Ovarian Cancer

By:
Stephanie Carrera
Deena Kishawi
Riyan Yanes
Anna Zurek

Normal Function and Physiology

Gonads
Contain eggs

Normal Function and Physiology

Endocrine function
o
o
o

Estrogen
Progesterone
Relaxin

Physiology of the Disorder

- What is cancer?
group of diseases
mutation
uncontrolled proliferation
evasion of apoptosis
angiogenesis

Physiology of the Disorder

MET
AST
ASIS

Physiology of the Disorder

- symptoms often absent in the early stages
- persistent

abdominal pain
urinary symptoms
bloating/weight loss
upset stomach
menstrual changes
fatigue

Major Types of Ovarian Cancer

Site of Origin

(structural tissue cells)

Epithelial ovarian cancer

Germ cell ovarian cancer
Stromal ovarian cancer
(ova)

Possible Causes
- risk factors rather than
solid causes
age
genetics
inherited mutations

BRCA1 BRCA2

acquired mutations

chemicals?
radiation?

ovulation
pregnancy,

Discussion
1. Some researchers think that there may be some relationship between
ovulation and the risk of developing ovarian cancer. Why do you think this
is?
2. CA-125 is a protein found in blood. Many women with ovarian cancer
exhibit high levels of CA-125. Why is this not the best alternative for
screening?
3. Hormone therapy has had successful outcomes in treating ovarian cancer.
How is Tamoxifen, a drug often used to treat breast cancer, used to treat
ovarian cancer? (Think about Tamoxifens anti-estrogen activity)
4. Why is taking birth control or being pregnant a risk reducer for ovarian
cancer?
5. Ovarian cancer is often very difficult to diagnose. What are some potential
ways that we can make this a less difficult diagnosis?

Conclusion
Treatments
Surgery
Chemotherapy
Radiotherapy
New Research
Screening
Gene Therapy

Treatments
Surgery
Early Ovarian Cancer (Stage 1)
Advanced Ovarian Cancer (Stages 2 and 3)
Total Abdominal Hysterectomy
Bilateral Salpingo Oophorectomy
Debulking

Treatments
Chemotherapy
Dependent on cancer stage
Usually after surgery
Intravenous 6 weeks
Taxol
Carboplatin

Treatments
Radiotherapy
Uncommon
Post-surgery
Stages 1-2

New Research
Screening
Current method ineffective
CA-125 Test

New Research
Gene Therapy
Inhibiting RNA molecules target CD44
protein

Works Cited
Journals:
Rauh-Hain, J. A., Krivak, T. C., del Carmen, M. G., & Olawaiye, A. B. (2011). Ovarian Cancer Screening and Early Detection in the
General Population. Reviews in Obstetrics and Gynecology, 4(1), 1521.
Shah, V., Taratula, O., Garbuzenko, O. B., Taratula, O. R., Rodriguez-Rodriguez, L., & Minko, T. (2013). Targeted Nanomedicine for
Suppression of CD44 and Simultaneous Cell Death Induction in Ovarian Cancer: an Optimal Delivery of siRNA and Anticancer
Drug. Clinical Cancer Research: An Official Journal of the American Association for Cancer Research, 19(22), 10.1158/1078
0432.CCR 131536. doi:10.1158/1078-0432.CCR-13-1536

Organization Website: National Cancer Institute http://www.cancer.gov/about-nci

Additional Websites:
http://www.unc.edu/depts/our/hhmi/hhmi-ft_learning_modules/cancermodule/pages/cancer.html
http://www.cancer.org/cancer/ovariancancer/detailedguide/ovarian-cancer-what-causes
http://bionews-tx.com/news/2014/07/17/new-route-for-ovarian-cancer-spread-uncovered-by-md-anderson-researchers/
http://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/type/ovarian-cancer/