Metagenomic Analysis of the Microbiome of the Upper Reproductive Tract Focuses on Prediction, Prevention, and Personalized Medicine to Combat Ovarian Cancer

Abstract Purpose To explore whether there are particular genital microbiota compositions in the reproductive tract in ovarian cancer patients and analyze their potential impact on the preventive, precisive, and personalized treatment. Methods The samples of cotton swabs from the cervical, uterine cavity, fallopian tubes, and ovaries were collected in the operation of the malignant/benign lesion patients, and subjected to metagenomic shotgun sequencing analysis. The distribution characteristics of the microbiota in the reproductive tract of different patients was analyzed with the consideration of associated clinical data. Results Bacteria accounted for the highest proportion in each sample, with a median of 99%. The microbiota of the upper female reproductive tract are mainly from the cervical, charactering in low bacterial biomass and high bacterial diversity. Ovarian cancer had a distinct microbiota signature. The tubal ligation affects its microbial distribution. There were no different species on the surface of ovarian tissue between platinum-sensitive and platinum-resistant patients. Conclusion The identification of the distinct microbiota may benefit in the prediction as well as prevention of different types of ovarian cancer. Moreover, it may dedicate to strengthen the therapeutic effect of adjuvant treatment of cancer. These findings may provide new strategies for prevention, diagnosis, and therapeutic effects to enhance health outcomes for women with ovary cancer.