Exploration and prognostic analysis of two types of high-risk ovarian cancers: clear cell vs. serous carcinoma: a population-based study

Abstract

Background Ovarian clear cell carcinoma (OCCC) is a rare pathological histotype in ovarian cancer, while the survival rate of advanced OCCC (Stage III-IV) is substantially lower than that of the advanced serous ovarian cancer (OSC), which is the most common histotype. The goal of this study was to identify high-risk OCCC by comparing OSC and OCCC, with investigating potential risk and prognosis markers. Methods Patients diagnosed with ovarian cancer from 2009 to 2018 were identified from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) Program. Logistic and Cox regression models were used to identify risk and prognostic factors in high-risk OCCC patients. Cancer-specific survival (CSS) and overall survival (OS) were assessed using Kaplan-Meier curves. Furthermore, Cox analysis was employed to build a nomogram model. The performance evaluation results were displayed using the C-index, calibration plots, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, and decision curve analysis (DCA). Immunohistochemically approach was used to identify the expression of the novel target (GPC3). Results In the Cox analysis for advanced OCCC, age (45–65 years), tumor numbers (total number of in situ/malignant tumors for patient), T3-stage, bilateral tumors, and liver metastases could be defined as prognostic variables. Nomogram showed good predictive power and clinical practicality. Compared with OSC, liver metastases had a stronger impact on the prognosis of patients with OCCC. T3-stage, positive distant lymph nodes metastases, and lung metastases were risk factors for developing liver metastases. Chemotherapy was an independent prognostic factor for patient with advanced OCCC, but had no effect on CSS in patients with liver metastases (p = 0.0656), while surgery was significantly related with better CSS in these patients (p < 0.0001) (p = 0.0041). GPC3 expression was detected in all tissue sections, and GPC3 staining was predominantly found in the cytoplasm and membranes. Conclusion Advanced OCCC and OCCC with liver metastases are two types of high-risk OCCC. The constructed nomogram exhibited a satisfactory survival prediction for patients with advanced OCCC. GPC3 immunohistochemistry is expected to accumulate preclinical evidence to support the inclusion of GPC3 in OCCC targeted therapy.