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Ovarian cancer comprises a diverse group of neoplasms originating from ovarian tissues. While epithelial ovarian carcinomas are the most prevalent, several rare subtypes present unique diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. Alfa Cytology has dedicated over a decade to the study of these rare ovarian cancers, striving to explore and understand the complexities of these diseases in depth.
Ovarian cancer is a complex spectrum of malignancies that arise from the various tissues of the ovary. Although the majority of these cancers are classified as epithelial ovarian carcinomas, which are the most frequently diagnosed, there is a constellation of rare subtypes that pose distinctive challenges in terms of diagnosis and treatment.
Fig 1. Outlining the mechanisms by which obesity and diabetes influence ovarian cancer. (KHANLARKHANI N, et al., 2022)
According to the fifth edition of the WHO Histological Classification of Ovarian Tumours (2020), these rare ovarian cancers can be categorized based on their histological features.
| Rare Ovarian Cancer | Description |
| Small Cell Carcinoma of the Ovary | Small cell carcinoma of the ovary, hypercalcemic type (SCCOHT), is a rare, aggressive ovarian tumor known for secreting parathyroid hormone-related protein (PTHrP) that leads to hypercalcemia. The tumor features small, rounded, or spindle-shaped cells with high nuclear division activity. |
| Clear Cell Carcinoma | Clear cell tumors (CCTs), a rare ovarian neoplasm subtype, are characterized by cells with clear or eosinophilic cytoplasm and notable cellular heterogeneity and invasiveness in malignant cases. |
| Brenner Tumor | Brenner tumors most are benign and composed of cells resembling urothelial epithelium. They typically present as unicompartmental or multicompartmental cystic masses, often containing areas of hardened calcification within their walls. |
| Serous Tumours | Serous tumors encompass a spectrum of ovarian neoplasms, ranging from benign forms such as cystadenomas and adenofibromas, through borderline or potentially malignant serous tumors, to overtly malignant lesions. |
| Mucinous Tumours | Mucinous tumors, are characterized by mucus-producing epithelial cells and typically present as cystic structures filled with abundant mucus. Histologically, these tumors may exhibit cellular anisotropy and, in malignant cases, invasive growth. |
| Company | Targets | Name | Molecule Type | Phase |
| Pfizer | PARP Inhibitor | PF-07104091 | Small Molecule |
|
| Merck | PD-1 Receptor | KEYTRUDA | Antibody |
|
| GlaxoSmithKline | Poly (ADP-Ribose) Polymerase (PARP) 1/2 Inhibitor | Niraparib Zejula | Small Molecule |
|
| Novartis | PI3K-Alpha Inhibitor | Piqray® | Small Molecule |
|
| ImmunoGen | FRα | GLORIOSA | Small Molecule |
|
Disclaimer: Alfa Cytology focuses on providing preclinical research service. This table is for information exchange purposes only. This table is not a treatment plan recommendation. For guidance on treatment options, please visit a regular hospital.
Alfa Cytology has in-depth insight and comprehensive knowledge of many rare ovarian cancers, and we are committed to advancing scientific discovery and medical advances in this field to bring about more accurate diagnosis and more effective treatment options.
Cell Lines of Rare Ovarian Cancer
Small Cell Carcinoma of the Ovary
Clear Cell Carcinoma
Brenner Tumor
Serous Tumours
Mucinous Tumours
Selection of Cell Lines and Animal Models
Choose rare, representative ovarian cancer cell lines and create animal models with immunodeficient mice to mimic human tumor growth and metastasis, ensuring study validity.
Tumor Cell Transplantation and Monitoring
Transplant tumor cells into animal models via intraperitoneal or subcutaneous injection. Regularly measure tumor volume and use imaging and biomarkers for growth and treatment response evaluation.
Preclinical Studies
Assess various chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy regimens for tumor efficacy. Conduct histological and molecular studies to understand tumor biology and treatment mechanisms, supporting future clinical trials.
Case Study
Cell Line: OVCAR-3
Age: 7-8 weeks
Weight: 20-22 g
Species: SCID Mice
Sex: Female
Fig. 2 Establishment of the OVCAR-3 orthotopic xenograft models
Initially, a primary tumor was established via subcutaneous inoculation into the right scapular region of SCID mice. Once the tumor volume reached approximately 1,000 mm3, the mice were euthanized, and fresh tumor tissue was harvested under sterile conditions. The tissue was dissected into 1 mm3 fragments and maintained in ice-cold PBS. Recipient SCID mice were anesthetized, and the right ovary was exposed through a dorsal subcostal incision. A single tumor fragment was then surgically sutured to the ovarian surface to establish the orthotopic model (Fig. 2).
We evaluated the antitumor efficacy of Drug A in this orthotopic xenograft model of ovarian clear cell carcinoma. Representative histological analysis is shown in Figure 3. Compared to the vehicle control group, Drug A treatment significantly improved overall survival (Fig. 4).
Fig. 3 Representative H&E staining of tumor tissues from subcutaneous and orthotopic xenograft models
Fig. 4 Survival analysis of mice in the OVCAR-3 orthotopic xenograft model
Equipped with a wealth of experience in researching rare ovarian cancers, Alfa Cytology is capable of conducting a diverse array of research programs. If you harbor a passion for exploring the mysteries of rare ovarian cancers, please do not hesitate to contact us at any time and we look forward to talking to you.
Reference
For research use only.
Alfa Cytology, located in New York, specializes in preclinical research solutions to support ovarian cancer therapy development, offering a streamlined process from target discovery to IND application.
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