Hormone Receptors and Treatment Response in Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian cancer is not the same for everyone. Tumors can behave differently depending on the hormones they respond to. Hormone receptors on cancer cells are proteins that detect hormones like estrogen, progesterone, and androgens. These receptors affect how fast the tumor grows and how well treatments work.

What are hormone receptors?

The main hormone receptors in ovarian cancer are:

• Estrogen receptors (ER)
• Progesterone receptors (PR)
• Androgen receptors (AR)

These receptors can make tumors grow faster or slower. Some progesterone receptors are linked to slower tumor growth and better outcomes.

How hormones affect treatment

Hormone receptors influence how cancer reacts to therapy.

• Tumors with higher ER and PR levels may respond better to chemotherapy.
• Knowing which receptors are present helps doctors choose the right targeted therapy.
• Hormone therapy, like tamoxifen or aromatase inhibitors, can reduce hormone effects and help certain tumors, especially low-grade serous ovarian cancer.

Side effects linked to receptor status

Hormone-sensitive tumors and hormone treatments can cause side effects.

• Fatigue
• Hot flashes or menopause-like symptoms
• Mood changes
• Weak bones
• Irregular periods or early menopause in younger patients

What doctors have seen

• Tumors with higher ER and PR often have better survival, especially in low-grade serous and endometrioid ovarian cancers.
• Androgen receptors may influence growth and treatment response, but more study is needed.
• Testing hormone receptors helps doctors plan the best treatment.

How testing helps patients

• Doctors can identify patients who may benefit from hormone therapy.
• Doctors can decide whether to combine hormone therapy with other treatments.
• Doctors can predict how the cancer might behave.
• Doctors can make treatment plans that protect quality of life.

Why it matters

Hormone receptors affect tumor growth and treatment response. Hormone therapy does not replace chemotherapy but provides an extra option for patients with hormone-sensitive tumors. Understanding receptor patterns helps doctors provide better care and helps patients feel informed and in control.