Brain Metastases from Ovarian Cancer: Current Evidence in Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prognosis
Open Access
- 4 August 2020
- Vol. 12 (8), 2156
- https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers12082156
Abstract
With this review, we provide the state of the art concerning brain metastases (BMs) from ovarian cancer (OC), a rare condition. Clinical, pathological, and molecular features, treatment options, and future perspectives are comprehensively discussed. Overall, a diagnosis of high-grade serous OC and an advanced disease stage are common features among patients who develop brain metastases. BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations, as well as the expression of androgen receptors in the primary tumor, are emerging risk and prognostic factors which could allow one to identify categories of patients at greater risk of BMs, who could benefit from a tailored follow-up. Based on present data, a multidisciplinary approach combining surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy seem to be the best approach for patients with good performance status, although the median overall survival (<1 year) remains largely disappointing. Hopefully, novel therapeutic avenues are being explored, like PARP inhibitors and immunotherapy, based on our improved knowledge regarding tumor biology, but further investigation is warranted.This publication has 136 references indexed in Scilit:
- Proteomic analysis of differential protein expression by brain metastases of gynecological malignanciesHuman Cell, 2013
- Gamma knife surgery for brain metastases from ovarian cancerActa Neurochirurgica, 2012
- Association of BRCA1 and BRCA2 Mutations With Survival, Chemotherapy Sensitivity, and Gene Mutator Phenotype in Patients With Ovarian CancerJAMA, 2011
- Multidrug Resistance Gene (MDR-1) and Risk of Brain Metastasis in Epithelial Ovarian, Fallopian Tube, and Peritoneal CancerAmerican Journal of Clinical Oncology, 2011
- Wnt5a Suppresses Epithelial Ovarian Cancer by Promoting Cellular SenescenceCancer Research, 2011
- Integrin Regulation of β-Catenin Signaling in Ovarian CarcinomaOnline Journal of Public Health Informatics, 2011
- Integrated genomic analyses of ovarian carcinomaNature, 2011
- The role of chemotherapy in the management of newly diagnosed brain metastases: a systematic review and evidence-based clinical practice guidelineJournal of Neuro-Oncology, 2009
- MMP-9 gene silencing by a quantum dot–siRNA nanoplex delivery to maintain the integrity of the blood brain barrierBrain Research, 2009
- Brain Metastases in Epithelial Ovarian CarcinomaGynecologic Oncology, 1995