Ovarian cancer causing hyperprolactinemia: A case report and narrative review

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Oncology
• Reproductive Medicine

Background:

• Hyperprolactinemia is commonly caused by prolactinoma, but other factors must be excluded.
• Few studies have investigated the link between elevated prolactin (PRL) and ovarian cancer (OC).
• OC cells may ectopically release PRL, influencing ovarian tissue via PRL receptors (PRLRs) and potentially driving carcinogenesis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the role of PRL as a potential tumorigenesis factor and biomarker in ovarian cancer.
• To investigate the therapeutic potential of targeting PRL and PRLRs in OC.
• To present a rare case of hyperprolactinemia associated with advanced ovarian cancer.

Main Methods:

• Case study presentation of a patient with advanced OC and hyperprolactinemia.
• Review of literature regarding PRL, PRLRs, and their association with ovarian cancer.
• Discussion of diagnostic challenges and potential therapeutic strategies.

Main Results:

• The patient presented with symptoms of hyperprolactinemia and advanced high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma.
• Magnetic resonance imaging to rule out pituitary pathology was not performed due to patient condition.
• PRL produced by OC cells may act in an autocrine or paracrine manner to promote OC tumorigenesis.

Conclusions:

• Hyperprolactinemia can be a rare manifestation of ovarian cancer.
• PRL may serve as a biomarker for OC, particularly when combined with other markers.
• Further large-scale studies are needed to establish the relationship between elevated PRL and OC, guiding diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.