The Mechanism and Dynamic Regulation of Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition in Ovarian Cancer http://tinyurl.com/5rajk8zw Understanding of ovarian cancer has increased, with the recognition of  epithelial mesenchymal transition ,   ( EMT),  which develops in about 50%. EMT results in loss of  adhesion with disruption of the normal tissue st r ucture. Meta stasis  is inevitable with EMT, the cancer is more  aggressive,  and survival is worse.  This  review of the available literature describes the process which leads to EMT  together with information about the  significance   and   possible treatment . EMT occurs because of epigenetic change to the chromosome of the cancer cell, it does not involve genetic mutation. Epigenetic change may involve  cross linking and folding of cancer cell DNA and is potentially reversible. EMT is a response to the environment, it may be due to low  oxygen or glucose levels, mechani...

Hysterectomy not grounds for divorce http://tinyurl.com/4hmhwfwe When  considering  the impact of ovarian cancer on relationships and family it is wise to reme m ber the  ethn ic conte xt. This recent case in the Madras High Court will have  caused concern but it is illustrative of some pressures that women face after surgery that are not often discussed . The Appeal Court in Madras supported the findings of a lower court which  stated  that removal o f a uterus as part of  initial  treatment for ovarian cancer  did not constitute   mental cruelty to the husband and dismissed the appeal.  The husband’s case was that the denial of the ability to have children was cruel to him and that the cancer had been present before the marriage and concea led. Divorce was  sought  by the husband under the Hindu Marriage Act which unlike in most western countries does not have a “no fault ” separation clause, meaning that cause needs to ...

FDA Grants Fast Track Status to  Rinatabart   Sesutecan  for FRα-Expressing Ovarian Cancer http://tinyurl.com/2t5t8pv4 In  November  2022  the FDA  granted accelerated approval of a new drug;  Elahere  which improves survival for patients who have platinum r e s istant ovarian c ancer . This was the first approval of an antibody/drug co njugate  (ADC) . Now, a second fast track development by the FDA of a similar drug ;  Rina-S  shows the importance of this treatment for th ose women.  Both antibodies  act by attaching to a cell membrane protein, fola te receptor  𝛼,   (FR𝛼 ),   enabling  intracellular access for the cytotoxic  drugs,  which destabilise cancer cell DNA ,  causing cell death .  FR𝛼 is found in about 60% of ovarian cancer, Elahere has been shown to be effective in the MIRASOL trial when t here is high expression of FR𝛼 (75% of all cancer cells). FDA appro...

Enhancing Immunotherapy in Ovarian Cancer: The Emerging Role of Metformin and Statins http://tinyurl.com/y8ut3nn5 Some commonly used drugs; metformin for type II   diabet es and  statins  which alter cholesterol metabolism have been shown to increase survival from ovarian cancer. U nderstanding of why thi s is so  ha s  emerged   which may support the inclusion  of low cost readily  available treatment alternatives for ovarian cancer. Free fluid in the peritoneal cavity known as ascites is  frequently  part of advanced ovarian cancer,  ascites alters the insulin and cholesterol pathways through metabolic reprogra mming. This change in metabolism results in immune su ppression and promotes tumour growth. It is now thought that adding metformin and statins to standard therapy will  increase response to chemotherapy, prevent T cell exhaustion, and enhance immunotherapy