Cancers, Vol. 11, Pages 1008: The Role of Cancer Stem Cells and Mechanical Forces in Ovarian Cancer Metastasis

Cancers, Vol. 11, Pages 1008: The Role of Cancer Stem Cells and Mechanical Forces in Ovarian Cancer Metastasis Cancers doi: 10.3390/cancers11071008 Authors: Bregenzer Horst Mehta Novak Repetto Mehta Ovarian cancer is an extremely lethal gynecologic disease; with the high-grade serous subtype predominantly associated with poor survival rates. Lack of early diagnostic biomarkers and prevalence of post-treatment recurrence, present substantial challenges in treating ovarian cancers. These cancers are also characterized by a high degree of heterogeneity and protracted metastasis, further complicating treatment. Within the ovarian tumor microenvironment, cancer stem-like cells and mechanical stimuli are two underappreciated key elements that play a crucial role in facilitating these outcomes. In this review article, we highlight their roles in modulating ovarian cancer metastasis. Specifically, we outline the clinical relevance of cancer stem-like cells, and challenges associated with their identification and characterization and summarize the ways in which they modulate ovarian cancer metastasis. Further, we review the mechanical cues in the ovarian tumor microenvironment, including, tension, shear, compression and matrix stiffness, that influence (cancer stem-like cells and) metastasis in ovarian cancers. Lastly, we outline the challenges associated with probing these important modulators of ovarian cancer metastasis and provide suggestions for incorporat...
Source: Cancers - Category: Cancer & Oncology Authors: Tags: Review Source Type: research