The cell of origin of ovarian epithelial tumours

Abstract

Although ovarian epithelial tumors are widely believed to arise in the coelomic epithelium that covers the ovarian surface, it was also suggested that they could instead arise from tissues that are embryologically derived from the mullerian ducts. This article revisits this debate based on recent epidemiological and molecular biological observations as well as evidence based on histopathological observations of surgical specimens from individuals with familial ovarian cancer predisposition. Morphological, embryological, and molecular biological characteristics of ovarian epithelial tumors that must be accounted for in formulating a theory about their cell of origin are reviewed, followed by comments about the ability of these two hypotheses to account for each of these characteristics. An argument is made that primary ovarian epithelial tumors fallopian tube carcinomas, and primary peritoneal carcinomas are all mullerian in nature and could therefore be regarded as a single disease entity. Although a significant proportion of cancers presently regarded as of primary ovarian origin arise in the fimbriated end of the fallopian tube, this site cannot account for an equally significant proportion of these tumors, which are most likely derived from components of the secondary mullerian system.

Gonadotropin-induced ovarian cancer cell migration and proliferation require extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 activation regulated by calcium and protein kinase Cδ

“…Approximately 90% of ovarian cancers are thought to arise from the ovarian surface epithelial (OSE) cell layer or fallopian tube fimbria, but little is known about their aetiology (Dubeau 2008). There is increasing evidence that the hormonal environment surrounding the ovaries can influence the development of ovarian cancer (Riman et al 2004, Lukanova & Kaaks 2005.…”

A novel outlook on preventive tubectomy

“…Кроме того, по своему эмбриональому происхождению ткани шейки матки, эндометрия и маточных труб развиваются из мюл-леровых ходов, тогда как яичники развиваются из мезо-дермального эпителия мочеполового тяжа отдельно. Та-ким образом, была выдвинута альтернативная теория, со-гласно которой опухоли, схожие по фенотипу с тканями мюллеровых ходов (серозные, эндометриоидные и свет-ло-клеточные), являются их производными, а не мезоте-лия [8]. Согласно этой теории, опухоли яичников разви-ваются из паратубарных и параовариальных кист, вы-стланных цилиндрическим или мерцательным эпители-ем.…”

Misperceptions of ovarian cancer risk in women at increased risk for hereditary ovarian cancer

“…It is now recognised that fallopian tube and primary peritoneal carcinomas are histologically and clinically identical to invasive serous epithelial ovarian cancer and have a common embryological origin, with many now considered to be derived from the fimbria of the fallopian tubes [7]. However for the sake of brevity, this group of cancers will be referred to as 'ovarian cancer' hereafter, although arguably the term 'ovarian cancer' is misleading and the best terminology is being debated at present.…”