New Insights in the Pathophysiology of Borderline Ovarian Tumors and Epithelial Ovarian Cancer

Dear Colleagues,

We invite you to share your knowledge in the field of borderline and malignant epithelial ovarian tumors. The term ‘ovarian carcinoma’ refers to a heterogenous group of ovarian tumors, including serous, mucinous, endometroid, clear-cell and undifferentiated carcinomas, each with distinct molecular features and unique prognosis. A growing body of evidence suggests that at least two separate differentiation pathways may exist in ovarian carcinogenesis, leading to the formation of various types of ovarian carcinomas. On the first pathway, normal ovarian tissues undergo transformation into a borderline tumor, which may later progress to low-grade serous carcinoma (LGSC), or a mucinous, endometroid or clear-cell tumor. Borderline tumors represent approximately 10–20% of all epithelial ovarian lesions. Type 1 tumors harbor mutations in multiple genes and have relatively high genetic stability. Lesions from this group are characterized by slow growth, an approximately 55% five-year survival rate and high resistance to chemotherapy. In contrast, type 2 tumors demonstrate dynamic proliferation and huge genetic instability, harbor p53 gene mutations and have a high proliferative index. This group includes high-grade serous carcinomas (HGSCs), malignant mixed mesodermal tumors (MMMTs) and undifferentiated ovarian carcinomas. Serum borderline tumors and type 1 ovarian carcinomas are diagnosed markedly less often than type 2 malignancies, in particular HGSC. It is postulated that LGSCs develop from previously existing serous cystadenomas or serous borderline tumors, which may progress to invasive ovarian carcinomas. Understanding the molecular profile of ovarian cancer is crucial for the accurate diagnosis and selection of an optimal adjuvant therapy to be implemented after primary surgical treatment. Clinicopathological features of ovarian tumors are essential to help determine the individual risk of recurrence and the need for adjuvant treatment after surgery. The aim of this Special Issue is to welcome researchers to submit original papers, review articles or commentaries in the field of borderline ovarian tumors and epithelial ovarian cancer.

Dr. Paweł Sadłecki
Dr. Małgorzata Wałentowicz-Sadłecka
Guest Editors

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• ovarian cancer
• borderline ovarian tumor
• carcinogenesis
• epithelial ovarian cancer
• pathophysiology