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Retinoid receptors in ovarian cancer: expression and prognosis

P C Kaiser1, M Körner, A Kappeler

  • 1University Hospital Berne, Department of Medical Oncology, Bern, Switzerland.

Annals of Oncology : Official Journal of the European Society for Medical Oncology
|July 14, 2005
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Retinoic acid receptors (RARs) are highly expressed in ovarian cancer, particularly in advanced stages. High RARalpha expression indicates a poorer prognosis, suggesting retinoids as potential ovarian cancer therapies.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Oncology
  • Cancer Therapeutics

Background:

  • Ovarian cancer remains a lethal malignancy, necessitating novel therapeutic strategies.
  • Retinoids show promise in preventing ovarian cancer and enhancing chemotherapy efficacy.
  • Limited data exists on retinoid receptor expression in ovarian cancer.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the expression of retinoic acid receptors (RARs) and retinoid X receptors (RXRs) in ovarian cancer.
  • To determine the prognostic significance of retinoid receptor expression in ovarian cancer patients.

Main Methods:

  • Immunohistochemistry was used to assess RARalpha, RARgamma, RXRalpha, and RXRbeta expression in 80 ovarian cancer samples.
  • Real-time PCR quantified retinoid receptor mRNA levels.
  • Correlation with clinical characteristics and survival data was analyzed.

Main Results:

  • RARalpha and RXRbeta showed high expression in most ovarian cancers, especially in advanced stages.
  • Elevated RARalpha expression was an independent negative prognostic factor for survival.
  • Retinoid receptor mRNA levels did not correlate with tumor clinical properties.

Conclusions:

  • Frequent and strong expression of retinoic acid receptors in epithelial ovarian cancer suggests potential as adverse prognosis indicators.
  • Findings support the molecular rationale for using retinoids as a therapeutic approach in ovarian cancer treatment.

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