Abstract
Introduction
Serous ovarian carcinomas (SOCs) are the commonest epithelial ovarian carcinomas (EOCs). EOCs are subdivided into low-grade serous ovarian carcinomas (LGSOCs) or type 1 and high-grade serous ovarian carcinomas (HGSOCs) or type 2. LGSOC are less common, occur at a younger age, have a better prognosis and are relatively chemoresistant. LGSOC have a higher expression of estrogen receptors (ER) and progesterone receptors (ER-PgR) and are said to be hormone sensitive. Studies have shown higher PgR positivity in LGSOC than in HGSOC. Literature states that the number of ER reduces in ovaries immediately after menopause, whereas PgR receptors persist for some time.
Method
Receptor (ER-PgR) profile of 157 women (out of 202 women with diagnosed or suspected ovarian malignancy) with EOC (both LGSOC and HGSOC) who were treated at a tertiary care cancer hospital over a period of two years was retrospectively collected and analyzed. The ER-PgR profile of these women was also studied in relation to early and late menopausal period.
Result
Analysis showed that ER-PgR profile was different for LGSOC and HGSOC. It was also found that the profile of hormone receptors and their ratio was different in early and late menopausal period keeping other variables constant.
Conclusion
LGSOC occurs in comparatively younger women and is mostly diagnosed in early postmenopause, i.e., within five years of menopause. Apart from showing a definite pattern, the ER-PgR ratio is also altered during this period. It can therefore be concluded that the altered ER-PgR ratio might be responsible for pathogenesis of LGSOC rather than absolute numbers or percentages of estrogen and progesterone receptors. This can lead to an alteration in the hormone therapy protocol for management of LGSOC if proven in further research.
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patni, R., sethi, N. Low Grade Serous Ovarian Cancer: Is disturbed Receptor Ratio (ER: PgR) an Etiogenic Factor?. Indian J Gynecol Oncolog 19, 94 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40944-021-00556-2
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40944-021-00556-2