The Role of Inflammasomes in Ovarian Cancer

ABSTRACT

Ovarian cancer is a leading cause of gynecological cancer-related deaths in women worldwide, mainly because of its late diagnosis. In many cases, at the time of diagnosis, the cancer cells are chemoresistant and invasive. Early detection of the disease is crucial for a clinically satisfactory outcome, treatment planning, and a better prognosis. The development of new strategies for early detection may contribute to improving overall survival in patients. Inflammation is an established factor in carcinogenesis, and protein complexes named inflammasomes, along with their components and subproducts, such as interleukins and other molecules, have been explored as promising potential targets for the detection and management of ovarian cancer. This chapter provides an overview of the role of inflammasomes in ovarian cancer.