Nanoparticles and the Vaginal Microbiota: Diagnostic and Therapeutic Innovations in Human Papilloma Virus‑associated Cervical Cancer – A Systematic Review

Abstract

Cervical cancer (CC) remains a significant global health challenge, with the interplay between microbiome and cancer progression becoming increasingly evident. A comprehensive literature search was conducted across multiple databases, including Embase, NCBI, Google Scholar, Elsevier, Science Direct and PubMed, utilising the specific keywords such as ‘cervical cancer’, ‘cervical microbiome’, ‘vaginal microbiome’, ‘Human papillomavirus’, ‘nanoparticles’, ‘drug delivery’ and ‘dysbiosis’. Studies published over the past 15 years were reviewed. A total of 400 articles were identified and 65 research articles were finally included. This systematic approach identified relevant studies, enabling an in-depth analysis of microbial species, such as Parabacteroides, Escherichia, Shigella, Gardnerella and Fusobacterium which are recognised as the potential biomarkers for CC diagnosis and progression. Dysbiosis is characterised by a reduction in helpful bacteria and a proliferation of harmful ones. It is linked to chronic inflammation and human papillomavirus infection, both of which facilitate the CC progression. Advanced nanotechnology presents innovative therapeutic options for CC treatment, enhancing drug delivery systems and targeting tumour cells more effectively. Moreover, incorporating nanocarriers into treatment regimens aims to improve the bioavailability and efficacy of existing therapies, potentially transforming the clinical approaches to CC management. This review highlights the dual role of the microbiome as both a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker and elucidates the potential of nanotechnology in optimising treatment strategies, advocating for further research on microbial interactions in cancer pathology.