Biobehavioral Influences and the Ovarian Tumor Microenvironment
Ovarian cancer is the second most common gynecologic cancer. Because of low rates of
survival for the majority of ovarian cancer patients, identification of factors contributing
to tumor progression is of paramount importance. Epidemiologic studies have suggested an
association between biobehavioral factors such as life stress, depression, low social
support and cancer progression. Direct links have been demonstrated between biobehavioral
factors and cytokines supporting angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels that
enhance tumor growth and progression. However, little is known regarding tumor associated
macrophages (TAM) and interactions between TAM tumor cells in a way that favors tumor
growth, but there is preliminary data indicating that ovarian cancer patients with higher
levels of depressive symptoms and life stress have greater TAM production of matrix
metalloproteinase-9, a key molecule promoting angiogenesis and tumor invasion. We also have
preliminary data that ovarian cancer patients with high levels of depressive symptoms
accompanied by low social support have greater tumor expression of a number of genes related
to inflammation and tumor progression.
Observational
Observational Model: Case-Only, Time Perspective: Prospective
Biobehavioral Factors
Pathways by which biobehavioral factors contribute to a permissive local environment for macrophage-tumor interactions that enhance tumor growth in ovarian cancer
1 year post op
No
Premal H Thaker, MD
Principal Investigator
Washington University School of Medicine
United States: Institutional Review Board
09-0737 / 201104242
NCT01113112
July 2009
July 2014
Name | Location |
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Washington University School of Medicine | Saint Louis, Missouri 63110 |