An international team of experts has just published a comprehensive review on epithelial ovarian cancer in *Nature Reviews Disease Primers*, one of the world’s most prestigious medical journals. Among the co-authors is Prof. Florence JOLY, Scientific Director of the Baclesse Center, underscoring the institution’s recognized expertise and its involvement in international cancer research.
This publication highlights the significant progress made in recent years in understanding this disease, which was long considered a single entity but is in fact a group of several forms with very different biological characteristics. In particular, the researchers note that the majority of the most common ovarian cancers originate in the fallopian tubes, a finding that opens up new avenues for prevention.
The article also highlights the rise of precision medicine. The identification of genetic abnormalities, such as mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2* genes, now makes it possible to offer targeted treatments, particularly PARP inhibitors, which have significantly improved the prognosis for certain patients.
Finally, the authors highlight the challenges that remain: the lack of effective screening in the general population, the fact that diagnosis is still often delayed, and the need for further research to develop new biomarkers and increasingly personalized treatments. Through her contribution to this landmark publication, Prof. Florence JOLY reaffirms the Baclesse Center’s role as a major player in clinical and translational cancer research. This international recognition highlights the Center’s teams’ commitment to advancing scientific knowledge in order to offer patients increasingly innovative and personalized care.
BRCA1 and BRCA2: Why Are These Genes So Important in Ovarian Cancer?
We all have the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. Their role is to repair DNA damage and protect cells against the development of cancer.
In some people, an inherited mutation in one of these genes impairs this repair function and increases the risk of developing certain cancers, particularly breast and ovarian cancer .
Today, research has made it possible to turn this knowledge into a powerful therapeutic tool. Patients with a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation can benefit from targeted therapies, known as PARP inhibitors, which exploit the vulnerability of cancer cells to destroy them while better preserving healthy cells. Identifying these mutations through genetic testing is thus a major step forward in personalized medicine. It allows for tailored treatments and, in some families, enables the provision of preventive measures and enhanced monitoring for those at risk.
