Mitochondrial changes in endometrial carcinoma: possible role in tumor diagnosis and prognosis (review)

Oncol Rep. 2015 Mar;33(3):1011-8. doi: 10.3892/or.2014.3690. Epub 2014 Dec 22.

Abstract

Endometrial carcinoma (EC) is a solid neoplasia for which a role for mitochondria in cancer progression is currently emerging and yet represents a diagnostic and prognostic challenge. EC is one of the most frequently occurring gynecological malignancies in the Western world whose incidence has increased significantly during the last decades. Here, we review the literature data on mitochondrial changes reported in EC, namely, mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) mutations, increase in mitochondrial biogenesis and discuss whether they may be used as new cancer biomarkers for early detection and prognosis of this cancer.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • DNA, Mitochondrial
  • Endometrial Neoplasms / genetics
  • Endometrial Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Mitochondria / genetics
  • Mitochondria / pathology*
  • Mutation

Substances

  • DNA, Mitochondrial