Aberrant non-canonical WNT pathway as key-driver of high-grade serous ovarian cancer development

Excerpt

Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC), the deadliest among gynecologic malignancies, is ranked as the fifth leading cause of cancer deaths in females [1]. Based on morphological findings, cellular origins, clinical characteristics, and several molecular genetic/epigenetic alterations, EOC has been subdivided into five main types: high-grade serous (HGSC, 70%), endometrioid (EC, 10%), clear cell (CC, 10%), mucinous (MC, 3%), and low-grade serous carcinomas (LGSC, < 5%) that account for over 95% of cases [2]. HGSCs generally harbor TP53 alterations, a pronounced genomic instability and, also, inherited and somatic BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations. The other abovementioned cancer types are frequently characterized by mutations in KRAS, BRAF, PTEN, and CTNNB1 (Beta-catenin), and a relatively stable karyotype [2]. …