Biological Basis for Chemoprevention of Ovarian Cancer
Abstract
Since reduction of ovulation is protective against ovarian cancer, prevention may represent a feasible approach to decreasing mortality. To achieve a better understanding of the etiology of ovarian cancer, which will translate into more effective chemoprevention strategies, we have initiated a molecular epidemiologic study in North Carolina. The study will consider genetic susceptibility, reproductive/hormonal and other exposures and acquired genetic alterations. The award from the DOD has been supplemented by a grant from the NCI allowing us to increase the number of cases and controls included; and the study will now be population-based with subjects recruited from 48 counties of central North Carolina. Subjects are interviewed in their homes, rather than by telephone, and about 200 women with ovarian cancer and 200 controls have been accrued thus far. Blood and cancer samples have been collected and DNA extracted and molecular analyses of p53, c-myc and genetic polymorphisms have recently commenced. Because progestins have a potent apoptotic effect on ovarian epithelial cells, the use of levonorgestrel in chemoprevention of ovarian cancer is being explored in chickens and women. A chemoprevention trial is ongoing in chickens and we will begin a trial to determine whether levonorgestrel induces apoptosis in the ovarian epithelium of women undergoing oophorectomy.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2000
- Accession Number
- ADA387659
Entities
People
- Andrew Berchuck
Organizations
- Duke University Hospital