Ovarian Low-Grade Serous Carcinoma: A Comprehe... [Gynecol Oncol. 2012] - PubMed - NCBI
Ovarian Low-Grade Serous Carcinoma: A Comprehensive Update
Abstract
Ovarian
low-grade serous ovarian carcinoma (OvLGSCa) comprises a minority
within the heterogeneous group of ovarian carcinomas.
Despite biological
differences with their high-grade serous counterparts, current
treatment guidelines do not distinguish between these two entities.
OvLGSCas are characterized by an
indolent clinical course. They usually
develop from serous tumors of low malignant potential, although they can
also arise de novo. When compared with patients with ovarian high grade
serous carcinoma (OvHGSCa) patients with OvLGSCa are
younger and have
better survival outcomes. Current clinical and treatment data available
for OvLGSCa come from retrospective studies, suggesting that optimal
cytoreductive surgery remains the cornerstone in treatment, whereas
chemotherapy has a limited role. Molecular studies have revealed the
preponderance of the
RAS/RAF/MAPK signalling pathway in the pathogenesis
of OvLGSCa, thereby representing an attractive therapeutic target for
patients affected by this disease.
Improved clinical trial designs and
international collaboration are required to optimally address the unmet
medical treatment needs of patients affected by this disease.
