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Low-grade serous ovarian cancer: a unique disease

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Abstract

Low-grade serous carcinomas represent approximately 10% of all serous ovarian carcinomas. A growing body of research has demonstrated several important differences between the clinical and molecular characteristics of these tumors and those of high-grade serous ovarian carcinomas. Patients with low-grade serous ovarian tumors are diagnosed at a younger age, have a longer overall survival, and have lower response rates to conventional chemotherapy. In addition, low-grade serous ovarian carcinomas have pathologic and molecular characteristics distinct from high-grade serous carcinomas, yet similar to serous tumors of low malignant potential. This suggests a common pathogenesis and a continuum of disease from serous tumors of low malignant potential to low-grade serous carcinomas. Further study, focusing specifically on low-grade serous carcinomas, is needed to determine the role of other chemotherapeutic agents, hormonal therapy, or targeted biologic agents in the treatment of this disease.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Gynecologic Oncology, University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, PO Box 301439, Unit 1362, Houston, TX, 77230, USA

    David M. Gershenson

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  1. Kathleen M. Schmeler
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  2. David M. Gershenson
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Correspondence to David M. Gershenson.

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Schmeler, K.M., Gershenson, D.M. Low-grade serous ovarian cancer: a unique disease. Curr Oncol Rep 10, 519–523 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11912-008-0078-8

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