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Published on: November 2, 2014
The Protein Landscape of Mucinous Ovarian Cancer: Towards a Theranostic
Arkan Youssef1, Mohammad B Haskali2,3, Kylie L Gorringe2,3
1Department of Medicine, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia.
Abstract:
MOC is a rare histotype of epithelial ovarian cancer, and current management options are inadequate for the treatment of late stage or recurrent disease. A shift towards personalised medicines in ovarian cancer is being observed, with trials targeting specific molecular pathways, however, MOC lags due to its rarity. Theranostics is a rapidly evolving category of personalised medicine, encompassing both a diagnostic and therapeutic approach by recognising targets that are expressed highly in tumour tissue in order to deliver a therapeutic payload. The present review evaluates the protein landscape of MOC in recent immunohistochemical- and proteomic-based research, aiming to identify potential candidates for theranostic application. Fourteen proteins were selected based on cell membrane localisation: HER2, EGFR, FOLR1, RAC1, GPR158, CEACAM6, MUC16, PD-L1, NHE1, CEACAM5, MUC1, ACE2, GP2, and PTPRH. Optimal proteins to target using theranostic agents must exhibit high membrane expression on cancerous tissue with low expression on healthy tissue to afford improved disease outcomes with minimal off-target effects and toxicities. We provide guidelines to consider in the selection of a theranostic target for MOC and suggest future directions in evaluating the results of this review.
Insights
Mucinous ovarian cancer (MOC) management is challenging. This review identifies potential theranostic targets by analyzing MOC
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Mucinous ovarian cancer (MOC) is a rare epithelial ovarian cancer subtype with limited treatment options for advanced or recurrent disease.
- Personalized medicine approaches are emerging in ovarian cancer, but MOC's rarity impedes targeted therapy development.
- Theranostics, combining diagnostics and therapeutics, offer a personalized approach by targeting tumor-specific markers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the protein landscape of MOC through immunohistochemical and proteomic research.
- To identify potential cell membrane proteins suitable for theranostic applications in MOC.
- To provide guidelines for selecting theranostic targets and suggest future research directions.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive review of recent immunohistochemical and proteomic studies on MOC.
- Identification and selection of fourteen cell membrane-localized proteins based on their expression patterns.
- Analysis of protein expression in cancerous versus healthy tissues to assess theranostic potential.
Main Results:
- Fourteen candidate proteins with cell membrane localization were identified: HER2, EGFR, FOLR1, RAC1, GPR158, CEACAM6, MUC16, PD-L1, NHE1, CEACAM5, MUC1, ACE2, GP2, and PTPRH.
- Criteria for optimal theranostic targets include high expression on cancer cells and low expression on normal tissues to minimize toxicity.
- The review provides a framework for evaluating these proteins as theranostic targets in MOC.
Conclusions:
- The identified protein landscape offers potential targets for developing novel theranostic strategies for MOC.
- Careful selection of targets with specific expression profiles is crucial for effective and safe theranostic agent development.
- Further research is needed to validate these targets and advance theranostic approaches for MOC treatment.

