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Updated: May 2, 2026
An Orthotopic Model of Serous Ovarian Cancer in Immunocompetent Mice for in vivo Tumor Imaging and Monitoring of Tumor Immune Responses
Published on: November 28, 2010
Biomarkers for systemic therapy in ovarian cancer
Zsofia Penzvalto, Pawel Surowiak, Balazs Gyorffy1
1Semmelweis University 1st Dept. of Pediatrics, Bókay u. 53-54., Budapest, H-1083, Hungary. gyorffy@gyer1.sote.hu.
Abstract:
Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) is the most deadly tumor of the female reproductive system. Despite improvements in understanding the biology of EOC, therapeutic strategies still depend on surgery and combination of taxane and platinum agents. Here, we provide a summary of clinically tested biomarkers potentially useful to predict drug response. Resistance against platinum derivatives can result from lower drug concentrations, alterations in the target molecule and changes in the cellular signal transduction pathways. Taxane resistance can develop due to decreased intracellular drug concentration, alterations in microtubuli structure and changes in the cellular response including ERBB2 (epidermal growth factor receptor 2). A few key genes have been suggested as biomarkers for hormonal therapy. Currently, the only targeted therapy agent approved for ovarian cancer is the VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) inhibitor bevacizumab. Response to bevacizumab is correlated with VEGF-A levels and hypertension. The primary problems in identifying reliable biomarkers for EOC are the usage of different clinical endpoints, multivariate analysis for a panel of clinical parameters and the lack of published comprehensive clinical information of patients enrolled in these studies. The future lies in adding targeted agents to the taxane/platinum gold standard and in a more detailed stratification of patients into sub-cohorts enabling a more effective therapy. In conclusion, a large-scale coordinated effort is needed for the robust validation of the numerous biomarker candidates available in EOC therapy.
Insights
Identifying reliable biomarkers for epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) is crucial for predicting drug response. Further research and large-scale validation are needed to integrate targeted therapies with standard treatments for improved patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Gynecologic Oncology
- Translational Medicine
- Cancer Biomarkers
Background:
- Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) remains the deadliest gynecologic malignancy.
- Current treatments rely on surgery and platinum/taxane chemotherapy, with limited targeted options.
- Drug resistance significantly impacts treatment efficacy in EOC.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize clinically tested biomarkers for predicting drug response in EOC.
- To highlight challenges in biomarker discovery and validation.
- To discuss future directions in EOC therapeutic strategies.
Main Methods:
- Review of clinically tested biomarkers for EOC.
- Analysis of mechanisms of resistance to platinum and taxane agents.
- Summary of biomarkers for hormonal therapy and targeted agents like bevacizumab.
Main Results:
- Biomarkers for platinum resistance include drug concentration, target alterations, and signal transduction pathways.
- Taxane resistance is linked to drug concentration, microtubule structure, and ERBB2.
- VEGF-A levels and hypertension correlate with bevacizumab response.
Conclusions:
- Robust validation of numerous EOC biomarker candidates requires a large-scale, coordinated effort.
- Future EOC therapy involves adding targeted agents to the standard regimen.
- Detailed patient stratification into sub-cohorts is essential for effective treatment.
