A new biomarker

Role of Syndecans in Ovarian Cancer: New Diagnostic and Prognostic Biomarkers and Potential Therapeutic Targets

 

https://tinyurl.com/3shyjm5r

 

       Ovarian cancer is complex; an important feature in the onset and progress of this is the environment. As part of the environment, the extra cellular matrix is key in determining the onset of cancer, the adhesion of cells, metastasis and survival.

       The matrix is formed of large structural glycoproteins such as collagen. Syndecans, subsets of glycoproteins are overexpressed in ovarian cancer. Glycoproteins consist of carbohydrate and protein; they have many functions being important as structural support and also in cell-cell interactions including immunity.

       The overexpression of Syndecans in ovarian cancer suggests a possible role in determining prognosis and also as a screening test. Targeted therapy to inhibit Syndecans effects may be possible.

The Duo-O trial

Asco 2023 – a role for immuno-oncology in ovarian cancer at last?

https://tinyurl.com/2bfe7tyf

 

       Every now and then a new drug combination for the treatment of ovarian cancer is announced as the next best thing. Interim results from the Duo-O trial presented at the recent American Society of Clinical Oncology suggest that the addition of immunotherapy to standard chemo for ovarian cancer improves progression free survival (PFS). 

       Previously the use of immunotherapy, which entails antibody inhibition of checkpoints to the normal immune response, has not been seen to be effective. The Duo trial, which includes the monoclonal antibody Durvalumab together with various cocktails of standard chemo including PARP inhibitors, suggests that PFS is increased for women with ovarian cancer who are not BRCA+ve.

       Unfortunately it is too soon to know whether this relates to overall survival, there is a history of previous improvements in PFS, with no overall benefit. Also, the side effects and quality of life on combination therapy are yet to recorded. However, the hoped for targeted immunotherapy for ovarian cancer seems to be more probable with the results from the Duo trial.

 

 

Functional neuronal circuits promote disease progression in cancer

 

https://tinyurl.com/3v9swn2w

 

         Ovarian cancer is complex. With more information being available through greater access to genetic typing of cancer it is possible to quickly extend basic science findings in animal models to real human disease.

         An example of this is shown with this article, which demonstrates the changes in nerve connections to cancer. Little is known of the significance of the presence of neural tissue in cancer. Using a mouse breast cancer model, electrical activity via nerve transmission has been detected in cancer tissue and a chemical marker (Substance P) shown at nerve junctions. This marker promotes tumour growth and metastasis.

         Previous information had shown a genetic signature associated with nerve infiltration into cancer tissue. Using data from the large SEER database the genetic marker of nerve proliferation is seen to be common for ovarian cancer. The authors suggest that nerve infiltration may be a suitable target for precision cancer treatment.