Ovarian cancer is the most lethal of all gynaecological malignancies. The most common form is high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGS), which accounts for the 75% of diagnosed ovarian cancer patients. It is characterised by the high advance of cells, where tumour cells spread outside of the ovaries and trespass through the protective tissue surrounding the organs, also known as the peritoneal mesothelium.  

Once this happens, the tumour cells go on to spread to the organs in the pelvis and abdomen. The role of the cells in the peritoneal mesothelium is controversial as it is unclear whether it promotes or prevents cancer progression to other tissues. There is a prognosis for HGS ovarian cancer of a 5-year survival rate of <40%, and it is predicted that by 2035, the number of diagnosed patients will rise to >250,000. The peritoneal fluid contained within the mesothelium cavity is known to be rich in molecules that affect the communication between tumour cells and their motion from the ovaries to the mesothelium. 

This talk will present research studied the tumour microenvironment in HGS ovarian cancer and investigated the potential factors involved in the metastatic spread of ovarian tumour cells towards the mesothelium.