Emerging research re-examines ovarian cancer subtypes
July 19, 2017
For years, it’s been understood that ovarian cancer is not one disease, but a variety of diseases with varying responses to treatment. Now scientists are delving further to look at ovarian cancer in a different way.
Much of what is known about ovarian cancer subtypes is currently based on histology, or what a cancer cell looks like under the microscope. But Dr. Sohrab Shah, Senior Scientist at BC Cancer Agency, is looking at what’s inside the cancer cell - its molecular and genomic make-up.
Dr. Sohrab Shah, Senior Scientist, BC Cancer Agency
“We are zooming into cancer cells to learn more about patterns of alteration in their genomes, which are full sequences of DNA, rather than single genes,” explains Dr. Shah.
By studying genetic changes that occur when ovarian cancer cells divide and replicate, he and his team are examining the biological processes behind how ovarian cancer develops. Their research uses information from more than 100 women with ovarian cancer to identify abnormalities in the DNA of tumor cells.
Dr. Shah’s recent discovery suggests that three of the most common subtypes of ovarian cancer can be subdivided based on structural changes that occur across their DNA. As an example, he points to high grade serous ovarian cancer.
“Under the microscope, cases of high grade serous ovarian cancer look the same,” says Dr. Shah. “But from a genomics perspective, two major groups emerge, and this holds promise for improving and targeting treatment.”
“Today certain types of drugs are administered based on the presence of specific gene mutations,” says Dr. Shah. “But our research indicates that in ovarian cancer, BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations may only identify a small proportion of patients who derive benefit from PARP inhibitors, when there may be others who would respond well to these drugs.”
While additional testing and clinical trials are needed, this research could shed light on whether patterns of alteration in genomes can be used to refine current subtypes of ovarian cancer and point to new targets for treatment.
If supported by further evidence, the knowledge could help separate patients who will respond to standard care from those who may instead benefit from experimental treatments. This would mean certain patients could potentially skip standard treatment in cases where it’s been shown to be ineffective based on specific tumour characteristics, avoiding unnecessary exposure to toxicity and associated side effects.
To help ensure that important work like this continues, write to your elected representatives to urge their support of a $10 million federal investment in ovarian cancer research. You can customize and send a letter within minutes at ovariancanada.org/advocate.
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