Review: gonadotropins and development of ovarian cancer

Abstract

An epidemiological correlation between infertility therapy and ovarian cancer development has been reported in 1992; consequently, the possible role of gonadotropins in ovarian carcinogenesis has received much attention. Here, we review the effect of gonadotropins on epithelial ovarian carcinoma and ovarian surface epithelium (OSE), which is the histogenetic origin of carcinomas. Recent studies have demonstrated that gonadotropin receptors are expressed in OSE and in approximately half of the ovarian carcinomas. Gonadotropins have also been reported to stimulate cell proliferation and to inhibit apoptosis in OSE and ovarian cancer cells. These data suggest that gonadotropins play an important role in the development, progression, and/or chemoresistance of ovarian carcinomas. Hormonal therapy against gonadotropins may be applicable for patients with ovarian carcinoma.