Association between endometriosis and risk of histological subtypes of ovarian cancer: a pooled analysis of case–control studies
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Karen Pendergrass
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Karen Pendergrass
Karen Pendergrass is a microbiome researcher specializing in microbiome-targeted interventions (MBTIs). She systematically analyzes scientific literature to identify microbial patterns, develop hypotheses, and validate interventions. As the founder of the Microbiome Signatures Database, she bridges microbiome research with clinical practice. In 2012, based on her own investigative research, she became the first documented case of FMT for Celiac Disease—four years before the first published case study.
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Karen Pendergrass
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Karen Pendergrass
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Women’s Health
Women’s Health
Women’s health, a vital aspect of medical science, encompasses various conditions unique to women’s physiological makeup. Historically, women were often excluded from clinical research, leading to a gap in understanding the intricacies of women’s health needs. However, recent advancements have highlighted the significant role that the microbiome plays in these conditions, offering new insights and potential therapies. MicrobiomeSignatures.com is at the forefront of exploring the microbiome signature of each of these conditions to unravel the etiology of these diseases and develop targeted microbiome therapies.
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Endometriosis
Endometriosis
Endometriosis involves ectopic endometrial tissue causing pain and infertility. Validated and Promising Interventions include Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT), Low Nickel Diet, and Metronidazole therapy.
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Karen Pendergrass
Researched by:
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Karen Pendergrass
ID
Karen Pendergrass
Fact-checked by:
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Karen Pendergrass
ID
Karen Pendergrass
Microbiome Signatures identifies and validates condition-specific microbiome shifts and interventions to accelerate clinical translation. Our multidisciplinary team supports clinicians, researchers, and innovators in turning microbiome science into actionable medicine.
Karen Pendergrass
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016%2FS1470-2045(11)70404-1
What Was Studied?
This study examined the association between endometriosis and the risk of specific histological subtypes of ovarian cancer. It involved a pooled analysis of 13 Ovarian Cancer Association Consortium case-control studies. The research aimed to clarify whether the increased risk associated with endometriosis extended to all invasive histological subtypes of ovarian cancer or was limited to specific subtypes.
Who Was Studied?
The study analyzed data from 13,226 controls and 9,818 women with ovarian cancer (7,911 with invasive and 1,907 with borderline ovarian cancer). Among these, 738 women with invasive cancer and 168 with borderline cancer reported a history of endometriosis. The data collection spanned multiple international sites and included self-reported histories of endometriosis.
What Were the Most Important Findings?
The study found that a history of endometriosis significantly increased the risk for three specific subtypes of invasive ovarian cancer: clear-cell, low-grade serous, and endometrioid cancers. The odds ratios for these associations were 3.05, 2.11, and 2.04, respectively. In contrast, no significant association was observed with high-grade serous or mucinous subtypes, nor with borderline ovarian cancers. The findings suggest that endometriosis acts as a precursor lesion for clear-cell and endometrioid ovarian cancers, with molecular similarities supporting this hypothesis. Notably, the association with low-grade serous cancer requires further study, as this subtype showed distinct molecular characteristics, such as a higher likelihood of KRAS or BRAF mutations compared to TP53 mutations in high-grade serous cancers.
What Are the Greatest Implications of This Study?
This study underscores the need for clinicians to recognize the increased risk of specific ovarian cancer subtypes in women with endometriosis. Understanding the mechanisms behind the malignant transformation of endometriosis could enable the identification of high-risk individuals for tailored surveillance or preventive strategies, such as risk-reducing surgery. The study also highlights the importance of considering histological subtypes in ovarian cancer research, reflecting its heterogeneous nature and the need for subtype-specific prevention, screening, and treatment approaches.
Endometriosis
Endometriosis involves ectopic endometrial tissue causing pain and infertility. Validated and Promising Interventions include Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT), Low Nickel Diet, and Metronidazole therapy.