Molecular
genetic evidence that endometriosis is a precursor of
ovarian cancer
Researchers at Oxford University in the UK have analysed
10 endometriosis-associated ovarian cancers (EAOCs)
(endometrioid=4; clear cell=6) with coexisting endometriosis
for common molecular genetic alterations in both the
carcinoma and corresponding endometriosis [1].
Whereas it had still been unclear whether endometriosis
is a precursor to EAOCs, or whether there is an indirect
link because similar factors predispose to both diseases,
histopathology and epidemiology studies have consistently
demonstrated a strong link between endometriosis and
EAOCs --in particular, the endometrioid and clear cell
subtypes.
The team used 82 microsatellite markers spanning the
genome to examine loss of heterozygosity (LOH) in the
coexisting carcinoma and endometriosis samples. A total
of 63 LOH events were detected in the carcinoma samples;
twenty two of these were also detected in the corresponding
endometriosis samples. In each case, the same allele
was lost in the endometriosis and cancer samples. Interestingly,
no marker showed LOH in the endometriosis alone.
According to Patrick Groothuis PhD from Maastricht
University in the Netherlands "this report provides
the first genetic evidence that endometriosis can indeed
be a precursor for endometriosis-associated ovarian
cancers (EAOCs) and confirms the hypothesis that endometriosis
is a pre-cancerous lesion" [2].
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