Open Access

Hormone therapy for ovarian cancer: Emphasis on mechanisms and applications (Review)

  • Authors:
    • Hongyi Li
    • Yu Liu
    • Yang Wang
    • Xia Zhao
    • Xiaorong Qi
  • View Affiliations

  • Published online on: August 26, 2021     https://doi.org/10.3892/or.2021.8174
  • Article Number: 223
  • Copyright: © Li et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of Creative Commons Attribution License.

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Abstract

Ovarian cancer (OC) remains the leading cause of mortality due to gynecological malignancies. Epidemiological studies have demonstrated that steroid hormones released from the hypothalamic‑pituitary‑ovarian axis can play a role in stimulating or inhibiting OC progression, with gonadotropins, estrogens and androgens promoting OC progression, while gonadotropin‑releasing hormone (GnRH) and progesterone may be protective factors in OC. Experimental studies have indicated that hormone receptors are expressed in OC cells and mediate the growth stimulatory or growth inhibitory effects of hormones on these cells. Hormone therapy agents have been evaluated in a number of clinical trials. The majority of these trials were conducted in patients with relapsed or refractory OC with average efficacy and limited side‑effects. A better understanding of the mechanisms through which hormones affect cell growth may improve the efficacy of hormone therapy. In the present review article, the role of hormones (GnRH, gonadotropins, androgens, estrogens and progestins) and their receptors in OC tumorigenesis, and hormonal therapy in OC treatment is discussed and summarized.
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October-2021
Volume 46 Issue 4

Print ISSN: 1021-335X
Online ISSN:1791-2431

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Copy and paste a formatted citation
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Spandidos Publications style
Li H, Liu Y, Wang Y, Zhao X and Qi X: Hormone therapy for ovarian cancer: Emphasis on mechanisms and applications (Review). Oncol Rep 46: 223, 2021
APA
Li, H., Liu, Y., Wang, Y., Zhao, X., & Qi, X. (2021). Hormone therapy for ovarian cancer: Emphasis on mechanisms and applications (Review). Oncology Reports, 46, 223. https://doi.org/10.3892/or.2021.8174
MLA
Li, H., Liu, Y., Wang, Y., Zhao, X., Qi, X."Hormone therapy for ovarian cancer: Emphasis on mechanisms and applications (Review)". Oncology Reports 46.4 (2021): 223.
Chicago
Li, H., Liu, Y., Wang, Y., Zhao, X., Qi, X."Hormone therapy for ovarian cancer: Emphasis on mechanisms and applications (Review)". Oncology Reports 46, no. 4 (2021): 223. https://doi.org/10.3892/or.2021.8174