Ovarian Germ Cell Tumors (OGCTs) are an unusual and unique type of ovarian cancer that develops from the germ cells, the reproductive cells of the ovary. Protheragen offers a comprehensive range of services for Ovarian Germ Cell Tumors (OGCT) diagnostics and therapeutics development. From early-stage research to preclinical testing, our integrated approach ensures that each project is conducted with the highest standards of scientific rigor and efficiency.
Overview of Ovarian Germ Cell Tumor (OGCT)
Ovarian Germ Cell Tumors (OGCTs) are an infrequently encountered and polymorphous group of tumors derived from the germ cells of the ovary. These tumors are mainly located in the pediatric and young adult population, constituting around 11% of tumors in this age bracket. The artistic diversity of OGCTs encompasses both benign and malignant forms, including dysgerminomas, immature teratomas, yolk sac tumors, embryonal carcinomas, and choriocarcinomas. Despite the infrequent occurrence og OGCTs, they pose considerable clinical challenges due to the rapid growth and potential for metastasis, underscoring the importance of understanding the underlying mechanisms of their development and the need for effective approaches for their diagnosis and therapeutics.
Fig.1 Timeline of therapeutics evolution in adult and pediatric patients with OGCTs. (Pinto M. T.,
et al., 2023)
Pathogenesis of Ovarian Germ Cell Tumor (OGCT)
- Gonadal Dysgenesis: Gonadal dysgenesis (GD), along with disorders of sex development (DSD), increases the likelihood of malignant ovarian germ cell tumors (OGCTs) developing. The existence of Y chromosomal material within dysgenetic gonads may result in the formation of gonadoblastomas, which have the potential to further transform into malignant tumors such as dysgerminomas.
- Primordial Germ Cell Transformation: OGCTs are tumors caused by the abnormal change of primordial germ cells (PGCs) during the process of development. Over the course of PGCs migrating, differentiating, or existing, any of these processes can give rise to these tumors.
- Genomic and Epigenetic Aberrations: Considerable chromosomal imperfections and genetic anomalies are present in both pediatric and adult OGCTs. Alterations in genetic composition commonly include gains in chromosome 12p as well as mutations in KIT, KRAS, and TP53 genes. The formation and advancement of these tumors are also influenced by epigenetic factors, including changes in DNA methylation and microRNA expression.
Diagnostics Development for Ovarian Germ Cell Tumor (OGCT)
Immunohistochemistry (IHC)
Immunohistochemistry is important in distinguishing different subtypes of OGCTs since each tumor type has specific marker expression. As an example, dysgerminomas are positive for PLAP, OCT4, and CD117, and yolk sac tumors usually express AFP and glypican-3. The application of IHC in diagnostics assists pathologists in tumor identification, aiding in therapeutic selection and prognostication. Designing an exhaustive IHC panel for OGCTs is imperative in enhancing diagnostic precision and differentiating between the benign and malignant variants of OGCTs.
Serum Biomarkers
Serum biomarkers like alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) are routinely integrated within the diagnostic work-up of OGCTs. Elevated levels of AFP and hCG are often indicative of certain OGCT subtypes, such as yolk sac tumors and dysgerminomas, respectively. Assessing these markers, AFP, hCG, and hCG, is vital in monitoring malignancies for progression, examining the effectiveness of therapeutics, and identifying post-therapeutic recurrence. There is ongoing research for OGCTs with more precise and differentiated serum markers for early diagnosis.
Therapeutics Development for Ovarian Germ Cell Tumor (OGCT)
- Platinum-Based Agents: Platinum-based regimens such as cisplatin or carboplatin, often in combination with etoposide or bleomycin, are standard therapeutics for OGCTs. The specific regimen may vary based on the histological subtype and stage of the tumor.
- Targeted Therapies: Emerging targeted therapies focus on specific molecular pathways or genetic mutations identified in OGCTs. These therapies aim to be more effective and less toxic than traditional chemotherapy.
- Immunotherapy: Immunotherapies, including immune checkpoint inhibitors, are being explored to harness the immune system's ability to target and destroy cancer cells.
Table 1. Therapeutics of Ovarian Germ Cell Tumor (OGCT).
| Therapeutics |
Drug Name |
Mechanism |
Description |
Stage |
| Chemotherapy |
Cisplatin |
DNA cross-linking |
A platinum-based drug that forms covalent bonds with DNA, causing cell death. |
Approved |
| Chemotherapy |
Carboplatin |
DNA cross-linking |
Similar to cisplatin but with fewer side effects. |
Approved |
| Chemotherapy |
Etoposide |
Topoisomerase II inhibition |
Inhibits the enzyme topoisomerase II, leading to DNA damage and cell death. |
Approved |
| Chemotherapy |
Bleomycin |
DNA intercalation |
Causes breaks in DNA strands, leading to cell death. |
Approved |
| Targeted Therapy |
Not specified |
Targeting specific molecular pathways |
Research is ongoing to identify targeted therapies that can exploit specific genetic vulnerabilities in OGCTs. |
Preclinical |
| Immunotherapy |
Not specified (Immune checkpoint inhibitors) |
Modulate the immune system to attack cancer cells |
Emerging approach to enhance the immune response against OGCTs. |
Preclinical |
Disclaimer: Protheragen focuses on providing preclinical research services. This table is for information exchange purposes only. This table is not a treatment plan recommendation. For guidance on treatment options, please visit a regular hospital.
Our Services
Protheragen offers comprehensive services for the development of diagnostics and therapeutics for ovarian germ cell tumors (OGCTs). Our services encompass a range of preclinical research activities, including the development of in vitro and in vivo models, molecular profiling, and the evaluation of novel therapeutic agents. We leverage advanced imaging techniques, tumor marker analysis, and histopathological examination to provide robust diagnostic solutions. Our therapeutic development services include the optimization of small-molecule drugs, the exploration of targeted therapies, and the investigation of immunotherapeutic approaches.
Disease Models
- TC587, NOY1 or NOY2 CDX Models
- p53 and pRb Knockout Mice
- Brca1/2 and p53 Knockout Mice
- Subcutaneous (SC) Xenograft Models
- Intraperitoneal (IP) Xenograft Models
Protheragen's preclinical research services for OGCTs are designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the pathogenesis and potential therapeutics for these tumors. Our services include the development of cell lines and patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models, which are essential for preclinical testing of new therapies. If you are interested in our services, please feel free to contact us.
References
- Pinto, Mariana Tomazini, et al. "Molecular biology of pediatric and adult ovarian germ cell tumors: a review." Cancers 15.11 (2023): 2990.
- Gică, Nicolae, et al. "Ovarian germ cell tumors: pictorial essay." Diagnostics 12.9 (2022): 2050.
- Dantkale, Ketki S., and Manjusha Agrawal. "A comprehensive review of current trends in the diagnosis and treatment of ovarian germ cell tumors." Cureus 16.1 (2024).
All of our services and products are intended for preclinical research use only and cannot be used to diagnose, treat or manage patients.
