The potential value of cancer-testis antigens in ovarian cancer: Prognostic markers and targets for immunotherapy

Abstract

Background: Tumor immunotherapy has become an important adjuvant therapy after surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. In recent years, the role of tumor-associated antigen (TAA) in tumor immunotherapy has become increasingly prominent. Cancer-testis antigen (CTA) is a kind of TAA that is highly restricted in a variety of tumors and can induce an immune response. Aims: This review article aimed to evaluate the role of CTA on the progression of ovarian cancer, its diagnostic efficacy, and the potential for immunotherapy. Methods: We analyzed publications and outlined a comprehensive of overview the regulatory mechanism, immunogenicity, clinical expression significance, tumorigenesis, and application prospects of CTA in ovarian cancer, with a particular focus on recent progress in CTA-based immunotherapy. Results: The expression of CTA affects the occurrence, development, and prognosis of ovarian cancer and is closely related to tumor immunity. Conclusion: CTA can be used as a biomarker for the diagnosis and prognosis evaluation of ovarian cancer and is an ideal target for antitumor immunotherapy. These findings provide novel insights on CTA in the improvement of diagnosis and treatment for ovarian cancer. The successes, current challenges and future prospects were also discussed to portray its significant potential.