Discovery at UVA Cancer Center could lead to better ovarian cancer treatment

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (WVIR) - A recent discovery at UVA’s Cancer Center could lead to new treatments for patients dealing with ovarian cancer.

The research found when a tumor forms in the ovaries bacteria from the patient’s gut leaks into the tumor.

This causes the patient’s immune system to change making it unreceptive to certain ovarian cancer treatments.

“If we take away the ability of the body to recognize those bacteria, we actually can illicit profound effects of the immune therapy,“ UVA Associate Professor Doctor Melanie Rutkowski said.

The tests were done on animals, and according to Dr. Rutkowski, 80% of them were cured.

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