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Oxford Classic-defined EMT risk stratification of High Grade Serous Ovarian cancer for guiding treatment decisions

  • 0University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom.
Clinical Cancer Research : an Official Journal of the American Association for Cancer Research +

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July 24, 2025

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July 24, 2025

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

A new molecular signature, OxC-EMT, effectively identifies high-risk patients with High Grade Serous Ovarian Cancer (HGSOC). This stratification guides treatment decisions, potentially improving survival rates for those with poor prognosis.

Area Of Science

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Genomics

Background

  • Epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) is linked to poor prognosis in High Grade Serous Ovarian Cancer (HGSOC).
  • Identifying molecular signatures for risk stratification in HGSOC has been challenging.
  • Improved prognostic tools are needed to guide treatment strategies and enhance patient survival.

Purpose Of The Study

  • To develop and validate a molecular signature for robust risk stratification in HGSOC.
  • To identify a subset of HGSOC tumors associated with poor prognosis.
  • To guide clinical decisions, including surgical strategies and targeted therapies, for improved patient outcomes.

Main Methods

  • RNA sequencing was performed on 139 HGSOC tumor samples (Brescia cohort).
  • External validation was conducted using 362 (Scottish) and 126 (Garsed) patient cohorts.
  • Meta-analysis of 1023 tumors was performed to develop clinically useful risk groups. Therapeutic targets were identified through transcriptomic analysis and multiplex immunofluorescence.

Main Results

  • The OxC-EMT signature demonstrated significant prognostic strength across three independent cohorts (Brescia, Scottish, Garsed).
  • OxC-EMT risk stratification identified poor-risk HGSOC patients with a 5-year median survival of 13% (high-risk) versus 50% (low-risk) in the Brescia cohort.
  • Analysis suggests that alternative surgical strategies and combination therapies (EMT-targeting drugs and immunomodulators) may benefit high-risk patients.

Conclusions

  • The study presents a clinically applicable risk stratification strategy for HGSOC.
  • The OxC-EMT signature enables identification of high-risk patients.
  • Targeted treatment options, including combination therapies, are proposed for high-risk HGSOC patients.