Cellular and molecular processes in ovarian cancer metastasis. A Review in the Theme: Cell and Molecular Processes in Cancer Metastasis Original paper
Researched by:
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Divine Aleru
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Divine Aleru
I am a biochemist with a deep curiosity for the human microbiome and how it shapes human health, and I enjoy making microbiome science more accessible through research and writing. With 2 years experience in microbiome research, I have curated microbiome studies, analyzed microbial signatures, and now focus on interventions as a Microbiome Signatures and Interventions Research Coordinator.
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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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Ovarian Cancer
Ovarian Cancer
OverviewOvarian cancer (OC) remains one of the most deadly cancers affecting women, with an estimated 314,000 new cases diagnosed worldwide annually, making it the eighth most commonly diagnosed cancer. It also accounts for over 207,000 deaths each year, reflecting its high lethality. The disease is often diagnosed at advanced stages (stage III and IV) due […]
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Divine Aleru
Researched by:
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Divine Aleru
ID
Divine Aleru
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.
Divine Aleru
What was reviewed?
This review examined the cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in the metastasis of ovarian cancer. The article focused on the role of various cellular interactions, particularly those between ovarian cancer cells and the tumor microenvironment, which includes stromal cells, endothelial cells, cancer-associated macrophages, and cancer-associated adipocytes (CAAs). It also discussed the two major routes of ovarian cancer metastasis: passive dissemination and hematogenous metastasis, shedding light on the biological pathways and cellular behaviors that facilitate these processes.
Who was reviewed?
This review focused on the cellular and molecular processes involved in ovarian cancer metastasis. It specifically examined the interactions between ovarian cancer cells and various stromal components within the tumor microenvironment, including cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), endothelial cells, macrophages, and adipocytes. The review did not study individual patients or groups of people but instead analyzed the broader mechanisms that underlie metastasis in ovarian cancer as reported in multiple research findings.
What were the most important findings?
The review highlighted key findings related to ovarian cancer metastasis. It emphasized the role of stromal cells, including cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), endothelial cells, and macrophages, in facilitating tumor spread. These cells interact with cancer cells, contributing to tumor growth, angiogenesis, and immune modulation. The authors also discussed the two mechanisms of metastasis: passive dissemination through peritoneal fluid and hematogenous spread via circulating tumor cells. The omentum was identified as a primary site for ovarian cancer metastasis due to its unique stromal environment, which favors the colonization of cancer cells. Additionally, the review highlighted the importance of angiogenesis in metastasis, particularly through the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) pathway, which is upregulated in ovarian cancer cells. The role of adipocytes in the tumor microenvironment, especially in providing lipids for cancer cell growth, was also discussed, with metformin being identified as a potential therapeutic agent to target adipocyte-cancer cell interactions.
What are the greatest implications of this review?
The findings of this review have significant clinical implications, especially in developing therapeutic strategies for ovarian cancer. The detailed understanding of stromal cell involvement in cancer metastasis underscores the need for therapies targeting both cancer cells and their supportive microenvironment. Current treatments mainly focus on cancer cells, but the review suggests that targeting stromal components could enhance treatment effectiveness. Moreover, identifying stromal-specific metastasis-promoting factors and the signaling pathways involved, such as those triggered by VEGF and FGFs, offers new avenues for therapeutic intervention. The review also calls for further research on stromal reprogramming as a potential therapeutic strategy, advocating for more targeted approaches rather than broad stromal depletion, which may unintentionally promote metastasis. Overall, the review provides a roadmap for future research focused on improving survival rates in ovarian cancer patients by targeting metastasis through stromal cell interactions.