Human ovarian cancer of the surface epithelium

doi:10.1016/S0006-2952(97)00061-0

Biochemical Pharmacology

Volume 54, Issue 5, 1 September 1997, Pages 541-544

https://doi.org/10.1016/S0006-2952(97)00061-0 Get rights and content

Abstract

Epidemiologic studies have shown that the risk of cancer in the ovarian surface epithelium is decreased by factors that suppress ovulation, whereas uninterrupted ovulation has been associated with increased risk. This suggests that ovulation may play a critical role in ovarian carcinogenesis. More recently, molecular studies have demonstrated alterations in specific oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes in ovarian cancers. Overexpression of the HER-2/neu oncogene occurs in approximately 30% of ovarian cancers and correlates with poor survival. Although mutation of the K-ras oncogene has been found in some mucinous ovarian cancers, mutations in this gene appear to be more common in borderline ovarian tumors. Amplification of c-myc occurs in approximately 30% of ovarian cancers and is more frequently seen in serous cancers. Mutation of the p53 tumor suppressor gene, with resultant overexpression of mutant p53 protein, occurs in 50% of stage III/IV and 15% of stage 1/11 ovarian cancers. Most p53 mutations in ovarian cancers are transitions, which suggests that they arise spontaneously rather than due to exogenous carcinogens. In contrast to the acquired genetic alterations described above that are a feature of sporadic ovarian cancers, 5–10% of ovarian cancers probably arise due to inherited genetic defects. Recently, the BRCA1 tumor suppressor gene has been identified and shown to be responsible for most cases of hereditary ovarian cancer. Further studies are needed to augment our understanding of the molecular pathogenesis of ovarian cancer.

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CommentaryHuman ovarian cancer of the surface epithelium

Abstract

Am J Obstet Gynecol

Am J Obstet Gynecol

Am J Obstet Gynecol

Gynecol Oncol

Am J Obstet Gynecol

Cancer Lett

Biochim Biophys Acta

Gynecol Oncol

Characteristics relating to ovarian cancer risk. Collaborative analysis of twelve US case-control studies. II. Invasive epithelial ovarian cancers in white women

Am J Epidemiol

Ovarian tumors of the hen

Environ Health Perspect

The expression of EGF receptors, EGF-like factors and c-myc in ovarian and cervical carcinomas and their potential clinical significance

Anticancer Res

Studies of HER-2/neu proto-oncogene in human breast and ovarian cancer

Science

Overexpression of HER-2/neu is associated with poor survival in advanced epithelial ovarian cancer

Cancer Res

K-ras activation in neoplasms of the human female reproductive tract

Cancer Res

Somatic activation of rasK gene in a human ovarian carcinoma

Science

Evidence against ras activation in human ovarian carcinomas

Mol Biol Med

Commentary
Human ovarian cancer of the surface epithelium

Somatic activation of ras^K gene in a human ovarian carcinoma