Epithelial Ovarian Cancer Stem Cells and Their Role in Recurrence
Author Information
Author(s): Karina Dahl Steffensen, Ayesha B. Alvero, Yang Yang, Marianne Waldstrøm, Hui Pei, Jennie C. Holmberg, Dan-Arin Silasi, Anders Jakobsen, Thomas Rutherford, Gil Mor
Primary Institution: Yale University, School of Medicine
Hypothesis
The number of CD44+ EOC stem cells in ovarian cancer tumors correlates with progression-free survival.
Conclusion
Higher numbers of CD44+ EOC stem cells are associated with shorter progression-free survival in early-stage ovarian cancer.
Supporting Evidence
- 17.1% of samples had high numbers of CD44+ EOC stem cells.
- Patients with early-stage ovarian cancer had significantly higher CD44+ EOC stem cells.
- High CD44+ EOC stem cell levels correlated with shorter progression-free survival.
Takeaway
This study found that more cancer stem cells in ovarian tumors can mean a higher chance of the cancer coming back after treatment.
Methodology
The study analyzed CD44+ EOC stem cells in tumor samples from 117 patients and correlated their presence with clinical outcomes.
Limitations
The study is retrospective and has a small cohort, particularly in early-stage patients.
Participant Demographics
The majority of patients were older than 50 years with serous ovarian cancer, FIGO stage II and higher.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.026
Confidence Interval
95% CI (1.08–5.52)
Statistical Significance
p=0.026
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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