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Tang L, Bian C. Research progress in endometriosis-associated ovarian cancer. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1381244. [PMID: 38725626 PMCID: PMC11079782 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1381244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Endometriosis-associated ovarian cancer (EAOC) is a unique subtype of ovarian malignant tumor originating from endometriosis (EMS) malignant transformation, which has gradually become one of the hot topics in clinical and basic research in recent years. According to clinicopathological and epidemiological findings, precancerous lesions of ovarian clear cell carcinoma (OCCC) and ovarian endometrioid carcinoma (OEC) are considered as EMS. Given the large number of patients with endometriosis and its long time window for malignant transformation, sufficient attention should be paid to EAOC. At present, the pathogenesis of EAOC has not been clarified, no reliable biomarkers have been found in the diagnosis, and there is still a lack of basis and targets for stratified management and precise treatment in the treatment. At the same time, due to the long medical history of patients, the fast growth rate of cancer cells, and the possibility of eliminating the earliest endometriosis-associated ovarian cancer, it is difficult to find the corresponding histological evidence. As a result, few patients are finally diagnosed with EAOC, which increases the difficulty of in-depth study of EAOC. This article reviews the epidemiology, pathogenesis, risk factors, clinical diagnosis, new treatment strategies and prognosis of endometriosis-associated ovarian cancer, and prospects the future direction of basic research and clinical transformation, in order to achieve stratified management and personalized treatment of ovarian cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ce Bian
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Ministry of Education, West China Second Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
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Steinbuch SC, Lüß AM, Eltrop S, Götte M, Kiesel L. Endometriosis-Associated Ovarian Cancer: From Molecular Pathologies to Clinical Relevance. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:4306. [PMID: 38673891 PMCID: PMC11050613 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25084306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2024] [Revised: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Endometriosis is a chronic condition affecting reproductive-aged women, characterized by the growth of ectopic endometrial tissue. Despite being benign, endometriosis is associated with an increased risk of certain cancers, including endometriosis-associated ovarian cancer (EAOC). Ovarian cancer is rare, but more common in women with endometriosis, particularly endometrioid and clear-cell carcinomas. Factors such as hormonal imbalance, reproductive history, environmental exposures, and genetic predisposition contribute to the malignant transformation of endometriosis. Thus, understanding potential risk factors causing malignancy is crucial. Over the past few decades, various genetic mutations, microRNAs, as well as tumor microenvironmental factors have been identified, impacting pathways like PI3K/AKT/mTOR, DNA repair mechanisms, oxidative stress, and inflammation. Thus, this review aims to summarize molecular studies involved in EAOC pathogenesis as potential therapeutic targets. However, further research is needed to better understand the molecular and environmental factors driving EAOC development, to target the susceptibility of endometriotic lesions to malignant progression, and to identify effective therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Charlotte Steinbuch
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Münster, Albert-Schweitzer-Campus 1, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Anne-Marie Lüß
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Münster, Albert-Schweitzer-Campus 1, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Stephanie Eltrop
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Münster, Albert-Schweitzer-Campus 1, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Martin Götte
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Münster, Albert-Schweitzer-Campus 1, 48149 Münster, Germany
- Cells-in-Motion Interfaculty Centre (CiMIC), University of Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Ludwig Kiesel
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Münster, Albert-Schweitzer-Campus 1, 48149 Münster, Germany
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Chen B, Zhao L, Yang R, Xu T. New insights about endometriosis-associated ovarian cancer: pathogenesis, risk factors, prediction and diagnosis and treatment. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1329133. [PMID: 38384812 PMCID: PMC10879431 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1329133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Previous studies have shown that the risk of malignant transformation of endometriosis in premenopausal women is approximately 1%, significantly impacting the overall well-being and quality of life of affected women. Presently, the diagnostic gold standard for endometriosis-associated ovarian cancer (EAOC) continues to be invasive laparoscopy followed by histological examination. However, the application of this technique is limited due to its high cost, highlighting the importance of identifying a non-invasive diagnostic approach. Therefore, there is a critical need to explore non-invasive diagnostic methods to improve diagnostic precision and optimize clinical outcomes for patients. This review presents a comprehensive survey of the current progress in comprehending the pathogenesis of malignant transformation in endometriosis. Furthermore, it examines the most recent research discoveries concerning the diagnosis of EAOC and emphasizes potential targets for therapeutic intervention. The ultimate objective is to improve prevention, early detection, precise diagnosis, and treatment approaches, thereby optimizing the clinical outcomes for patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Tianmin Xu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
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Radzynski L, Boyer L, Kossai M, Mouraire A, Montoriol PF. Pictorial essay: MRI evaluation of endometriosis-associated neoplasms. Insights Imaging 2023; 14:144. [PMID: 37673827 PMCID: PMC10482819 DOI: 10.1186/s13244-023-01485-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 07/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Endometriosis is a frequent pathology mostly affecting women of young age. When typical aspects are present, the diagnosis can easily be made at imaging, especially at MRI. Transformation of benign endometriosis to endometriosis-associated neoplasms is rare. The physiopathology is complex and remains controversial. Endometrioid carcinoma and clear cell carcinoma are the main histological subtypes. Our goal was to review the main imaging characteristics that should point to an ovarian or extra-ovarian endometriosis-related tumor, especially at MRI, as it may be relevant prior to surgical management.Key points• Transformation of benign endometriosis to endometriosis-associated neoplasms is rare.• MRI is useful when displaying endometriosis lesions associated to an ovarian tumor.• Subtraction imaging should be used in the evaluation of complex endometriomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louise Radzynski
- Department of Radiology, University Hospital of Clermont-Ferrand, Clermont-Ferrand, France.
