Ovarian cancer microenvironment: implications for cancer dissemination and chemoresistance acquisition

Cancer Metastasis Rev. 2014 Mar;33(1):17-39. doi: 10.1007/s10555-013-9456-2.

Abstract

Ovarian adenocarcinoma is characterized by a late detection, dissemination of cancer cells into the whole peritoneum, and the frequent acquisition of chemoresistance. If these particularities can be explained in part by intrinsic properties of ovarian cancer cells, an increased number of studies show the importance of the tumor microenvironment in tumor progression. Ovarian cancer cells can regulate the composition of their stroma in promoting the formation of ascitic fluid, rich in cytokines and bioactive lipids, and in stimulating the differentiation of stromal cells into a pro-tumoral phenotype. In return, cancer-associated fibroblasts, cancer-associated mesenchymal stem cells, tumor-associated macrophages, or other peritoneal cells, such as adipocytes and mesothelial cells can regulate tumor growth, angiogenesis, dissemination, and chemoresistance. This review focuses on the current knowledge about the roles of stromal cells and the associated secreted factors on tumor progression. We also summarize the different studies showing that targeting the microenvironment represents a great potential for improving the prognosis of patients with ovarian adenocarcinoma.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adenocarcinoma / drug therapy
  • Adenocarcinoma / metabolism
  • Adenocarcinoma / pathology*
  • Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Cytokines / metabolism
  • Disease Progression
  • Drug Resistance, Neoplasm
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Ovarian Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Ovarian Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Ovarian Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Stromal Cells / metabolism
  • Stromal Cells / pathology
  • Tumor Microenvironment*

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Cytokines