Mayo scientists develop home swab test for endometrial and ovarian cancer
Early diagnosis helps improve treatment outcomes for endometrial and ovarian cancer, but women are often diagnosed in advanced stages of these diseases. Unlike many other types of cancer, there are no standard tests for early detection of endometrial and ovarian cancer. The incidence rate of endometrial cancer is expected to increase, driven by environmental factors such as obesity and diabetes.
The doctorate Marina Walther-Antonio and colleagues at Mayo Clinic’s Center for Personalized Medicine are on a mission to detect these tumors early.
The research delves into the microbiota, a community of trillions of microorganisms – including bacteria, fungi and viruses – that influence health and disease. Through their research, the team has discovered specific microbial signatures linked to endometrial and ovarian cancers and is working to develop innovative at-home tests for women to assess their susceptibility.
“Microbiota screening for early diagnosis can improve patient outcomes,” says Walther-Antonio, a researcher in the departments of Surgery, Obstetrics and Gynecology, and the Mayo Clinic Comprehensive Cancer Center.
The team discovered a set of 17 bacterial microbes associated with the presence of endometrial cancer, with a “lightning rod” in the group: Porphyromonas somerae.
To validate this association, they drew parallels between Porphyromonas somerae and its closest relative, known to be linked to mouth cancer. The team hypothesized that Porphyromonas somerae may play a similarly invasive role in endometrial cancer. After prolonged testing, they confirmed the ability of this microbe to invade endometrial cells and alter their function, especially when exposed to estrogen, a common risk factor for endometrial cancer.
In their research into ovarian cancer, the team discovered a distribution of microbes in the reproductive tracts of women with the disease. They also discovered changes in the composition of the microbiota that correlated with patient treatment outcomes. These findings may provide a research tool into the applicability of these markers to detect and predict patient response to treatment.
According to the World Cancer Research Fund International, endometrial cancer is ranked as the sixth most common cancer among women worldwide, with 417,367 new cases and 97,370 deaths reported in 2020. Ovarian cancer remains the eighth most common cancer most common, recording 313,959 new cases and 207,252 deaths in the same year.
Mayo scientists are also collaborating with officials at the Waitemata District Health Board in the Pacific Islands and with Māori populations in New Zealand, who have one of the highest incidences of endometrial cancer globally. Factors such as high rates of obesity, a known risk factor, likely contribute, but high incidence rates among younger women remain unanswered.
In the United States, there is a long-term initiative aimed at black women, particularly those who are postmenopausal.
“Black women do not have a higher incidence rate of endometrial cancer, but they do have a higher rate of mortality and morbidity. This is influenced by several factors, including limited access to health care. Symptoms often they go unrecognized or are misattributed to other conditions common among black women, such as fibroids,” explains Walther-Antonio.
Through the long-term study, Mayo scientists hope to enroll participants who can contribute biannual samples for three years, including vaginal swab samples and environmental samples to identify possible risk factors.
Ultimately, Walther-Antonio and his team hope to use these microbiota signatures to predict and intervene in the development of cancer before it occurs.
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Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
