Mechanisms of Ovarian Cancer Metastasis: Biochemical Pathways |
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Authors: | Kentaro Nakayama Naomi Nakayama Hiroshi Katagiri Kohji Miyazaki |
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Affiliation: | 1.Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shimane University School of Medicine, Izumo 693-8501, Japan; E-Mails: (H.K.); (K.M.);2.Department of Biochemistry, Shimane University School of Medicine, Izumo 693-8501, Japan; E-Mail: |
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Abstract: | Ovarian cancer is the most lethal gynecologic malignancy. Despite advances in chemotherapy, the five-year survival rate of advanced ovarian cancer patients with peritoneal metastasis remains around 30%. The most significant prognostic factor is stage, and most patients present at an advanced stage with peritoneal dissemination. There is often no clearly identifiable precursor lesion; therefore, the events leading to metastatic disease are poorly understood. This article reviews metastatic suppressor genes, the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and the tumor microenvironment as they relate to ovarian cancer metastasis. Additionally, novel chemotherapeutic agents targeting the metastasis-related biochemical pathways are discussed. |
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Keywords: | cancer metastasis suppressor gene EMT tumor microenvironment |
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