Biobehavioral-Cytokine Interactions in Ovarian Cancer



Status:Active, not recruiting
Conditions:Ovarian Cancer, Cancer
Therapuetic Areas:Oncology
Healthy:No
Age Range:18 - Any
Updated:8/31/2018
Start Date:August 2003
End Date:December 31, 2025

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The purpose of this study is to understand relationships between behavioral factors,
hormones, and chemicals produced by the body that may help tumor growth in ovarian cancer.

Ovarian cancer is the second most common gynecologic cancer. Because of low rates of survival
for the majority of ovarian cancer patients, identification of factors contributing to tumor
progression is of paramount importance. Epidemiologic studies have suggested an association
between biobehavioral factors such as life stress, depression, low social support and cancer
progression. Direct links have been demonstrated between biobehavioral factors and cytokines
supporting angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels that enhance tumor growth and
progression. However, little is known regarding tumor associated macrophages (TAM) and
interactions between TAM tumor cells in a way that favors tumor growth, but there is
preliminary data indicating that ovarian cancer patients with higher levels of depressive
symptoms and life stress have greater TAM production of matrix metalloproteinase-9, a key
molecule promoting angiogenesis and tumor invasion. We also have preliminary data that
ovarian cancer patients with high levels of depressive symptoms accompanied by low social
support have greater tumor expression of a number of genes related to inflammation and tumor
progression.

Inclusion Criteria:

- Patients with a histologic diagnosis of epithelial ovarian cancer, primary peritoneal
carcinoma, or fallopian tube cancer; FIGO stage I to IV defined surgically at the
completion of the initial abdominal surgery and with appropriate tissue available for
histologic evaluation.

- Patients with the following histologic epithelial cell types are eligible: serous
adenocarcinoma, endometrioid adenocarcinoma, mucinous adenocarcinoma, undifferentiated
carcinoma, clear cell carcinoma, mixed epithelial carcinoma, or adenocarcinoma not
otherwise specified. However, the histologic features must be compatible with primary
Mullerian epithelial adenocarcinoma.

- GOG performance status 0-3

Exclusion Criteria:

- Patients with a diagnosis of borderline epithelial ovarian tumor (formerly: tumors of
low malignant potential" or recurrent invasive epithelial ovarian, primary peritoneal,
or fallopian tube cancer treated with chemotherapy or radiotherapy previously are
excluded.

- Patients who received neoadjuvant chemotherapy for ovarian, primary peritoneal, or
fallopian tube carcinoma are excluded.

- Non-epithelial ovarian cancers or metastases to the ovaries from organs are excluded.

- Previous cancer diagnosis except for basal cell carcinoma of the skin or history of
lymphoma.

- Pregnancy or age <18 years old

- Use of systemic glucocorticoids such as prednisone or decadron in the last 30 days

- Comorbid conditions: Addison's disease, autoimmune hepatitis, hepatitis B, hepatitis
C, AIDS or HIV, lupus erythematosus, mixed connective tissue disease, rheumatoid
arthritis.

- Inability to accurately answer questions (e.g. a condition such as dementia)
We found this trial at
2
sites
660 S Euclid Ave
Saint Louis, Missouri 63110
(314) 362-5000
Washington University School of Medicine Washington University Physicians is the clinical practice of the School...
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Saint Louis, MO
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200 Hawkins Dr,
Iowa City, Iowa 52242
866-452-8507
University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics—recognized as one of...
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Iowa City, IA
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