Ovarian Cancer and Drug Resistance

Abstract Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) is the most difficult cancer to cure in gynecological malignancy. Over 70 % of patients respond to chemotherapy initially, but the majority will relapse. Despite the emergence of a variety of cytotoxic anti-cancer agents and targeted therapy such as bevacizumab, control over the progression of EOC remains inadequate. Chemoresistance limits the survival of advanced cancer patients receiving chemotherapy. Many drugs have been developed so far; however, the improvement in the prognosis of ovarian cancer patients is insufficient. Recent evidence suggests that epigenetic change of DNA and multiple cellular pathways contribute to acquired drug resistance to chemotherapy. Identification of the molecular mechanisms associated with chemoresistance is a crucial step toward improving patient survival. A new treatment paradigm for overcoming the resistance of ovarian carcinoma is urgently needed. This review describes the recent advances in the molecular mechanisms of chemoresistance in EOC and strategies for overcoming them.
Source: Current Obstetrics and Gynecology Reports - Category: OBGYN Source Type: research