New insight into survival

Spatial Transcriptomics Depict Ligand-Receptor Cross-talk Heterogeneity at the Tumor-Stroma Interface in Long-Term Ovarian Cancer Survivors

 

https://tinyurl.com/bdddnmy3

 

       One of the great unsolved mysteries of ovarian cancer is why are some patients long-term survivors? Much current research is directed to finding a reason why this is so. 

       This retrospective study re-examined the histology of apparently similar metastatic cancers from women who were survivors compared to those women who’s cancer course followed the normal path.

       Using the new technology of spatial transcriptomics whereby it is possible to measure all the gene activity in a tissue sample, a difference in cell structure involving fibroblasts was detected in long-term survivors. This small study raises the possibility that the 15% of women, with advanced ovarian cancer who have good outcomes, can be detected earlier.

 

Unforseen consequences

Long-Term Health Consequences After Ovarian Removal at Benign Hysterectomy

https://tinyurl.com/4a7rvkjp 

    

            Ovarian cancer is often fatal and usually presents late. Because there is no suitable screening test, preventative surgery has being promoted in the form of opportunistic removal of the ovaries at the time of elective hysterectomy.

       All surgical interventions have consequences, some of which are unexpected. This retrospective survey looked at data from Denmark comparing two large groups of women; one had hysterectomy with removal of ovaries, the other group had hysterectomy alone. These groups were assessed for the presence of cardiovascular disease (CVD), cancer and overall mortality. Both groups had a decreased incidence of ovarian cancer.

       Those women who had their ovaries removed had higher risks of CVD, other cancers and mortality at 10 years after surgery. This was true for all the women but more especially for the pre-menopausal.