Changes in gene expression for cytokines, growth factors and their receptors are associated with epithelial ovarian cancer

Abstract

Ovarian cancer is the most lethal of gynecologic cancer and more difficult to diagnose. Nearly three fourths of malignant tumors of the ovary presents at an advanced stage during early diagnosis. The etiology of ovarian cancer is multifactorial, including reproductive, family and personal factors. Several factors involved in the development of ovarian cancer has being studied, seeking to better understand its development. The tumor originated from the superficial epithelium of the ovary is the most frequent type and it has been associated with alteration in expression of kit ligand (KL), epidermal growth factor receptor (EGF-R), HER, myc, ras and p53. The aim of this review is to describe the characteristics of ovarian tumors and to discuss the influences of gonadotrophins and the changes in gene expression for
cytokines, growth factors and their receptors in ovarian tumors.