Preface

The genomic revolution has radically changed many aspects of molecular oncology. The cloning of the human genome along with the characterization of genes, which are involved in the development of epithelial cancers, has provided a better understanding of the molecular origins of these cancers. Many of the genetic events, which give rise to these tumors, have been identified and their contribution to the clinical behavior of the tumors have been established. This has lead to the characterization of biomarkers, which are important for many clinical and biologic aspects of these tumors. Markers, which are prognostic and predictive for disease progression and recurrence, have been established. Further, biomarkers associated with response to chemotherapy, early detection and drug resistance have been much easier to identify and characterize. The impact of this revolution is nowhere more evident than in epithelial ovarian cancer. This issue of Disease Markers contains a series of articles by experts in the ovarian cancer field, who present new developments in the identification and understanding of biomarkers for this tumor. Articles include ones on new hypotheses on the molecular development of ovarian cancer, SP markers of risk, biomarkers that are specific for the different histiologic subtypes, and new biomarkers and approaches for the early detection of ovarian cancer. Further, new molecular technologies have allowed for the analysis and characterization of specific cellular components of ovarian tumors identifying biomarkers of tumor associated immune and endothelial cells. Many of these biomarkers may serve not only as markers of clinical and biology interest but also as potential therapeutic and imaging targets which could significantly improve the survival of patients with this disease.