Growth regulation of ovarian cancer

Most ovarian cancers arise from the surface epithelium of the ovary. Based on the embryologic origin of the surface epithelium, it has long been postulated that ovarian tumors arising from this tissue should have an underlying hormonal basis. More recent data indicative of a role of the ovarian Surface epithelium in ovulation has suggested that this tissue must be regulated in a coordinated way by physiologic substances. These concepts have led to numerous studies to determine the role of peptide hormones, steroid hormones, and peptide growth factors in the regulation of growth and function of the normal and neoplastic ovarian surface epithelium. This article suggests how these data contribute to our understanding of the potential roles of these growth factors and hormones in ovarian cancer etiology and progression.