RESUMEN
Excitement about the dramatic increase in potential successful anticancer medicines in recent years is hampered by the high costs involved as well as the length of time traditional pathways take for regulatory approval. The translation of experimental clinical data into real-world evidence is also problematic. While the randomised controlled trial remains the gold standard for assessing efficacy and safety, there is increasing interest in the use of observational data to enable more rapid, informed and widespread availability and access to important anticancer medicines. Taking real-world evidence into account in regulatory and health technology assessment in a thoughtful and balanced fashion will enrich and justify sound decision-making.
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Antineoplásicos/uso terapéutico , Desarrollo de Medicamentos/métodos , Neoplasias/tratamiento farmacológico , Evaluación de la Tecnología Biomédica/métodos , Investigación Biomédica/economía , Investigación Biomédica/métodos , Investigación Biomédica/estadística & datos numéricos , Costos de los Medicamentos , Desarrollo de Medicamentos/economía , Desarrollo de Medicamentos/estadística & datos numéricos , Humanos , Estudios Observacionales como Asunto/economía , Estudios Observacionales como Asunto/métodos , Estudios Observacionales como Asunto/estadística & datos numéricos , Evaluación de Resultado en la Atención de Salud/economía , Evaluación de Resultado en la Atención de Salud/métodos , Evaluación de Resultado en la Atención de Salud/estadística & datos numéricos , Ensayos Clínicos Controlados Aleatorios como Asunto/economía , Ensayos Clínicos Controlados Aleatorios como Asunto/métodos , Ensayos Clínicos Controlados Aleatorios como Asunto/estadística & datos numéricos , Evaluación de la Tecnología Biomédica/economía , Evaluación de la Tecnología Biomédica/estadística & datos numéricosRESUMEN
Comprehensive Cancer Centres (CCCs) serve as critical drivers for improving cancer survival. In Europe, we have developed an Excellence Designation System (EDS) consisting of criteria to assess "excellence" of CCCs in translational research (bench to bedside and back), with the expectation that many European CCCs will aspire to this status.
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Instituciones Oncológicas , Neoplasias/terapia , Calidad de la Atención de Salud , Investigación Biomédica Traslacional , Instituciones Oncológicas/normas , Europa (Continente) , Humanos , Calidad de la Atención de Salud/normas , Investigación Biomédica Traslacional/métodos , Investigación Biomédica Traslacional/normasRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Little is known about the prevalence and associations of clinically relevant fatigue (CRF) in recurrence-free prostate cancer survivors. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Four hundred and sixteen recurrence-free prostate cancer survivors who were >1 year post-radiotherapy or radical prostatectomy were surveyed. The prevalence of CRF (defined as Brief Fatigue Inventory >3) was determined and compared with a noncancer control group. Other measures included the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, International Prostate Symptom Score, European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire. Relationships between these factors and CRF were explored in univariate and multivariate analyses. RESULTS: Analyzable data were obtained from 91% (377/416) of patients. The prevalence of CRF was 29% (108/377) versus 16% (10/63) in the controls (P=0.031). CRF was more common in post-radiotherapy than in post-prostatectomy 33% (79/240) versus 22% (29/133), P=0.024. However, when other factors (current depression, anxiety, urinary symptoms, medical comorbidities, pain and insomnia) were controlled for, previous treatment did not predict CRF. Current depression [Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale≥8 was by far the strongest association [odds ratio 9.9, 95% confidence interval 4.2-23.5)]. CONCLUSIONS: Almost one-third of recurrence-free prostate cancer survivors report CRF. Depression, anxiety, urinary symptoms, pain and insomnia measured at outcome are more strongly associated than type of cancer treatment previously received.
