The multiple facets of ovarian high grade serous carcinoma: A review on morphological, immunohistochemical and molecular features.

Antonio Travaglino, Gian Franco Zannoni, Angela Santoro, Saveria Spadola, Emma Bragantini, Giuseppe Angelico, Frediano Inzani, Angela Pettinato, Manuel Mazzucchelli, Livia Maccio

Journal: Critical reviews in oncology/hematology 2025;208():104603

PMID: 39732305

Full Text on Elsevier Science View on PubMed

Abstract

High-grade serous ovarian carcinoma (HGSOC) is the most aggressive subtype of epithelial ovarian cancer and a leading cause of mortality among gynecologic malignancies. This review aims to comprehensively analyze the morphological, immunohistochemical, and molecular features of HGSOC, highlighting its pathogenesis and identifying biomarkers with diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic significance. Special emphasis is placed on the role of tumor microenvironment (TME) and genomic instability in shaping the tumor's behavior and therapeutic vulnerabilities. Key advancements, such as the identification of TP53 and BRCA mutations, the classification of homologous recombination repair (HRR) deficiencies, and the clinical implications of biomarkers like folate receptor alpha (FRα) and PD-L1 are discussed. These findings reveal actionable insights into targeted therapies, including immune checkpoint inhibitors and PARP inhibitors, which hold promise for improving outcomes in HGSOC. This synthesis of knowledge aims to bridge gaps in understanding HGSOC's multifaceted biology, enhance clinical decision-making, and foster the development of precision therapies.

Address: Pathology Institute, Catholic University of Sacred Heart, Rome 00168, Italy; Pathology Unit, Department of Woman and Child's Health and Public Health Sciences, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome 00168, Italy.; Department of Medicine and Surgery, Kore University of Enna, Enna 94100, Italy.; Pathology Unit, Department of Medicine and Technological Innovation, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy.; Anatomic Pathology Unit, Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Pavia and Fondazione IRCCS San Matteo Hospital, Pavia 27100, Italy.; Department of Pathological Anatomy, A.O.E. Cannizzaro, Via Messina, 829, Catania 95126, Italy.; Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies "G.F. Ingrassia", Anatomic Pathology, University of Catania, Catania, Italy.; Unit of Surgical Pathology, Santa Chiara Hospital, APSS, Trento, Italy.; Pathology Institute, Catholic University of Sacred Heart, Rome 00168, Italy; Pathology Unit, Department of Woman and Child's Health and Public Health Sciences, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome 00168, Italy. Electronic address: [email protected].

DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2024.104603

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https://medlineplus.gov/ovariancancer.html

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https://assays.cancer.gov/CPTAC-951

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https://antibodies.cancer.gov/detail/CPTC-CD274-1

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MeSH Terms: Humans, Female, Ovarian Neoplasms, Cystadenocarcinoma, Serous, Biomarkers, Tumor, Tumor Microenvironment, Neoplasm Grading, Immunohistochemistry, Prognosis, Carcinoma, Ovarian Epithelial, Mutation