Ovarian metastasis can be treated with the inhibitors of a key cellular receptor called CXCR4, which could be a new therapeutic target.
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‘The use of inhibitors for CXCR4 receptor could be a therapeutic target for aggressive form of ovarian cancer.’
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In studies in orthotopic models, the researchers proved that administration of CXCR4 inhibitors in cancers where high expression of this receptor had previously been detected greatly decreased the propagation of the tumor cells at the blood level and within the peritoneum. At the same time, they have also observed that the genetic elimination of CXCR4 in cell culture gives rise to tumors with slower growth and a lower percentage of dissemination. 
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The diagnosis of ovarian cancer usually comes late; in 80% of cases, patients already show metastases or peritoneal disseminations that can affect vital organs of the digestive, circulatory or renal systems. On the other hand, although it is true that the combination of surgery and chemotherapy with platinum derivatives works very well, the percentage of recurrence of the disease at two years is 70%.
The IDIBELL-ICO scientists believe that studying the dissemination patterns of tumor cells is essential in order to understand and improve the prognosis of the disease. Their line of research focuses on identifying the molecules involved in this dissemination, which usually presents itself together with an abnormal buildup of fluid in the abdomen (ascites). "If we identify the factors that drive movement and implantation of tumor cells in new organs, we can try to block them in order to minimize the chances of metastasis; CXCR4 is not the only factor, but we have proved that it is one of them", says Dr. Agnès Figueras, first author of the study.
Source-Eurekalert