Ovarian clear cell carcinoma as a stress-responsive cancer: Influence of the microenvironment on the carcinogenesis and cancer phenotype

Although it is well known that ovarian endometriosis occasionally gives rise to ovarian cancers with specific histology such as endometrioid and clear cell carcinomas, its etiology is not fully understood. We have shown that a stressful microenvironment within the endometriotic cyst may lead to cancer development by inducing unique gene expressions, which potentially serves as a molecular marker for treatment modality. In this review, by referring to other articles in this field, we explore how the carcinogenic microenvironment affects the phenotype and gene expression of a cancer, and how we can develop new treatment based on this concept.

► Ovarian endometriosis is known to transform into ovarian cancer, but its etiology is not clarified.
► A stressful microenvironment within the endometriotic cyst may lead to cancer development.
► Ovarian clear cell carcinoma has unique gene expressions, which may serve as a molecular marker.
► Carcinogenic microenvironment affects the phenotype, character and gene expression of a cancer.
► We might be able to develop new treatment based on the analysis of the influence of microenvironment.