Clinical and molecular characterization of novel subtypes of Sex Cord-Stromal Tumors of the ovary

ABOUT THE PROJECT

Non-epithelial cancers of the ovary are uncommon with malignant ones representing approximately 10% of all ovarian cancers. Due to their low incidence their classification remains challenging and while some are indolent most of them have serious implications in the patient health from hormonal disbalances to infertility. There are subtypes associated to hereditary diseases and to specific molecular alterations.
Accurate diagnosis is critical, but it relies on histo-pathological methods that can be misleading due to the heterogeneity of the tumors.
Thus, understanding their molecular background has proven effective to aid classification of this tumors. Our group has been involved in the molecular characterization of specific types of non-epithelial ovarian tumors, in particular, several sex cord-stromal tumor subtypes, one of our current most active lines of research.
We aim to improve the ability to study, classify and open treatment avenues for these tumors and be a referent for patients to find other patients and support organizations. Our laboratory leads the Sex Cord-Stromal registry arm of the NRTO and it constitutes the European node.

Ovarian Sex Cord-Stromal Tumors (SCSTs) are a rare group of benign and malignant tumors. These tumors develop from the sex cord cells, stromal cells, or both. The stroma and the sex cords are tissues that support the ovary.
SCSTs usually occur in the first two decades of life, affecting adolescents and young women, and can have a late recurrence.
The most common malignant SCST is the adult Granulosa Cell Tumor. This subtype has a peak incidence between 50 and 55 years of age.
To date, surgery is the most effective therapeutic approach for this kind of tumor.