Nuclear receptors in ovarian cancer: changing paradigms in cancer therapeutics

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Molecular Biology
• Endocrinology

Background:

• Ovarian cancer (OVC) is a leading cause of cancer death in women, with poor prognosis often due to late diagnosis and limited advanced-stage treatments.
• Nuclear receptors (NRs), a class of 48 transcription factors, regulate critical cellular functions and are implicated in various human diseases, including cancer.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent findings on the role of Nuclear Receptors (NRs) in Ovarian Cancer (OVC).
• To explore the potential of NRs as prognostic and therapeutic markers for OVC.
• To discuss NR mechanisms in chemoresistance and chemosensitization and review clinical trials targeting NRs in OVC.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of recent findings on NRs in OVC.
• Summary of NR structure and signaling mechanisms.
• Analysis of NR roles in chemoresistance, chemosensitization, and clinical trials.

Main Results:

• Aberrant expression of numerous NRs is associated with OVC development and progression.
• NRs demonstrate potential as biomarkers for OVC prognosis.
• NRs are involved in mechanisms of both chemotherapy resistance and sensitivity in OVC.

Conclusions:

• A deeper understanding of NR biology in OVC is crucial for developing effective early detection and targeted therapies.
• NRs represent promising targets for novel OVC treatment strategies.
• Further research and clinical trials targeting NRs are warranted for improving OVC patient outcomes.