Markers of Angiogenesis in Ovarian Cancer

Abstract

Tumor development and progression are inherently dependent on the process of angiogenesis. Recently, anti-angiogenic therapy has started to show promise as an effective treatment strategy in many solid tumors including ovarian carcinoma. Unfortunately, lack of effective biomarkers presents a challenge for oncologists in treatment planning as well as monitoring response of new anti-vascular agents. Previously, quantification of angiogenesis by microvessel density analysis provided useful prognostic information, however, its utility following anti-angiogenic therapy remains to be determined. Moreover, since secreted cytokines play an active part in angiogenesis by mediating neovascularization in tumors, investigations have focused on their potential role to serve as candidate biomarkers of disease detection, prognosis, and treatment response. In this article, we review the role of key angiogenesis markers as potential biomarkers in ovarian carcinoma.

Anti-angiogenic Agents in Ovarian Cancer: Dawn of a New Era?

“…In contrast, another study found that the MVD from the primary ovarian tumors (assessed by vWF and CD31) was independently related to poorer outcomes in early stage (I and II) patients, but not in advanced stage (III and IV) patients [9]. A summary of these and other studies examining the correlation of MVD with disease characteristics and outcome can be found in a review by Merritt and Sood [10].…”

Computer-aided Image Processing of Angiogenic Histological Samples in Ovarian Cancer

“…Bamberger and Perret in 2002 concluded that in contrast with the breast tumor evaluation, there is no clear correlation of the MVD parameter with an ovarian cancer patient age, tumor stage, growth rate, dimension, ascites; for the various histological subtypes of ovarian cancer, MVD is different [1]. The further research in this direction elucidated the similar contradictions [74]. It can be hypothesized that the discrepancy of various conclusions is explained by the heterogeneity of patients genotypes in context of the biomarker expression.…”

Prognostic biomarkers in ovarian cancer

“…58 Although IL-6-mediated tumor growth and angiogenesis has been demonstrated in ovarian cancer models, 59 the benefit of IL-6 as a marker of ovarian tumor angiogenesis remains to be determined. 52 …”