High-grade serous ovarian carcinoma (HGSOC), the most prevalent and aggressive form of ovarian cancer, poses significant challenges regarding detection and treatment and represents a leading cause of cancer-related deaths in women. At the Carlos Simon Foundation, the Gynecological Tumors Research Group led by Dr. Aymara Mas (in collaboration with gynecological oncologists from Hospital La Fe) aims to improve our understanding of HGSOC and develop improved methods for diagnosis and clinical management.
What Makes Ovarian Cancer Difficult to Detect?
Ovarian cancer is often referred to as a “silent killer,” as disease symptoms – such as bloating or abdominal pain – are unspecific and easily confused with other conditions. Consequently, ovarian cancer is frequently diagnosed only at an advanced stage, significantly reducing the chances of treatment success. Current diagnostic methods – including the CA125 blood test biomarker and imaging – frequently fail to identify early-stage ovarian cancer; in response, research by the Mas lab aims to develop early detection strategies to address this critical challenge.
What We Know About Ovarian Cancer
HGSOC often arises in a background of TP53 mutations and defects in DNA repair mechanisms; however, disease pathology exhibits significant heterogeneity, including variations in genetic mutations, cellular composition, and the surrounding microenvironment, which all contribute to disease progression and therapeutic resistance.
Ongoing work in the Gynecological Tumors Research Group also involves exploring the potential of liquid biopsies: minimally invasive blood tests that detect tiny fragments of tumor-derived nucleic acids or other biomarkers circulating in the bloodstream. This approach holds immense promise for earlier cancer detection and real-time monitoring of treatment effectiveness, eliminating the need for invasive procedures.
Looking Ahead
Our research focuses on the application of molecular tools to analyze gynecological tumors on a more personalized level, aiming to create improved diagnostic methods specifically for ovarian cancer. By emphasizing early detection and precision care, our team aims to improve patient outcomes.
To learn more about our work, visit the following link: https://carlossimonfoundation.com/research/molecular-and-cellular-origin-of-gynecological-tumors