International Scholarly Research Notices

Review Article

Endometriosis and Ovarian Cancer: A Systematic Review

Table 1

A summery of the reviews’ findings.
ReviewLanguage of literature searchedType of studies includedQuality assessment tool used in the reviewOverall resultsApplication of results
Ness 2003 [7]EnglishIn vitro, animal, clinical, and epidemiologic studiesNot specifiedConsistent with the association between endometriosis and ovarian cancer.Possible chemoprevention for women with endometriosis.
Somigliana et al. 2006 [4]EnglishObservational, cohort, and case-controlStudies have been critically analysed.Increased risk of ovarian cancers: effect size: 1.3–1.9.Modifications of the standard treatment options for the disease are not justifiable.
Vigano et al. 2007 [8]EnglishObservational, cohort, and case-control epidemiologic, biological, and genetic studiesNineriteria, by Austin Bradford Hill [13]The criterion of strength has not been fulfilled. There were insufficient data for four criteria, and four criteria were fulfilled.The low magnitude of the risk observed is consistent with the view that ectopic endometrium undergoes malignant transformation with a frequency similar to its eutopic counterpart.
Nezhat et al. 2008 [9]EnglishObservational, cohort, and case-control epidemiologic, histopathological, and molecular studiesNot specified Histological transition from benign endometriosis to ovarian malignancy.The malignant potential of endometriosis holds serious implications for management.
Baldi et al. 2008 [10]EnglishNot specifiedNot specifiedFurther epidemiological and genetic studies are required.Appropriate physical screening and imaging testing are recommended.
Vlahos et al. 2010 [11]No search criteria specifiedNo search criteria specifiedNot specifiedEndometriosis is  associated with specific types of ovarian cancer (endometrioid and clear cell).More studies are needed to establish the risk factors that may lead to malignant transformation.
Kobayashi 2010 [12]EnglishStudies on screening, epidemiology, clinical diagnosis, natural history, preclinical and clinical trials, and promising molecular targets on epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC).Not specifiedOvarian endometrioma could be viewed as a neoplastic process.Understanding the mechanisms of endometriosis development and elucidating its pathogenesis and pathophysiology are intrinsic to prevention.