The Intraovarian Tumorigenesis of Extraovarian Originated Ovarian Cancer
Abstract
The mortality rate of ovarian cancer remains high due to the late diagnosis and recurrence. To understand how ovarian cancer initiates and what triggers its progression is a fundamental step towards the discovery of reliable early detection markers and better treatments. Recent studies prove that ovarian cancer is a complex disease that can originate outside the ovary. However, how the cancer cells travel into the ovary has not been studied. The impact of the ovarian environment on these cancer cells after they arrive in the ovary and how it triggers tumor progression are still unclear. The increased ovulation is associated with increased risk of ovarian cancer. The ovulation cycles cause the repeatedly rupture and repair of ovary tissue and the secretion of many protein factors. I hypothesize that ovulation increases the chance for malignant cells to enter the ovary; the ovarian environment supports the survival of malignant cells; in later life menopause-associated changes of the ovary trigger the rapid expansion of ovarian cancer cells. To test my hypothesis, I will use cell-based models and mouse ovarian cancer models to identify the critical factors that regulate the migration process of malignant cells towards the ovary and the factors that maintain the survival and expansion of cancer cell in the ovary. I will focus on understanding how this deadly disease develops at different phase of a women s life and explore the possibility to prevent or inhibit the initiation or progression of ovarian cancer. My career goal is to formulate my original research ideas of ovarian cancer molecular biology and advance the fundamental knowledge of ovarian cancer initiation and progression. It is of utmost importance for me to make my findings relevant to the clinical medical practice and to apply my knowledge to changing the detection and treatment of ovarian cancer, eventually reducing the mortality rate and improving ovarian cancer patients quality of life. To reach my goal, it is essential for me to acquire grants to fund my research and a tenured faculty position to sustain my independent career. The findings of this research will support the extra-ovarian origin theory and provide new insights into the molecular mechanism of ovarian tumor initiation. This study will build the foundation for the future translational research and facilitate the discovery of new targets for the early detection and prevention of ovarian cancer. The improvement of early detection will diagnose more ovarian cancer patients at an earlier stage and allow them to receive treatment earlier and therefore significantly improve their clinical outcome and increase their survival rate. Understanding the mechanism behind the association of ovarian cancer and its risk factors, such as ovulation and menopause, will aid the development of prevention strategies. Our increasing knowledge in this area will guide many women to avoid risk factors and protect them from this deadly disease.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Apr 04, 2016
- Source ID
- W81XWH1510221
Entities
People
- Yang Yang-Hartwich
Organizations
- United States Army
- Yale University