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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] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [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.
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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.)
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Gong S, Quan Q, Meng Y, Wu J, Yang S, Hu J, Mu X. The value of serum HE4 and CA125 levels for monitoring the recurrence and risk stratification of endometrial endometrioid carcinoma. Heliyon 2023; 9:e18016. [PMID: 37519747 PMCID: PMC10373916 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e18016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2023] [Revised: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023] Open
Abstract
To evaluate the role of serum human epididymis secretory protein 4 (HE4) and carbohydrate antigen 125 (CA125) levels for predicting and monitoring the recurrence of endometrial endometrioid carcinoma (EEC) and assessing preoperative risk stratification in EEC patients. A total of 434 EEC patients were selected for this retrospective study between May 2011 and August 2018. Serum HE4 and CA125 levels were analyzed before the initial treatment, at the first postoperative follow-up, and at recurrence or the last follow-up. Patients were risk stratified according to the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO), European Society for Radiotherapy & Oncology (ESTRO) and European Society of Gynaecological Oncology (ESGO) guideline. We compared the ability of these biomarkers for prediction and monitoring by performing receiver operating characteristic curve analysis and identified optimal cut-off values by determining the Youden index. Kaplan-Meier analyses were also performed to determine prognostic value. Preoperative serum HE4 was identified as a significant predictor for the recurrence of EEC (p = 0.014). Preoperative serum HE4 and CA125 levels were related to depth of myometrial invasion, lymph node status and FIGO stage. Serum HE4 and CA125 levels were both statistically significant markers for monitoring the recurrence of EEC (P = 0.000 for each biomarker). When combined, the two markers showed higher levels of sensitivity and specificity. The two biomarkers were also significant biomarkers for evaluating the risk stratification of patients undergoing lymphadenectomy (P = 0.000 for each biomarker). For premenopausal stage I patients, preoperative serum HE4 and CA125 levels were significant predictors of the need for ovarian preservation (P = 0.000 and P = 0.002, respectively). For premenopausal patients with stage I intramucosal differentiation, preoperative serum levels of HE4 were significant predictors for fertility preservation (P = 0.024). Preoperative serum HE4 level can be used to predict the recurrence of EEC. Postoperative serum HE4 and CA125 levels can be used to monitor the recurrence of EEC and are more sensitive when combined. Preoperative serum levels of CA125 and HE4 levels are of significant value for risk stratification in EEC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sainan Gong
- Department of Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, 400016 Chongqing, PR China
| | - Quan Quan
- Department of Gynecology, The First People's Hospital of Chongqing Liangjiang New Area, 401121 Chongqing, PR China
| | - Yu Meng
- Department of Physical Examination Center, University Town Hospital Affiliated to Chongqing Medical University, 400042 Chongqing, PR China
| | - Jingxian Wu
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, 400016 Chongqing, PR China
| | - Shuang Yang
- Department of Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, 400016 Chongqing, PR China
| | - Jiaming Hu
- Department of Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, 400016 Chongqing, PR China
| | - Xiaoling Mu
- Department of Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, 400016 Chongqing, PR China
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Kobayashi H. Clinicopathological characteristics, molecular features and novel diagnostic strategies for the detection of malignant transformation of endometriosis (Review). Exp Ther Med 2023; 25:279. [PMID: 37206546 PMCID: PMC10189589 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2023.11978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Endometriosis is a benign gynecological disease that affects women of reproductive age. Although malignant transformation of endometriosis is rare, physicians must be aware of this due to the high incidence of clear cell carcinoma of the ovary (CCC) in Japan. The most prevalent histological subtype of ovarian cancer is CCC (~70%) followed by endometrioid carcinoma (30%). The present review discusses the clinicopathological and molecular features of endometriosis-associated ovarian cancer (EAOC) as well as prospects for novel diagnostic strategies. Papers published between 2000 and 2022 in the PubMed and Google Scholar databases were included. Contents of the endometriotic cyst fluid may be involved in carcinogenesis, although the underlying mechanisms are largely unknown. Some studies have proposed a possible mechanism wherein excessive hemoglobin, heme and iron could cause an imbalance in intracellular redox homeostasis in endometriotic cells. Combined with DNA damage and mutations, the imbalances may induce the development of EAOC. Endometriotic cells evolve to adapt to the prolonged unfavorable oxidative microenvironmental stress. On the other hand, macrophages enhance the antioxidative defense mechanism and protect endometriotic cells against oxidative damage through intercellular crosstalk and signaling pathways. Therefore, changes in redox signaling, energy metabolism and the tumor immune microenvironment could be the key elements in the malignant transformation of certain endometriotic cell clones. Additionally, non-invasive bioimaging (i.e., magnetic resonance relaxometry) and biomarkers (i.e., tissue factor pathway inhibitor 2) may be promising tools for early-stage detection of the disease. In conclusion, the present review summarizes the latest advancements in research on the biological characteristics and early diagnosis of malignant transformation of endometriosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroshi Kobayashi
