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Endometriosis-Associated [Ovarian] Cancer 

What are Endometriosis-Associated Ovarian Cancers? 

When doctors and scientists talk about endometriosis-associated carcinomas (cancers), or EAOC,  they usually mean either clear cell ovarian carcinoma or endometrioid ovarian carcinoma. Despite being “ovarian” cancers, these do not arise from ovarian cells or develop in the same way as more common ovarian cancers (e.g. high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma). EAOC represent 20-40% of all ovarian carcinomas with higher rates reported amongst individuals of Asian descent. EAOC are considered “rare cancers” and affect less than 15 (genetically female) individuals per 100,000. Despite this, individuals affected by endometriosis may have up to a 10-fold higher probability of developing an EAOC than those unaffected by endometriosis. Understanding how EAOC evolves from endometriosis is a critical goal to prevent these cancers. 

Diagnosis of EAOC has been historically problematic as some other ovarian cancers can mimic features of EAOCs under a microscope. Likewise, treatment of EAOCs has typically followed guidelines for more common ovarian cancers, a treatment plan that often doesn’t fit. Luckily this is changing. Our group has led a number of studies that identified specific features of EAOC and help differentiate them and diagnose them. We have led studies on the evolution of EAOCs, including contributions that explain how two quite different EAOCs (clear cell and endometrioid ovarian cancers) can arise from the same precursor/ancestor (endometriosis).  

Recently we have also developed ways to identify different subtypes within the EAOCs. This includes EAOC that may have exceptionally good outcomes after surgery as well as those with aggressive cancers that require development of new treatment strategies.  

Cancer chemotherapy treatments come with a host of complications and possible toxicities, for EAOC both overtreatment and undertreatment are significant considerations. A major theme for our research is identifying groups that should receive reduced, or even no, chemotherapy as well as those with aggressive cancer that need new strategies beyond current chemotherapies (aka. precision medicine therapies).

 

 

Read EDGE Research Publications on Ovarian Cancers [PubMed]

Resources around ovarian and other gynecologic cancers

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