Gestational trophoblastic neoplasia, an ancient disease: new light and potential therapeutic targets.
Gestational trophoblastic neoplasia is a rare malignancy, which can occur after any type of pregnancy. The incidence varies according to the geographical location and ethnic origin. Although most patients with gestational trophoblastic neoplasia are cured by conventional chemotherapy and surgery, some suffer resistant disease and may die. New therapeutic agents are needed to reduce the toxicity associated with conventional chemotherapy and treat those with resistant or refractory disease. Molecular targeted treatment provides an exciting avenue, however, the biology of gestational trophoblastic neoplasia is not well understood. This review briefly summarises the recent advances in understanding the pathogenesis and molecular biology of this group of diseases and sheds light on molecules that could provide potential therapeutic targets.
Alazzam
Mo'iad
M
Department of Gynaecologic Oncology, Royal Hallamshire Hospital, Sheffield, UK. m.alazzam@sheffield.ac.uk
Tidy
John
J
Hancock
Barry W
BW
Powers
Hilary
H
D000818:Animals; D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D002471:Cell Transformation, Neoplastic / Q000187:drug effects; D016503:Drug Delivery Systems / Q000379:methods* / Q000639:trends*; D044127:Epigenesis, Genetic / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D005492:Folic Acid / Q000494:pharmacology; D031901:Gestational Trophoblastic Disease / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000235:genetics; D006801:Humans; D039382:Maternal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; D008495:Medical Oncology / Q000639:trends; D008954:Models, Biological; D011247:Pregnancy
D005492:Folic Acid