Chemoresistance in Ovarian Cancer and Association with Circadian Rhythm.

Pektopal F. S., Kum Özşengezer S., Altun Z. S.

Reproductive sciences (Thousand Oaks, Calif.), no.5, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)

Abstract

Ovarian cancer (OC) accounts for a significant percentage of cancer-related deaths in women worldwide. A small proportion of ovarian cancers, usually in women under 40, originate from germ cells and stromal cells within the ovary, but the vast majority are epithelial malignancies. The preferred treatment for ovarian malignancies consists of platinum-based chemotherapy and surgical intervention.

Chemoresistance in ovarian cancer is a complex problem that significantly impedes tratment efficacy. Many pathways contribute to this resistance, including genetic factors, tumor microenvironment interactions, and lifestyle variables such as obesity. Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for developing effective treatment solutions. The circadian rhythm, or circadian clock, regulates the sleep-wake cycle, body temperature, hormone secretion, metabolism, and many physiological processes. Circadian genes are highly expressed in the ovaries, which regulate ovulation. Disruption of circadian rhythm asociated with many risk factors for ovarian cancer. This article examines the relationship between circadian rhythm and chemotherapy resistance in ovarian cancer, and reviews circadian rhythm to reduce chemotherapy resistance in this context.