Progress in ovarian cancer research: Proceedings of the 5th Biennial Ovarian Cancer Research Symposium

The role of regulatory T cells in ovarian cancer

Regulatory T cells (T(reg)), also termed suppressor T cells, control self-reactive T cells in the periphery, thereby conferring protection against immunologic self-destruction. While T(reg) are essential for the prevention of autoimmunity, they also inhibit immune responses against tumor antigens. This is corroborated by an increased mortality rate associated with the presence of a high number of intratumoral T(reg). Tumor infiltration by non-T(reg), on the other hand, is predictive for a substantially longer patient survival. These clinical data suggest that ovarian cancer patients can spontaneously mount effective antitumor immune responses that are undermined by T(reg)-mediated tolerization. The present article reviews clinical and experimental findings on T(reg) in ovarian cancer, with special regard to potential therapeutic implications, which may result from the existing evidence.

Testing for ovarian cancer

Ovarian cancer is responsible for more deaths per annum than cervical and endometrial cancer combined. Patients are often diagnosed at a late stage because of the non-specific symptoms of this disease. It can be difficult to differentiate between benign and malignant ovarian pathology, and a malignancy risk index has been developed to guide clinicians. The accuracy of CA125 and ultrasound scans as screening tests is being assessed in randomised controlled trials and proteomic technology shows promise for the early detection of cancers. At present, without accurate screening and early diagnostic techniques, high-risk patients often chose to have prophylactic surgery.