title: Molecular markers in epithelial ovarian cancer: their role in prognosis and therapy.
abstract: Epithelial cancer of the ovary is the most lethal malignancy of all gynaecological cancers. Various clinical and pathological features of ovarian cancer are used as predictors of clinical outcome. The use of molecular markers in common clinical practice seems promising for the diagnosis and prognostication. The aim of this review article is to describe current theories regarding the pathogenesis and molecular evolution of epithelial ovarian cancer. With respect to the molecules involved, this article focuses on whether they are associated with poor prognosis or not. This evaluation is performed in light of the progress made and the potential usefulness in treatment decisions without overlooking existing controversies that should be further studied. It is tempting to anticipate the gradual integration of molecular profiling in clinical practice.
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical Therapeutics, Alexandra Hospital, University of Athens School of Medicine, Athens, Greece. florazagouri@yahoo.co.uk
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Zagouri
authors.forename: M A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Dimopoulos
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Bournakis
authors.forename: C A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Papadimitriou
mesh_terms: D000077216:Carcinoma, Ovarian Epithelial; D019143:Evolution, Molecular; D005260:Female; D016158:Genes, p53; D006801:Humans; D009375:Neoplasms, Glandular and Epithelial / Q000737:chemistry / Q000209:etiology / Q000401:mortality / Q000628:therapy; D010051:Ovarian Neoplasms / Q000737:chemistry / Q000209:etiology / Q000401:mortality / Q000628:therapy; D011379:Prognosis; D018719:Erb-b2 Receptor Tyrosine Kinases / Q000032:analysis; D011960:Receptors, Estrogen / Q000032:analysis; D011980:Receptors, Progesterone / Q000032:analysis; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A / Q000032:analysis
chemical_list: D018719:Erb-b2 Receptor Tyrosine Kinases; D011960:Receptors, Estrogen; D011980:Receptors, Progesterone; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A; C508053:ERBB2 protein, human