Speakers - GWC2026

Abstract

Introduction: Ovarian cancer, known for its poor prognosis due to late diagnosis and limited treatment options, may be influenced by alterations in the tumor microbiome and metabolome.

Aim: To explore microbial and metabolic alterations in ovarian cancer and assess the effects of probiotic intervention on tumor progression.

Methods: We conducted 16S rRNA sequencing and metabolomic profiling on ovarian cancer and control tissues to identify microbial and metabolic alterations. Correlations with clinical parameters were analyzed, and probiotic intervention was evaluated in a mouse model to assess its impact on tumor growth and immune modulation.

Results: Our findings reveal significant microbial shifts, including increased abundance of genera like Hydrogenophaga and Leptospira, and metabolic alterations such as elevated Alpha-Ketoglutaric acid and AnchorL-Kynurenine, which correlate with tumor stage, grade, and Cancer Antigen 125 (CA125) levels, suggesting their potential as biomarkers. Additionally, probiotic treatment, which modulated the tumor microbiome, delayed tumor growth, and enhanced M1 macrophage polarization in an animal model.

Conclusion: This study provides the first evidence of probiotics’ therapeutic potential in modulating the ovarian cancer microenvironment, offering a promising approach for adjunctive treatment to improve patient outcomes.