Notch signaling pathway in ovarian cancer

Abstract

The literature is replete with reports of the paradoxical role of Notch signaling in human cancer. Notch appears to act as both an oncogene and a tumor suppressor gene depending on the cellular context. This review focuses on the nascent knowledge of Notch signaling in ovarian cancer. Despite advances in chemotherapy and radical surgery, ovarian cancer remains the most deadly gynecologic malignancy. Therapeutic improvements are necessary to enhance outcomes of patients with ovarian cancer. I will review the evidence for Notch activation in ovarian cancer and potential strategies for Notch inactivation as targeted treatment of ovarian cancer. Copyright © 2009 by IGCS and ESGO.