- Department of Gynecology, Ms.Clinic MayOne, Kashihara, Nara 634-0813, Japan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nara Medical University, Kashihara, Nara 634-8522, Japan
- Correspondence to: Dr Hiroshi Kobayashi, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nara Medical University, 840 Shijo-cho, Kashihara, Nara 634-8522, Japan
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Punzón-Jiménez P, Lago V, Domingo S, Simón C, Mas A. Molecular Management of High-Grade Serous Ovarian Carcinoma. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:13777. [PMID: 36430255 PMCID: PMC9692799 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232213777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2022] [Revised: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
High-grade serous ovarian carcinoma (HGSOC) represents the most common form of epithelial ovarian carcinoma. The absence of specific symptoms leads to late-stage diagnosis, making HGSOC one of the gynecological cancers with the worst prognosis. The cellular origin of HGSOC and the role of reproductive hormones, genetic traits (such as alterations in P53 and DNA-repair mechanisms), chromosomal instability, or dysregulation of crucial signaling pathways have been considered when evaluating prognosis and response to therapy in HGSOC patients. However, the detection of HGSOC is still based on traditional methods such as carbohydrate antigen 125 (CA125) detection and ultrasound, and the combined use of these methods has yet to support significant reductions in overall mortality rates. The current paradigm for HGSOC management has moved towards early diagnosis via the non-invasive detection of molecular markers through liquid biopsies. This review presents an integrated view of the relevant cellular and molecular aspects involved in the etiopathogenesis of HGSOC and brings together studies that consider new horizons for the possible early detection of this gynecological cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula Punzón-Jiménez
- Carlos Simon Foundation, INCLIVA Health Research Institute, 46010 Valencia, Spain
| | - Victor Lago
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, La Fe University and Polytechnic Hospital, 46026 Valencia, Spain
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, CEU Cardenal Herrera University, 46115 Valencia, Spain
| | - Santiago Domingo
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, La Fe University and Polytechnic Hospital, 46026 Valencia, Spain
- Department of Pediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Universidad de Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain
| | - Carlos Simón
- Carlos Simon Foundation, INCLIVA Health Research Institute, 46010 Valencia, Spain
- Department of Pediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Universidad de Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain
- Department of Pediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02215, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Aymara Mas
- Carlos Simon Foundation, INCLIVA Health Research Institute, 46010 Valencia, Spain
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Bast RC, Lu Z, Han CY, Lu KH, Anderson KS, Drescher CW, Skates SJ. Biomarkers and Strategies for Early Detection of Ovarian Cancer. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2020; 29:2504-2512. [PMID: 33051337 PMCID: PMC7710577 DOI: 10.1158/1055-9965.epi-20-1057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2020] [Revised: 08/29/2020] [Accepted: 10/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Early detection of ovarian cancer remains an important unmet medical need. Effective screening could reduce mortality by 10%-30%. Used individually, neither serum CA125 nor transvaginal sonography (TVS) is sufficiently sensitive or specific. Two-stage strategies have proven more effective, where a significant rise above a woman's baseline CA125 prompts TVS and an abnormal sonogram prompts surgery. Two major screening trials have documented that this strategy has adequate specificity, but sensitivity for early-stage (I-II) disease must improve to have a greater impact on mortality. To improve the first stage, different panels of protein biomarkers have detected cases missed by CA125. Autoantibodies against TP53 have detected 20% of early-stage ovarian cancers 8 months before elevation of CA125 and 22 months before clinical diagnosis. Panels of autoantibodies and antigen-autoantibody complexes are being evaluated with the goal of detecting >90% of early-stage ovarian cancers, alone or in combination with CA125, while maintaining 98% specificity in control subjects. Other biomarkers, including micro-RNAs, ctDNA, methylated DNA, and combinations of ctDNA alterations, are being tested to provide an optimal first-stage test. New technologies are also being developed with greater sensitivity than TVS to image small volumes of tumor.See all articles in this CEBP Focus section, "NCI Early Detection Research Network: Making Cancer Detection Possible."
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert C Bast
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas.
| | - Zhen Lu
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Chae Young Han
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Karen H Lu
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology and Reproductive Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | | | - Charles W Drescher
- Translational Research Program, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington
| | - Steven J Skates
- Biostatistics Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
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