Vaginal microbiota in patients with gynecological cancer

Abstract

Objective:To evaluate the alteration of the vaginal microbiota in patients with gynecological cancer, assessed in the gynecologic oncology consultation of the La Trinidad Teaching Medical Center and La Floresta Medical Institute between January 2024 and June 2024Methods: Observational, prospective, case-control study. It will include 30 patients with a current or relapsed diagnosis of gynecological cancer, 30 patients with a diagnosis of gynecological cancer free of disease and 30 healthy patients. Vaginal secretion culture was taken and changes in the microbiota were evaluated.Results:Risk factors for the alteration of the vaginal microbiota, overweight or obesity 54.2% of patients with altered microbiota. 72.9% of patients who had an inadequate diet presented alterations in the microbiota. Using hormonal contraceptives, 14.6% of patients who consumed ACO presented altered vaginal microbiota, smoking habits, 58.3% of patients with altered microbiota. 42 patients with normal microbiota, are in the treated group and 59.5% are free of disease. While 48 patients with altered vaginal microbiota, are in the group with current cancer 58.3%. Healthy patients presented an equal distribution of both normal and altered microbiota. When evaluating the cultures, it was found that in patients with current gynecological cancer there is a low frequency of Lactobacillus. The distribution of patients according to their vaginal microbiota and the type of treatment applied, it was observed that 91.7% of patients who did not receive treatment presented altered microbiota. Conclusion:Patients with current cancer have a predominance of cases of altered vaginal microbiota. Disease-free and healthy patients have a predominance of normal microbiota.