25-11-2016 | Ovarian cancer | Article
The disparate origins of ovarian cancers: pathogenesis and prevention strategies
Abstract
Ovarian cancer is the fifth cause of cancer-related death in women and comprises a histologically and genetically broad range of tumours, including those of epithelial, sex cord-stromal and germ cell origin. Recent evidence indicates that high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma, clear cell carcinoma and endometrioid carcinoma primarily arise from tissues that are not normally present in the ovary. These histogenetic pathways are informing risk-reduction strategies for the prevention of ovarian and ovary-associated cancers and have highlighted the importance of the seemingly unique ovarian microenvironment.
Nat Rev Cancer 2017; 17: 65–74. doi:10.1038/nrc.2016.113
Subject terms: Cancer genetics • Cancer stem cells • Endometrial cancer • Germ cell tumours • Gynaecological cancer • Ovarian cancer