Researchers have made a major breakthrough in understanding the origins of one of the deadliest forms of ovarian cancer, bringing new hope for early diagnosis and better treatments.
The study, published in Nature Communications, has identified a specific type of cell in the fallopian tube as the likely starting point of high-grade serous carcinoma (HGSC)—the most aggressive and common form of ovarian cancer.
Ovarian cancer is the sixth leading cause of cancer-related deaths in women. One reason it’s so deadly is that symptoms usually appear only in the later stages, and there are currently no reliable tests for early detection.
For years, scientists suspected that HGSC starts in the fallopian tubes rather than in the ovaries themselves. But until now, they didn’t know exactly which cells were to blame.
In this new study, a research team led by Dr. Alexander Nikitin from Cornell University’s College of Veterinary Medicine pinpointed the culprits: pre-ciliated tubal epithelial cells. These cells are at an in-between stage, transitioning from stem cells to fully developed “ciliated” cells—cells that help move eggs and fluid through the fallopian tubes.
Interestingly, earlier studies focused mostly on stem cells as the likely source of cancer. But when Dr. Nikitin’s team turned off two key tumor-fighting genes, Trp53 and Rb1, in stem cells in mice, the cells simply died.
However, when the same genes were shut off in the pre-ciliated cells, cancer quickly formed—just like in human cases of HGSC. This shows that the pre-ciliated cells are more vulnerable to becoming cancerous than other cells in the fallopian tube.
This is an important discovery because it opens up new ways to detect ovarian cancer earlier. Scientists already understand a lot about how ciliated cells form—a process called ciliogenesis—so focusing on this stage gives them a clearer target.
The researchers also found that a gene called Krt5 is highly active in these pre-ciliated cells. When they disabled Trp53 and Rb1 in Krt5-positive cells in mice, tumors formed quickly, confirming their key role in cancer development.
This breakthrough has the potential to change the way we approach ovarian cancer in three big ways:
First, it could lead to earlier diagnosis. If doctors can find these at-risk pre-ciliated cells before they become cancerous, they may be able to catch the disease in its early stages—when it’s far easier to treat.
Second, it opens the door for new treatments. By studying how pre-ciliated cells change and become cancerous, scientists may be able to design drugs that interrupt the process and prevent tumors from forming.
Third, it could improve screening. If future research confirms that markers like Krt5 are reliable signals of risk, new tests could be developed to look for these signs in women before cancer takes hold.
Although the study was done in mice, the structure and function of fallopian tubes in humans are very similar. More research is needed to confirm these results in human tissue, but the findings are already an exciting step forward.
Dr. Nikitin and his team believe this could one day lead to personalized medicine for women at risk of ovarian cancer. By focusing on the specific cells where cancer starts, doctors may be able to better predict, prevent, and treat this deadly disease—giving women a better chance at survival and a healthier future.
For more information about cancer, please see recent studies that plant-based diets may reduce risk of colorectal cancer in men, and Low-fat diet may help stop cancer growth.
For more information about cancer, please see recent studies about How to harness the power of anti-cancer foods and supplements and results showing that Empower your plate: cancer-fighting foods and recipes.
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