| | - Louis Boyer
- Department of Radiology, University Hospital of Clermont-Ferrand, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Myriam Kossai
- Department of Pathology, Cancer Center of Clermont-Ferrand, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Anne Mouraire
- Department of Pathology, Cancer Center of Clermont-Ferrand, Clermont-Ferrand, France
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Younis JS, Izhaki I. At what age endometriosis-associated ovarian cancer is diagnosed? The implications for women in the reproductive age. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1193123. [PMID: 37287920 PMCID: PMC10242000 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1193123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Johnny S. Younis
- Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Baruch-Padeh Medical Center, Poriya, Israel
- Azrieili Faculty of Medicine, Bar-Ilan University, Safed, Israel
| | - Ido Izhaki
- Department of Evolutionary and Environmental Biology, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
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Younis JS. Endometriosis-Associated Ovarian Cancer: What Are the Implications for Women with Intact Endometrioma Planning for a Future Pregnancy? A Reproductive Clinical Outlook. Biomolecules 2022; 12:1721. [PMID: 36421735 PMCID: PMC9688199 DOI: 10.3390/biom12111721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Revised: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 08/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Endometriosis is a chronic, universal, and prevalent disease estimated to affect up to 1:10 women of reproductive age. Endometriosis-associated ovarian cancer (EAOC) developing at reproductive age is challenging and of concern for women and practitioners alike. This outlook review focuses on the occurrence of EAOC, especially in infertile women or those planning for a future pregnancy, from the perspective of a reproductive endocrinologist, based on recent evidence. Contemporary pathogenesis, genetic profiles, evidence of causality, clinical diagnosis, prognosis, and up-to-date management are discussed. EAOC seems to be merely associated with endometrioma and includes clear-cell and endometrioid ovarian carcinoma. Although endometrioma is frequently found in women of reproductive age (up to 1:18 of women), EAOC appears to be a rare occurrence. These women are of more advanced reproductive age, nulliparous, and hyperestrogenic, with a large-sized unilateral endometrioma (>9 cm) containing solid components and papillary projections. Each case suspected to have EAOC has specific characteristics, and a multidisciplinary discussion and appropriate patient counseling should be conducted to reach an optimal therapeutic plan. Since most of these cases are diagnosed at an early stage with a favorable prognosis, fertility-sparing surgery may be feasible. The pros and cons of fertility preservation techniques should be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johnny S. Younis
- Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Baruch-Padeh Medical Center, Poriya 15208, Israel; ; Tel.: +972-505286981; Fax: +972-46737478
- Azrieli Faculty of Medicine in Galilee, Bar-Ilan University, Safed 1311502, Israel
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Nougaret S, Vargas HA, Sala E. BJR female genitourinary oncology special feature: introductory editorial. Br J Radiol 2021; 94:20219003. [PMID: 34415200 DOI: 10.1259/bjr.20219003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Nougaret
- Department of Radiology, Montpellier Cancer Institute, University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France.,INSERM, Montpellier Cancer Research Institute, U1194, University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | | | - Evis Sala
- Department of Radiology, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Hills Road, Cambridge, UK.,Department of Radiology and Cancer Research UK Cambridge Centre, University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine, Hills Road, Cambridge, UK
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