How Certain Cells Help Ovarian Cancer Resist Treatment
Author Information
Author(s): Rafii Arash, Mirshahi Pejman, Poupot Mary, Faussat Anne-Marie, Simon Anne, Ducros Elodie, Mery Eliane, Couderc Bettina, Lis Raphael, Capdet Jerome, Bergalet Julie, Querleu Denis, Dagonnet Francoise, Fournié Jean-Jacques, Marie Jean-Pierre, Pujade-Lauraine Eric, Favre Gilles, Soria Jeanine, Mirshahi Massoud
Primary Institution: UMRS 872 INSERM, Université Pierre et Marie Curie-Paris 6 and Université Paris Descartes, Equipe 18, Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Paris, France
Hypothesis
In the peritoneal cavity, mesothelial cells could act as privileged partners of ovarian cancer cells.
Conclusion
The presence of stromal cells within a patient's tumor might predict chemoresistance.
Supporting Evidence
- The study isolated a new type of stromal cells called 'Hospicells' from patients with ovarian cancer.
- Hospicells were shown to interact with ovarian cancer cells and induce chemoresistance.
- Presence of Hospicells in tumor samples was significantly associated with chemoresistance.
- Chemoresistance was mediated by direct cell contact and the presence of multi-drug resistance proteins.
- Co-culture of Hospicells and cancer cells showed a significant proliferative advantage for the cancer cells.
- Verapamil treatment reversed the chemoresistance effect, indicating the role of MDR proteins.
- Clinical correlation showed higher density of Hospicells in chemoresistant patients compared to chemosensitive ones.
- Trogocytosis was demonstrated as a mechanism for the transfer of functional proteins between cells.
Takeaway
Some cells in the abdomen can help ovarian cancer cells survive treatment, making it harder to cure.
Methodology
Stromal cells were isolated from ascitic fluid of patients and their interactions with ovarian cancer cells were studied.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to the small number of patients and the specific treatment protocols used.
Limitations
The study had a small sample size and needs to be confirmed in a larger independent set of patients.
Participant Demographics
Patients included were women with stage IIIc ovarian cancer undergoing treatment.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website