Year: 2019
Type: review
Abstract: Ovarian cancer is an extremely lethal gynecologic disease; with the high-grade serous subtype predominantly associated with poor survival rates. Lack of early diagnostic biomarkers and prevalence of post-treatment recurrence, present substantial challenges in treating ovarian cancers. These cancers are also characterized by a high degree of heterogeneity and protracted metastasis, further complicating treatment. Within the ovarian tumor microenvironment, cancer stem-like cells and mechanical stimuli are two underappreciated key elements that play a crucial role in facilitating these outcomes. In this review article, we highlight their roles in modulating ovarian cancer metastasis. Specifically, we outline the clinical relevance of cancer stem-like cells, and challenges associated with their identification and characterization and summarize the ways in which they modulate ovarian cancer metastasis. Further, we review the mechanical cues in the ovarian tumor microenvironment, including, tension, shear, compression and matrix stiffness, that influence (cancer stem-like cells and) metastasis in ovarian cancers. Lastly, we outline the challenges associated with probing these important modulators of ovarian cancer metastasis and provide suggestions for incorporating these cues in basic biology and translational research focused on metastasis. We conclude that future studies on ovarian cancer metastasis will benefit from the careful consideration of mechanical stimuli and cancer stem cells, ultimately allowing for the development of more effective therapies.
Source: Cancers
Institutions: University of Michigan, U-M Rogel Cancer Center
Language: English
Topic: Cancer Cells and Metastasis
Subfield: Oncology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $1,824
Awards: G2008543297, IDENTIFICATION OF DISTINCTLY EXPRESSED GENES AND ALTERED METABOLIC PATHWAYS IN A PHYSIOLOGICALLY RELEVANT 3D SPHEROID MODEL OF OVARIAN CANCER, HIGH-THROUGHPUT PLATFORM FOR PATIENT-DERIVED, SMALL CELL NUMBER, THREE-DIMENSIONAL OVARIAN CANCER SPHEROIDS, University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center Support Grant 2023-2028
OpenAlex ID: W2957663828