Journal: Nature reviews. Cancer
This Expert Recommendation article focuses on high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma (HGSC), the dominant cause of ovarian cancer mortality and a tumour type characterized by frequent BRCA1/2 mutations and marked chromosomal instability.
Based on expert discussions at the 15th Helene Harris Memorial Trust International Forum (October 2024), the paper:
- Reviews progress over the past decade in HGSC biology and treatment, including the impact of targeted therapies (notably those benefiting patients with BRCA1/2-mutant disease) and improvements in surgery.
- Highlights ongoing poor outcomes: about half of patients overall survive beyond 5 years, and only ~30% of those with advanced, BRCA1/2–wild-type disease reach this benchmark.
- Identifies major current challenges such as limited benefit and durability of existing targeted agents for many patients, the complexity of chromosomal instability, and the need to improve outcomes in non‑BRCA1/2 HGSC.
- Discusses emerging technologies spanning prevention, early detection, and treatment—emphasizing how these might be integrated to shift diagnosis to earlier stages and personalize therapy.
- Sets research priorities for the coming years, aiming to address the survival gap, refine risk stratification, and leverage new platforms and tools to better understand and treat HGSC.