The fallopian tube as origin of ovarian cancer: Change of diagnostic and preventive strategies

Accumulating epidemiological and molecular evidence has shown that high ‐grade serous carcinoma originates from fallopian tube secretory cells through serous tubal intraepithelial carcinoma. The changing concept of the origin of serous carcinoma has provided us a great opportunity to develop novel diagnostic and preventive approaches. AbstractOvarian cancer is the leading cause of gynecologic cancer death in the world, and its prevention and early diagnosis remain the key to its treatment, especially for high ‐grade serous carcinoma (HGSC). Accumulating epidemiological and molecular evidence has shown that HGSC originates from fallopian tube secretory cells through serous tubal intraepithelial carcinoma. Comprehensive molecular analyses and mouse studies have uncovered the key driver events for serous carcinogenesis, providing novel molecular targets. Risk‐reducing bilateral salpingo‐oophorectomy (RRSO) has been proposed to reduce the subsequent occurrence of serous carcinoma in high‐risk patients withBRCA mutations. However, there is no management strategy for isolated precursors detected at RRSO, and the role of subsequent surgery or chemotherapy in preventing serous carcinoma remains unclear. Surgical menopause due to RRSO provides a variety of problems related to patients ’ quality of life, and the risks and benefits of hormone replacement are under investigation, especially for women without a previous history of breast cancer. An additional surgical option, ...
Source: Cancer Medicine - Category: Cancer & Oncology Authors: Tags: REVIEW Source Type: research