Pilot Project D: Steroid and Pituitary Hormones in Ovarian Epithelial Neoplasms
Co-Investigators
Sharee Umpierre, M.D., Assistant Professor, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Puerto Rico Medical Sciences Campus, Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico
Elvio Silva, M.D., Professor, Department of Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
Ovarian cancer is the fifth leading cause of cancer deaths of women in the United States. Currently, approximately 23,000 women develop ovarian cancer, and 15,000 die from this devastating disease every year. Unfortunately, current therapeutic approaches have not brought significant improvements in cure rates in the last 30 years. Most cases are discovered when the tumors are at advanced stages and the response to the treatment is poor.
Most studies on ovarian cancer are concentrated on the genetic alterations found in the development of ovarian epithelial neoplasms. We have concentrated our research on the possible factors that may induce the genetic changes conducive to ovarian epithelial neoplasms. By identifying the different factors that induce genetic changes responsible for the development of ovarian cancer, we might be able to prevent this lethal disease.
Specific Aims
- To identify the hormonal background where ovarian neoplasms develop, including steroid and pituitary hormones
- To identify the predominant hormone in each tumor type and in lesions associated with ovarian neoplasms