Endometriosis-associated ovarian cancer: What have we learned so far?

Marta Herreros‐Villanueva, Herreros-Villanueva M, M Herreros-Villanueva, Chen CC, Chih-Chieh Chen, Eing‐Mei Tsai, Eing-Mei Tsai, Tsai EM, Tze-Kiong Er, Tze‐Kiong Er
Clinica chimica acta; international journal of clinical chemistry · 2019 · vol. 493 , pp. 63–72 · doi:10.1016/j.cca.2019.02.016 · PMID:30776361 · W2912964289
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This review consolidates current knowledge on the association between endometriosis and ovarian cancer, examining epidemiological links, biological mechanisms, and potential therapeutic strategies.

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Abstract

Endometriosis is defined as the presence of ectopic endometrial tissue outside of the uterine cavity, most commonly in the ovaries and peritoneum. It is a complex disease that is influenced by multiple factors. It is also a common gynecological disorder and affects approximately 10-15% of all women of reproductive age. Recent molecular and pathological studies indicate that endometriosis may serve as a precursor of ovarian cancer (endometriosis-associated ovarian cancer, EAOC), particularly endometrioid and clear cell ovarian cancers. Although histological and epidemiological studies have demonstrated that endometriosis has a malignant potential, the molecular mechanism that underlies the malignant transformation of endometriosis is still controversial, and the precise mechanism of carcinogenesis must be fully elucidated. Currently, the development and improvement of a new sequencing technology, next-generation sequencing (NGS), has been increasingly relevant in cancer genomics research. Recently, NGS has also been utilized in clinical oncology to advance the personalized treatment of cancer. In addition, the sensitivity, speed, and cost make NGS a highly attractive platform compared to other sequencing modalities. For this reason, NGS may lead to the identification of driver mutations and underlying pathways associated with EAOC. Here, we present an overview of the molecular pathways that have led to the current opinions on the relationship between endometriosis and ovarian cancer.

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Condition tags

endometriosis

MeSH descriptors

Endometriosis Ovarian Neoplasms Endometriosis Female Humans Ovarian Neoplasms

Citation neighborhood

Papers in the corpus that this work cites (lower rings, blue) and that cite this one (upper rings, green). Dot size scales with the paper's in-corpus citation count — bigger dot = more influential within the endo/adeno field. Click a dot to open that paper. [ expand to 2 hops ] — adds papers reached through this work's immediate citers/citees. Heavier; up to 60 extra dots.

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Cited by (39)

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License: CC0 · commercial use OK