Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jan 30, 2026

Surface-enhanced Resonance Raman Scattering Nanoprobe Ratiometry for Detecting Microscopic Ovarian Cancer via Folate Receptor Targeting
07:54

Surface-enhanced Resonance Raman Scattering Nanoprobe Ratiometry for Detecting Microscopic Ovarian Cancer via Folate Receptor Targeting

Published on: March 25, 2019

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Is Targeting the Folate Receptor in Ovarian Cancer Coming of Age?

Michael J Birrer1, Ilaria Betella2, Lainie P Martin3

  • 1O'Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA mbirrer@uab.edu.

The Oncologist
|January 13, 2019
PubMed

Insights

Prognosis for epithelial ovarian cancer is poor, but folate receptor alpha (FRα) presents a promising molecular target. This commentary explores FRα's characteristics making it an attractive option for new cancer therapies.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Cancer Therapeutics

Background:

  • Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) has a historically poor patient prognosis.
  • There is an ongoing need for novel therapeutic targets in EOC.
  • Folate receptor alpha (FRα) has emerged as a potential molecular target.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To discuss the characteristics of folate receptor alpha (FRα).
  • To evaluate FRα as a potential therapeutic target in epithelial ovarian cancer.
  • To highlight the attractiveness of FRα for drug development.

Main Methods:

  • This is a commentary, not an experimental study.
  • Literature review and analysis of FRα properties.
  • Discussion of biological and clinical relevance of FRα.

Main Results:

  • FRα is overexpressed in a significant subset of epithelial ovarian cancers.
  • FRα's cell surface localization and internalization mechanisms are favorable for targeted delivery.
  • Its differential expression compared to normal tissues suggests potential for selective toxicity.

Conclusions:

  • Folate receptor alpha (FRα) possesses key characteristics making it a highly attractive target for therapeutic intervention in epithelial ovarian cancer.
  • Targeting FRα may offer a new strategy to improve outcomes for women with this disease.
  • Further research and development of FRα-targeted therapies are warranted.

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