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Targeting the hallmarks of ovarian cancer: The big picture
M Petrillo1, C Nero1, G Amadio1
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy.
Objective:
As a result of relevant achievements in the field of translational research, several active drugs and multiple biological targets are available in ovarian cancer (OC). In this complex scenario, there is an urgent need to effectively summarize the available data in order to update conclusions, and outline perspectives.
Methods:
The results in terms of target identification and drug development have been summarized using the well-known hallmarks of cancer firstly described, and recently modified by Hanahan and Weinberg [1-2]. Published data from clinical trials have been retrieved from PubMed, Embase, CINAHL and Cochrane database. Ongoing clinical trials were searched using clinicaltrials.gov web platform, and identified using NCT number.
Results:
Genomic instability and angiogenesis are the most actively investigated hallmarks in high-grade serous OC, and the inhibition of tumor immune evasion appears as the emerging strategy for molecularly-driven therapy. Targeting sustained proliferative signaling through MEK and mTOR inhibitors seems the most promising approach in clear cell, and low-grade serous OC.
Conclusions:
This substantial amount of data suggests that targeted therapies are already part of the clinical and therapeutic management of OC patients. The expectations of getting from translational research a better knowledge of tumor biology and therefore personalized drugs are high and worthy of maximum effort from referral centers.
Insights
Translational research advances offer new targeted therapies for ovarian cancer (OC). Key strategies include inhibiting tumor immune evasion and targeting proliferative signaling for personalized treatment approaches.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Translational Research
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Ovarian cancer (OC) presents a complex therapeutic landscape with numerous available drugs and biological targets.
- Translational research has yielded significant achievements, necessitating a comprehensive summary of current data.
Purpose of the Study:
- To update conclusions and outline future perspectives in ovarian cancer treatment.
- To summarize available data on drug development and target identification in OC.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of published clinical trial data from PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, and Cochrane databases.
- Identification of ongoing clinical trials using the clinicaltrials.gov platform (NCT numbers).
- Analysis of data based on the hallmarks of cancer framework.
Main Results:
- Genomic instability and angiogenesis are prominent research areas in high-grade serous OC.
- Inhibition of tumor immune evasion is an emerging strategy for molecularly-driven OC therapy.
- Targeting sustained proliferative signaling via MEK and mTOR inhibitors shows promise for clear cell and low-grade serous OC.
Conclusions:
- Targeted therapies are integral to the current clinical and therapeutic management of ovarian cancer patients.
- Translational research holds high expectations for advancing tumor biology knowledge and developing personalized drugs for OC.
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