Enhancing Immunotherapy in Ovarian Cancer: The Emerging Role of Metformin and Statins

Overview

Journal Int J Mol Sci

Publisher MDPI

Specialties Biochemistry
Chemistry
Molecular Biology

Date 2024 Jan 11

PMID 38203494

Authors

Diana Luisa Almeida-Nunes

Ricardo Silvestre

Ricardo Jorge Dinis-Oliveira

Sara Ricardo

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Ovarian cancer metastization is accompanied by the development of malignant ascites, which are associated with poor prognosis. The acellular fraction of this ascitic fluid contains tumor-promoting soluble factors, bioactive lipids, cytokines, and extracellular vesicles, all of which communicate with the tumor cells within this peritoneal fluid. Metabolomic profiling of ovarian cancer ascites has revealed significant differences in the pathways of fatty acids, cholesterol, glucose, and insulin. The proteins involved in these pathways promote tumor growth, resistance to chemotherapy, and immune evasion. Unveiling the key role of this liquid tumor microenvironment is crucial for discovering more efficient treatment options. This review focuses on the cholesterol and insulin pathways in ovarian cancer, identifying statins and metformin as viable treatment options when combined with standard chemotherapy. These findings are supported by clinical trials showing improved overall survival with these combinations. Additionally, statins and metformin are associated with the reversal of T-cell exhaustion, positioning these drugs as potential combinatory strategies to improve immunotherapy outcomes in ovarian cancer patients.

Citing Articles

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