|
1
|
Centini G, Schettini G, Pieri E, Giorgi M, Lazzeri L, Martire FG, Mancini V, Raimondo D, Seracchioli R, Habib N, Fedele F, Zupi E. Endometriosis-Related Ovarian Cancer: Where Are We Now? A Narrative Review towards a Pragmatic Approach. J Clin Med 2024; 13:1933. [PMID: 38610698 PMCID: PMC11012952 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13071933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2024] [Revised: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Endometriosis affects more than 10% of reproductive-aged women, causing pelvic pain and infertility. Despite the benign nature of endometriosis, ovarian endometriomas carry a higher risk of developing endometrioid carcinomas (EnOCs) and clear cell ovarian carcinomas (CCCs). Atypical endometriosis, defined as cytological atypia resembling intraepithelial cancer, is considered the precursor of endometriosis-associated ovarian cancer (EAOC). This narrative review aims to provide an overview of EAOC, proposing a practical approach to clinical and therapeutic decision making. METHODS An electronic literature search was conducted from inception up to January 2023, using the MEDLINE database via PubMed to evaluate the existing literature on EAOC, including its pathogenesis, the diagnostic process, and the therapeutic possibilities, with articles not relevant to the topic or lacking scientific merit being excluded. RESULTS Eighty-one articles were included in the review to present the current state of the art regarding EAOC. A pragmatic clinical flowchart is proposed to guide therapeutic decisions and improve patient outcomes. CONCLUSIONS Endometriosis patients may have an increased risk of developing EAOC (either EnOC or CCC). Despite not being fully accepted, the concept of AE may reshape the endometriosis-ovarian cancer relationship. Further research is needed to understand the unaddressed issues.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gabriele Centini
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecological Clinic, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; (G.C.); (G.S.); (E.P.); (L.L.); (F.G.M.)
| | - Giorgia Schettini
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecological Clinic, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; (G.C.); (G.S.); (E.P.); (L.L.); (F.G.M.)
| | - Emilio Pieri
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecological Clinic, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; (G.C.); (G.S.); (E.P.); (L.L.); (F.G.M.)
| | - Matteo Giorgi
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Gynecological Unit, Valdarno Hospital, 52025 Montevarchi, Italy
| | - Lucia Lazzeri
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecological Clinic, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; (G.C.); (G.S.); (E.P.); (L.L.); (F.G.M.)
| | - Francesco Giuseppe Martire
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecological Clinic, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; (G.C.); (G.S.); (E.P.); (L.L.); (F.G.M.)
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Gynecological Unit, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Virginia Mancini
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Section of Pathology, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy;
| | - Diego Raimondo
- Division of Gynecology and Human Reproduction Physiopathology, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (D.R.); (R.S.)
| | - Renato Seracchioli
- Division of Gynecology and Human Reproduction Physiopathology, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (D.R.); (R.S.)
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Nassir Habib
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Francois Quesnay Hospital, 78201 Mantes-la-Jolie, France;
| | - Francesco Fedele
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fondazione “Policlinico-Mangiagalli-Regina Elena” University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy;
| | - Errico Zupi
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecological Clinic, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; (G.C.); (G.S.); (E.P.); (L.L.); (F.G.M.)
| |
Collapse
|