Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 9, 2026

08:55
Murine Model for Non-invasive Imaging to Detect and Monitor Ovarian Cancer Recurrence
Published on: November 2, 2014
Retinoids and ovarian cancer
1Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19140, USA.
Journal of Cellular Physiology
|August 15, 2000
Summary
Retinoids, vitamin A derivatives, show promise in inhibiting ovarian cancer cell growth. These compounds may offer a novel therapeutic strategy for late-stage ovarian cancer, overcoming current chemotherapy resistance.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Ovarian cancer is a leading cause of cancer death in women, with current treatments facing significant drug resistance.
- Suboptimal postoperative chemotherapy contributes to poor survival rates, necessitating alternative therapeutic strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the pathological and molecular characteristics of ovarian carcinoma.
- To explore the role of retinoids (vitamin A derivatives) as potential chemotherapeutic agents for ovarian cancer.
- To highlight retinoid-mediated inhibition of ovarian carcinoma cell growth and identify molecular targets.
Main Methods:
- Literature review summarizing existing research on ovarian cancer and retinoids.
- Analysis of studies on retinoid metabolism and action via binding proteins.
- Examination of data on retinoid effects on ovarian cancer cell growth in vitro and in vivo.
Main Results:
- Retinoids inhibit the growth of human ovarian cancer cells.
- Retinoic acid acts as a suppressor of ovarian carcinoma cell growth.
- RB family proteins, particularly RB2/p130, are identified as molecular targets for retinoid action.
- Synthetic retinoids like fenretinide and AHPN/CD437 induce apoptosis in ovarian tumor cells.
Conclusions:
- Retinoids represent a promising alternative therapeutic strategy for late-stage ovarian cancer.
- Understanding retinoid action mechanisms can lead to improved ovarian cancer treatment.
- Further research into synthetic retinoids may yield effective chemotherapeutic agents.
Related Concept Videos
Oogenesis
In human women, oogenesis produces one mature egg cell or ovum for every precursor cell that enters meiosis. This process differs in two unique ways from the equivalent procedure of spermatogenesis in males. First, meiotic divisions during oogenesis are asymmetric, meaning that a large oocyte (containing most of the cytoplasm) and minor polar body are produced as a result of meiosis I, and again following meiosis II. Since only oocytes will go on to form embryos if fertilized, this unequal...
The Retinoblastoma Gene
Tumor suppressor genes are normal genes that can slow down cell division, repair DNA mistakes, or program the cells for apoptosis in case of irreparable damage. Hence, they play an essential role in preventing the proliferation of damaged cells.
The first-ever tumor suppressor gene called Rb was identified in retinoblastoma - a rare eye tumor in children. In inherited forms of the disease, a child inherits one defective copy of the Rb gene, which predisposes them to retinoblastoma. However,...
The first-ever tumor suppressor gene called Rb was identified in retinoblastoma - a rare eye tumor in children. In inherited forms of the disease, a child inherits one defective copy of the Rb gene, which predisposes them to retinoblastoma. However,...
The Retinoblastoma Gene
Tumor suppressor genes are normal genes that can slow down cell division, repair DNA mistakes, or program the cells for apoptosis in case of irreparable damage. Hence, they play an essential role in preventing the proliferation of damaged cells.
The first-ever tumor suppressor gene called Rb was identified in retinoblastoma - a rare eye tumor in children. In inherited forms of the disease, a child inherits one defective copy of the Rb gene, which predisposes them to retinoblastoma. However,...
The first-ever tumor suppressor gene called Rb was identified in retinoblastoma - a rare eye tumor in children. In inherited forms of the disease, a child inherits one defective copy of the Rb gene, which predisposes them to retinoblastoma. However,...
Hormonal Control of the Ovarian Cycle
The ovarian cycle is meticulously regulated by the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. This cycle orchestrates the release of a mature oocyte, essential for reproduction.
Before puberty, the hypothalamus releases GnRH in a low frequency, low amplitude pulsatile manner. This along with the immature hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis activity, results in low estrogen levels and the absence of a fully functional ovarian cycle. At puberty, GnRH secretion increases in both frequency and...
Before puberty, the hypothalamus releases GnRH in a low frequency, low amplitude pulsatile manner. This along with the immature hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis activity, results in low estrogen levels and the absence of a fully functional ovarian cycle. At puberty, GnRH secretion increases in both frequency and...
Acne Infection
Acne is a multifactorial skin condition primarily affecting adolescents and young adults, with a global prevalence estimated to exceed 75% in this demographic. The condition is characterized by the formation of comedones (blackheads and whiteheads), papules, pustules, nodules, and, in severe cases, cysts, particularly in areas rich in sebaceous glands such as the face, neck, chest, and back. The pathogenesis involves increased sebum production, follicular hyperkeratinization, colonization by...
Diabetic Retinopathy
DefinitionDiabetic retinopathy is a microvascular complication of diabetes affecting the retinal blood vessels.Risk FactorsDiabetic retinopathy is present in almost all individuals with type 1 diabetes and more than 60% of those with type 2 diabetes after two decades of disease.The risk increases with poor glycemic control, hypertension, dyslipidemia, smoking, pregnancy, and puberty.Although cataracts and glaucoma are also more frequent in people with diabetes, retinopathy remains the leading...

