Ovarian cancer (OC) is the most lethal gynecologic cancer. Much of the death seen is due to the direct spread of organs in the abdomen. One of the changes that make cancer cells more likely to spread (metastasizeThe movement of a cancer to a location outside its site of origin. The distant growths are termed metastases.) is a change known as the epithelialA type of tissue (epithelium) that covers our exposed surfaces, such as skin. Also lines our hollow or tube-like organs/tissues such as the digestive tract. Since these tissues are often exposed to environmental insults such as chemicals and solar radiation and are often divide rapidly to replace lost cells, many cancers arise in epithelial tissues.-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Essentially, this change makes the cells behave in a more 'primitive' way, and that includes the ability to move around.
Researchers studying the behavior of ovarian cancer cells have found that a small RNAAlso: ribonucleic acid. RNA is a polymer comprised of the nucleotides A, C, G and U. RNA is the working form of our genetic information. RNA is produced via the process of transcription. Some RNA is used to help build ribosomes (rRNA) and some (mRNA) are used to guide the formation of proteins. Other forms of RNA are used to perform specialized functions in the nucleus. molecule (miR-429), naturally produced in cells, can reverse this process and may be of value as a treatment for ovarian cancer.
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