Endometriosis-Associated Ovarian Cancer: From Molecular Pathologies to Clinical Relevance

Abstract

Endometriosis is a chronic condition affecting reproductive-aged women, characterized by the growth of ectopic endometrial tissue. Despite being benign, endometriosis is associated with an increased risk of certain cancers, including endometriosis-associated ovarian cancer (EAOC). Ovarian cancer is rare, but more common in women with endometriosis, particularly endometrioid and clear-cell carcinomas. Factors such as hormonal imbalance, reproductive history, environmental exposures, and genetic predisposition contribute to the malignant transformation of endometriosis. Thus, understanding potential risk factors causing malignancy is crucial. Over the past few decades, various genetic mutations, microRNAs, as well as tumor microenvironmental factors have been identified, impacting pathways like PI3K/AKT/mTOR, DNA repair mechanisms, oxidative stress, and inflammation. Thus, this review aims to summarize molecular studies involved in EAOC pathogenesis as potential therapeutic targets. However, further research is needed to better understand the molecular and environmental factors driving EAOC development, to target the susceptibility of endometriotic lesions to malignant progression, and to identify effective therapeutic strategies.