Lipid droplets: a candidate new research field for epithelial ovarian cancer

Abstract

Ovarian clear cell carcinoma (OCCC) is a histological subtype that constitutes approximately 20% of epithelial ovarian cancer cases in Asian countries, but has a relatively low incidence in Western countries. Meanwhile, clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is a major subtype of kidney cancer. OCCC and ccRCC resemble one another histologically and have clear cytoplasmic appearances. Studies have revealed some genetic similarities between OCCC and ccRCC. However, information regarding common biological background factors between these cancers remains scarce. For example, accumulation of cellular lipid droplets was shown to play a crucial role in ccRCC progression, while similar information is lacking for OCCC. In this perspective article, we propose that lipid droplets may be candidates for future exploration to better understand the common biological backgrounds between OCCC and ccRCC, potentially leading to subtype-specific treatment strategies. We further discuss the relationship between poly ADP-ribose polymerase inhibition treatment and lipid metabolism because this therapeutic strategy has attracted considerable attention as a treatment for epithelial ovarian cancer.