c-Raf Expression and Ovarian Cancer Treatment
Author Information
Author(s): McPhillips F, Mullen P, Monia B P, Ritchie A A, Dorr F A, Smyth J F, Langdon S P
Primary Institution: ICRF Medical Oncology Unit, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh, EH4 2XU, UK
Hypothesis
High levels of c-Raf expression may be important in ovarian cancer and targeting it with antisense oligonucleotides could improve treatment outcomes.
Conclusion
The study found that high c-Raf expression is linked to poor survival in ovarian cancer, and targeting c-Raf with antisense oligonucleotides can inhibit cancer cell growth.
Supporting Evidence
- c-Raf was present in 49 out of 53 ovarian adenocarcinomas investigated.
- High c-Raf expression correlated significantly with poor survival.
- Antisense oligonucleotides reduced c-Raf protein levels and inhibited cell proliferation in vitro.
- ISIS 5132 produced enhanced apoptosis in ovarian cancer cells.
- In vivo, ISIS 5132 inhibited growth of the SKOV-3 xenograft.
Takeaway
This study shows that a protein called c-Raf is found in many ovarian cancer cases, and using special medicines can help fight the cancer by targeting this protein.
Methodology
The study used immunohistochemical staining to assess c-Raf expression in ovarian adenocarcinomas and tested antisense oligonucleotides in vitro and in vivo.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.002
Statistical Significance
p = 0.002
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website