Andrea Facciabene, PhD
University of Pennsylvania
Tumor development influences gut flora – possible implication in early detection
Early detection of ovarian cancer represents the best hope for mortality reduction and long-term disease control. Dr. Facciabene’s preliminary data indicate that developing ovarian cancer induces change in the microorganisms found in the gut, also known as the gut microbiome. Previously, controlled studies have demonstrated the existence of skin and saliva microbiome signatures in breast and pancreatic cancer, respectively. Dr. Facciabene hypothesizes that using a combination of next-generation sequencing (NGS) and metagenomics analysis, a sensitive and specific screening test for ovarian cancer can be developed through the analysis of the gut microbiome.