What is ovarian cancer?

Ovarian cancer is a malignant tumor that develops in the cells of the organ that produces eggs and female hormones. Every year it affects more than 5,000 women in France, aged around 65 years. 90% of these are epithelial ovarian cancers, two thirds of which are high-grade serous carcinomas. There are also rarer subtypes of ovarian cancer, such as endometrioid cancers or clear cell cancers, which are the focus areas of Institut Curie's dedicated efforts.

The institute is actively involved in a national database, called TMRG (Gynecological Rare Malignant Tumors), which compiles data on patients with rare ovarian cancers, collected as part of multidisciplinary consultation meetings to help pinpoint the diagnosis and assist patient management. Expert pathologists from the PATHGYN network at Institut Curie review cases from the TMRG database. Several members of the gynecology committee at Institut Curie actively participate in the monthly multidisciplinary meetings of the TMRG group.

Risk factors

There are various risk factors for ovarian cancer - age and nulliparity (absence of pregnancy) being the main ones. In 10 to 15% of cases, this cancer occurs due to genetic predispositions. Women with BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene alteration, or those affected by Lynch syndrome (alteration on the gene MSH1, MSH6, MLH1 or PMS2) have a higher risk of developing ovarian cancer, and are diagnosed at a younger age, around 50. Removal of the ovaries and tubes may in this situation be recommended in order to reduce the risk of cancer occurrence. Conversely, taking estrogen-progestin contraception or tubal ligation have a protective effect.

The Institute of Women’s Cancers

Expert in the management of gynecological cancers, Institut Curie offers patients with ovarian cancer optimal and innovative care that is personally adapted to each individual case.
Institut Curie is co-founder of the Institute of Women’s Cancers, which was certified as a University-Hospital Institute in 2023. This project combines the scientific and medical requirements of Institut Curie, PSL University and Inserm for holistic management of patients affected by breast and gynecological cancers in order to better prevent them, cure them, limit their relapses, and mitigate their consequences in terms of quality of life. Since we are a national referral center, doctors, caregivers, researchers, and patient associations combine their expertise to accelerate breakthrough innovations in breast and gynecological cancer for the benefit of women affected by the disease.

More information about the Institute of Women’s Cancers