Causes of Ovarian Cancer: New Factor Identified

A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Pittsburgh has identified a new factor involved in the onset of an aggressive form of ovarian cancer. The research, published in Cancer Discovery, revealed the role of a subgroup of progenitor cells found in the stromal tissue of the Fallopian tubes. These cells, referred to as "high-risk MSCs," could be the key to better understanding the mechanisms behind the development of high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma (HGSOC), the most common and lethal form of ovarian cancer.

A New Target in the Fight Against Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian cancer is one of the leading causes of death among gynecological cancers, often diagnosed at an advanced stage, which drastically reduces the chances of effective treatment. Until now, research has mainly focused on epithelial cells that, through genetic mutations, transform into precancerous lesions in the Fallopian tubes, known as STIC (serous tubal intraepithelial carcinoma). However, the new study has shifted attention to the surrounding microenvironment, identifying the stromal tissue as a potential trigger for the disease.

MSC cells, typically involved in tissue repair and growth processes, appear to play a key role in the onset of ovarian cancer when specific alterations occur. In particular, high-risk MSCs were found to be more frequent in women with BRCA mutations, advanced age, or a genetic predisposition to ovarian cancer. When these cells were introduced into organoid models derived from Fallopian tube tissue, they triggered the transformation of healthy epithelial cells into cancer cells.

The Role of High-Risk MSCs in Tumor Formation

Researchers discovered that high-risk MSCs damage the DNA of epithelial cells and promote their survival, creating a favorable environment for tumor growth. Furthermore, these cells seem to contribute to resistance to chemotherapy drugs, making treatment of the disease even more complex.

One of the most innovative aspects of the study concerns the correlation between high-risk MSCs and a deficit of AMP kinase, an enzyme with antioxidant functions. A shortage of AMP kinase leads to an increase in the WT1 protein, which promotes the production of compounds capable of damaging DNA, thereby contributing to tumor development.

Implications for Prevention and Early Diagnosis

The findings of this study open new perspectives for both prevention and early diagnosis of ovarian cancer. Existing drugs capable of stimulating AMP kinase activity could prevent or even reverse the early cellular alterations associated with the disease. Additionally, researchers hypothesize that compounds secreted by high-risk MSCs could be detected in the blood and used as biomarkers for early detection of the tumor.

This study represents an important step forward in understanding the mechanisms underlying ovarian cancer and could pave the way for new targeted therapeutic strategies, offering hope for earlier diagnosis and more effective treatments for patients affected by this condition.

Read the press release: Pitt Study Makes New Insights into the Origins of Ovarian Cancer