Update on granulosa cell tumours of the ovary.
OBJECTIVE
Granulosa cell tumours of the ovary are an uncommon ovarian sex-cord stromal tumour. These neoplasms provide a spectrum of clinical presentations that span from the first to the tenth decade. Surgery represents the primary therapy for early stage disease; however, management of women with advanced disease is less clear. Because of their relative rarity, evidence to support decision-making in the management of granulosa cell tumours is limited. The purpose of this review is to provide the clinician with an updated knowledge of the clinical and molecular aspects of granulosa cell tumours in order to guide therapy.


RESULTS
The clinical stage, mitotic index and cellular atypia correlate most strongly with prognosis. However, these tumours may demonstrate heterogeneous genetic aberrations that can predict behaviour and response to therapy. Case series and reports suggest that postoperative combination chemotherapy is of most benefit in advanced disease. Serial measurements of serum inhibin may be helpful in the follow-up of these women, particularly in the post-menopausal group.


CONCLUSIONS
The pathology and treatment of women with granulosa cell tumours of the ovary is complex. Such women should be managed in a multidisciplinary gynaecological oncology unit. A better understanding of the molecular pathology may assist treatment.
Stuart
Gavin C E
GC
Department of Oncology, University of Calgary, Tom Baker Cancer Centre, 1331-29th Street NW, Calgary, Alberta T2N 4N2, Canada. gavinst@cancerboard.ab.ca
Dawson
Lesa M
LM
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D017677:Age Distribution; D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor / Q000032:analysis*; D001707:Biopsy, Needle; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006106:Granulosa Cell Tumor / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007265:Inhibins / Q000032:analysis / Q000378:metabolism*; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000601:surgery; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D010051:Ovarian Neoplasms / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery*; D018570:Risk Assessment; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor; D007265:Inhibins