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Updated: Nov 18, 2025
Enrichment for Chemoresistant Ovarian Cancer Stem Cells from Human Cell Lines
Published on: September 10, 2014
Targeting Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells in Ovarian Cancer
Seiji Mabuchi1, Tomoyuki Sasano2, Naoko Komura3
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nara Medical University, Nara 634-8522, Japan.
Abstract:
Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are a heterogeneous population of immature myeloid cells that exhibit immunosuppressive activity. They also directly stimulate tumor cell proliferation, metastasis, and angiogenesis. In ovarian cancer, there are increased numbers of circulating or tumor-infiltrating MDSCs, and increased frequencies of MDSCs are associated with a poor prognosis or an advanced clinical stage. Moreover, in murine models of ovarian cancer, MDSC depletion has shown significant growth-inhibitory effects and enhanced the therapeutic efficacy of existing anticancer therapies. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge on MDSC biology, clinical significance of MDSC, and potential MDSC-targeting strategies in ovarian cancer.
Insights
Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) promote ovarian cancer growth and spread. Targeting these immunosuppressive cells shows promise for improving cancer therapies and patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Immunology
Background:
- Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are immature myeloid cells with immunosuppressive functions.
- MDSCs contribute to tumor progression by stimulating proliferation, metastasis, and angiogenesis.
- Elevated MDSC levels in ovarian cancer correlate with poor prognosis and advanced disease stages.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current knowledge on myeloid-derived suppressor cell (MDSC) biology in ovarian cancer.
- To discuss the clinical significance of MDSCs in ovarian cancer.
- To explore potential strategies for targeting MDSCs in ovarian cancer treatment.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of existing research on MDSCs in ovarian cancer.
- Analysis of studies investigating MDSC depletion in murine ovarian cancer models.
Main Results:
- Increased MDSC numbers are observed in both circulation and tumors in ovarian cancer patients.
- MDSC depletion in murine models demonstrated significant tumor growth inhibition.
- MDSC depletion enhanced the efficacy of existing anticancer therapies in preclinical models.
Conclusions:
- MDSCs play a critical role in promoting ovarian cancer progression and immune evasion.
- Targeting MDSCs represents a promising therapeutic strategy to improve ovarian cancer treatment outcomes.
- Further research into MDSC-targeting therapies is warranted for clinical application in ovarian cancer.
