Ovarian cancer is an umbrella term covering a number of distinct subtypes. Endometrioid and clear-cell ovarian carcinoma are endometriosis-associated ovarian cancers (EAOCs) frequently arising from ectopic endometrium in the ovary. The mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) is a crucial regulator of cellular homeostasis and is dysregulated in both endometriosis and endometriosis-associated ovarian cancer, potentially favouring carcinogenesis across a spectrum from benign disease with cancer-like characteristics, through an atypical phase, to frank malignancy. In this review, we focus on mTOR dysregulation in endometriosis and EAOCs, investigating cancer driver gene mutations and their potential interaction with the mTOR pathway. Additionally, we explore the complex pathogenesis of transformation, considering environmental, hormonal, and epigenetic factors. We then discuss postmenopausal endometriosis pathogenesis and propensity for malignant transformation. Finally, we summarize the current advancements in mTOR-targeted therapeutics for endometriosis and EAOCs.
卵巢癌是一个涵盖多种不同亚型的统称。子宫内膜样癌和透明细胞卵巢癌属于子宫内膜异位症相关卵巢癌，常起源于卵巢内的异位子宫内膜。雷帕霉素机制靶蛋白是细胞稳态的关键调节因子，在子宫内膜异位症及其相关卵巢癌中均存在失调现象，这种失调可能促进从具有癌变特征的良性病变，经不典型阶段，最终发展为明确恶性肿瘤的癌变过程。本综述聚焦于mTOR通路在子宫内膜异位症及相关卵巢癌中的失调机制，探究癌症驱动基因突变及其与mTOR通路的潜在相互作用。同时，我们结合环境、激素和表观遗传因素，深入探讨其复杂的恶变发病机制。此外，我们还分析了绝经后子宫内膜异位症的发病机制及其恶变倾向。最后，我们总结了当前针对子宫内膜异位症及相关卵巢癌的mTOR靶向治疗研究进展。
肿瘤(癌症)患者之家