Mucinous carcinomas of the ovary and colorectum: different organ, same dilemma

Abstract

Mucinous carcinomas are uncommon histological types that affect several organ sites. Primary mucinous carcinomas of the ovary are distinct from other ovarian carcinoma types, but they can pose a particular challenge for correct diagnosis from metastases, which most usually originate from the colorectum. Correct diagnosis is the mainstay of treatment, because standard practice states that protocols are tailored to the primary organ site. Little is known of mutational alterations in primary and metastatic mucinous carcinomas of the ovary, and few markers exist that can discriminate between them. We reviewed commonalities between ovarian and colorectal mucinous carcinomas with respect to aetiology, molecular alterations, differential diagnosis, and implications for treatment. Although primary mucinous carcinomas of the ovary and colorectum share similar mutational patterns and unfavourable outcomes at advanced stage, compared with their non-mucinous counterparts, important differences exist with respect to mucin localisation and specific molecular alterations. Technologies--eg, next-generation sequencing--could aid identification of additional driver molecular changes that will help clarify the relation between mucinous carcinomas from different organ sites. Perhaps, then, we can consider moving towards testing and adoption of therapeutic approaches tailored to molecular characteristics of mucinous carcinomas, irrespective of organ site, so patients' survival can be optimised.