify the risk of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) development and invasive cervical cancer in the context of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. Current approaches for clinical diagnostics and the manipulation of microbiota with the use of probiotics and through microbiota transplantation are also discussed.

Keywords: cervical intraepithelial neoplasia; cervical lesion; cervical microbiota; invasive cervical cancer.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Biomarkers, Tumor / analysis
  • Female
  • Genitalia, Female / microbiology
  • Humans
  • Microbiota*
  • Uterine Cervical Dysplasia / diagnosis
  • Uterine Cervical Dysplasia / etiology
  • Uterine Cervical Dysplasia / microbiology*
  • Uterine Cervical Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Uterine Cervical Neoplasms / etiology
  • Uterine Cervical Neoplasms / microbiology*

Substances

  • Biomarkers, Tumor