Newly Classified Subtype Of Ovarian Cancer Susceptible To Anti-Angiogenic Drugs

Newly Classified Subtype Of Ovarian Cancer Susceptible To Anti-Angiogenic Drugs

A new subtype of ovarian cancer has been identified by the scientists at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston. Researchers discovered that the new subtype is able to create its own blood vessels, therefore anti-angiogenic drugs might be very effective in future treatment schemes.

Researchers suggest that this subtype might be responsible for almost a third of all cancers that occur on the surface of the ovaries. Samples from more than 1,500 cancer patients have been analyzed, leading to new studies that aim to discover whether or not this new subtype can benefit from anti-angiogenic therapy.

“Unlike breast cancer, where we can distinguish different subtypes based on their genetic signatures, ovarian cancer has been viewed as a monolithically homogeneous disease – each tumor very much like every other”, says John Quackenbush, PhD.

Current data shows that ovarian cancer is responsible for almost 15,000 annual deaths in the United States alone, making it one of the leading causes of cancer death. The newly classified subtype is a high grade epithelial tumor, meaning that tumor cells, derived from the epithelial tissue, appear as highly abnormal under the microscope.

The new subtype was discovered by researchers after scanning numerous cancerous cell genes from 129 patients that were in an advanced stage. After running the genes through an algorithm called rISIS, the results were four new ovarian cancer subtypes. After analyzing the results, researchers found that in one particular subtype most of the active genes were also known to have a role in angiogenesis. This new array of genes is referred to as the “angiogenesis signature”.

Gene Study

One disadvantage of gene studies is that most of the times, results are not reproducible. Due to different laboratory procedures, various labs can reach discrepant results. In order to confirm the results, researchers from the Dana-Farber Institute analyzed data from gene studies found in multiple published articles, therefore reaching a total patient number of 1,606. The result of the analysis confirmed the theory. It has also been found that the patients that suffer from this particular subtype tend to have a more aggressive tumor.

“With this study, we’ve shown that serous ovarian cancer exists in at least one distinct subtype at the molecular level, raising the possibility that it will be vulnerable to therapies directed at its molecular weaknesses.”, says Ursula Matulonis, MD.

This study requires a clinical trial in order to determine whether or not medication that blocks angiogenesis will be effective in patients that suffer from the newly discovered ovarian cancer subtype. Angiogenesis inhibiting medication has already been given to ovarian cancer patients, and more than 30 percent have benefited from the treatment.

The scientists at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute affirm that the newly classified subtype will greatly influence the treatment of numerous ovarian cancer patients.