Regulatory Role of the Adipose Microenvironment on Ovarian Cancer Progression
Hussein Chehade, Roslyn Tedja, Harry Ramos, T Bawa, Nicholas K. Adzibolosu, Radhika Gogoi, Gil Mor, Ayesha B. Alvero
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment of ovarian cancer is the peritoneal cavity wherein adipose tissue is a major component. The role of the adipose tissue in support of ovarian cancer progression has been elucidated in several studies from the past decades. The adipocytes, in particular, are a major source of factors, which regulate all facets of ovarian cancer progression such as acquisition of chemoresistance, enhanced metastatic potential, and metabolic reprogramming. In this review, we summarize the relevant studies, which highlight the role of adipocytes in ovarian cancer progression and offer insights into unanswered questions and possible future directions of research.