Ovarian Cancer—Epidemiology, Classification, Pathogenesis, Treatment, and Estrogen Receptors’ Molecular Backgrounds Original paper
Researched by:
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Divine Aleru
ID
Divine Aleru
Read MoreI 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
Ovarian cancer is one of the most lethal cancers affecting women worldwide. Known for its "silent" progression, this disease often goes undetected until it reaches advanced stages, making early diagnosis crucial for improving survival outcomes. With a variety of subtypes, ovarian cancer presents unique challenges in both treatment and prevention. Recent advancements in research are shining a light on the importance of the microbiome, particularly how microbial imbalances in the gut and vaginal microbiota can influence cancer progression. Repurposed drugs such as metformin and innovative interventions like probiotics, microbiota transplantation, and intratumoral microbiota therapies offer promising new avenues for improving ovarian cancer treatment.
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Divine Aleru
Read More
Researched by:
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Divine Aleru
ID
Divine Aleru
Read More
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 explores the epidemiology, classification, pathogenesis, treatment, and molecular background of estrogen receptors in ovarian cancer. It provides a comprehensive analysis of the various factors that contribute to the development and progression of ovarian cancer, with a specific focus on genetic factors such as mutations in BRCA1 and BRCA2, and the role of estrogen receptors in tumor growth and hormone-dependent carcinogenesis.
Who was reviewed?
The review does not focus on individual studies or specific patient populations but instead compiles data from a wide range of epidemiological and clinical research. It synthesizes information on ovarian cancer risk factors, the molecular biology of the disease, and therapeutic interventions from various scientific and clinical sources, offering insights into treatment approaches and ongoing research.
Most important findings
A key finding of the review is the growing understanding of the genetic and molecular underpinnings of ovarian cancer. Mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes significantly increase the risk of developing ovarian cancer, with BRCA1 mutation carriers facing a 44% risk, while BRCA2 mutation carriers have a 17% risk. The review highlights the role of estrogen in ovarian cancer, noting that 60% of cases exhibit significantly elevated levels of estrogen receptor alpha (ERα). The review emphasizes the impact of estrogen receptors on ovarian cancer progression, with the imbalance between ERα and estrogen receptor beta (ERβ) playing a crucial role in carcinogenesis. Additionally, polymorphisms in the ESR1 gene, which encodes ERα, may affect estrogen receptor activity and influence both the development of ovarian cancer and the response to hormone therapies.
Key implications
The review’s findings have substantial clinical implications, particularly in the areas of genetic testing, early detection, and treatment strategies for ovarian cancer. The identification of BRCA1/2 mutations can guide personalized treatment with PARP inhibitors, which have proven effective for hereditary ovarian cancers. The understanding of estrogen receptor signaling, especially the role of ERα and ERβ, opens avenues for targeted therapies that could modulate estrogen activity to slow down cancer progression. Furthermore, the exploration of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the ESR1 gene provides new opportunities for predicting treatment outcomes and tailoring therapies based on individual genetic profiles. Despite advancements, the review stresses that there is still no effective screening method for early-stage ovarian cancer, highlighting the need for continued research into biomarkers and non-invasive detection methods.
Estrogen Receptors (ER)
Estrogen receptors (ERs) are specialized proteins that respond to the hormone estrogen, playing a critical role in regulating biological processes such as reproduction, cellular growth, and differentiation.
Ovarian Cancer
Ovarian cancer is one of the most lethal cancers affecting women worldwide. Known for its "silent" progression, this disease often goes undetected until it reaches advanced stages, making early diagnosis crucial for improving survival outcomes. With a variety of subtypes, ovarian cancer presents unique challenges in both treatment and prevention. Recent advancements in research are shining a light on the importance of the microbiome, particularly how microbial imbalances in the gut and vaginal microbiota can influence cancer progression. Repurposed drugs such as metformin and innovative interventions like probiotics, microbiota transplantation, and intratumoral microbiota therapies offer promising new avenues for improving ovarian cancer treatment.