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Fatiga/epidemiología , Fatiga/etiología , Neoplasias de la Próstata/complicaciones , Sobrevivientes/estadística & datos numéricos , Anciano , Ansiedad/epidemiología , Comorbilidad , Estudios Transversales , Depresión/epidemiología , Fatiga/psicología , Humanos , Masculino , Dolor/epidemiología , Prevalencia , Calidad de Vida , Encuestas y CuestionariosRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: The purpose of the study was to determine the prevalence and associations of clinically relevant fatigue (CRF) in men with biochemically controlled prostate cancer on long-term androgen deprivation therapy (ADT). PATIENTS AND METHODS: One hundred and ninety-eight men were surveyed and the prevalence of CRF (Brief Fatigue Inventory score >3) determined. Associations with other measures (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale; International Prostate Symptom Score; European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire; Brief Pain Inventory worst pain; clinical and demographic information) were explored in univariate and multivariate analyses. RESULTS: Eight-one per cent (160 of 198) of questionnaires were analysable. CRF prevalence was 43% (68 of 160). CRF associations included moderate/severe urinary symptoms, anxiety and medical co-morbidities; the strongest associations were depression [odds ratio (OR) 9.8, 95% confidence interval (CI) 4.3-22.8] and pain (OR 9.2, 95% CI 4.0-21.5). After controlling for other factors, the independent associations were depression (OR 4.7, 95% CI 1.6-14.0) and pain (OR 3.1, 95% CI 1.0-8.9). There was no association with age, disease burden or treatment duration. CONCLUSIONS: Two-fifths of men with biochemically controlled prostate cancer on long-term ADT report CRF that interferes with function. Management aimed at improving CRF should address depression and pain.
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Antineoplásicos Hormonales/efectos adversos , Fatiga/inducido químicamente , Hormona Liberadora de Gonadotropina/análogos & derivados , Hormona Liberadora de Gonadotropina/efectos adversos , Neoplasias de la Próstata/tratamiento farmacológico , Anciano , Anciano de 80 o más Años , Antineoplásicos Hormonales/uso terapéutico , Ansiedad/complicaciones , Estudios Transversales , Depresión/complicaciones , Fatiga/epidemiología , Fatiga/etiología , Hormona Liberadora de Gonadotropina/uso terapéutico , Humanos , Modelos Logísticos , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Análisis Multivariante , Neoplasias Hormono-Dependientes/tratamiento farmacológico , Dolor/complicaciones , Prevalencia , Neoplasias de la Próstata/complicaciones , Calidad de Vida , AutoinformeRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) is an important regulator of the chronic inflammation contributing to tumour progression. Infliximab, an anti-TNF-alpha monoclonal antibody was investigated in this trial of patients with advanced cancer. The primary objectives were to determine the safety profile and biological response of infliximab in a cancer population. Clinical response was a secondary objective. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Forty-one patients received infliximab at 5 mg/kg (n = 21) or 10 mg/kg (n = 20) i.v. at 0 and 2 weeks and then every 4 weeks. Post-treatment samples were measured for changes in plasma and serum TNF-alpha, CCL2, IL-6 and C-reactive protein (CRP). RESULTS: Infliximab was well tolerated with no dose-limiting toxic effects. At both doses of infliximab, neutralisation of serum TNF-alpha was observed after 1 h while plasma CCL2, IL-6 and serum CRP were decreased 24 and 48 h following infliximab administration. Seven patients experienced disease stablisation (range 10-50+ weeks). There was no evidence of disease acceleration in any patient. CONCLUSIONS: Infliximab treatment was safe and well tolerated in patients with advanced cancer. There was evidence of biological activity with baseline TNF-alpha and CCL2 being correlated with infliximab response.
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Anticuerpos Monoclonales/uso terapéutico , Hipersensibilidad a las Drogas , Hipersensibilidad Tardía , Neoplasias/tratamiento farmacológico , Factor de Necrosis Tumoral alfa/antagonistas & inhibidores , Adulto , Anciano , Anticuerpos Monoclonales/administración & dosificación , Anticuerpos Monoclonales/efectos adversos , Proteína C-Reactiva/análisis , Quimiocina CCL2/sangre , Relación Dosis-Respuesta a Droga , Esquema de Medicación , Femenino , Humanos , Hipersensibilidad Tardía/inducido químicamente , Infliximab , Infusiones Intravenosas , Interleucina-6/sangre , Modelos Lineales , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Neoplasias/sangre , Neoplasias/patología , Sensibilidad y Especificidad , Estomatitis/inducido químicamente , Resultado del Tratamiento , Factor de Necrosis Tumoral alfa/sangreRESUMEN
Kahalalide F (KF) is a small natural peptide that showed activity in vitro and in vivo. The dose-limiting toxicity in clinical trials was transaminitis. We investigated the cytotoxicity of KF in cell lines from breast, ovary, prostate and colon cancers, but focused on hepatoma cell lines, performing mechanistic studies in HepG2 (IC50 = 0.3 microM) and PLC/PRF/5C (IC50 = 5 microM). Following KF exposure, HepG2 cells demonstrated profound ATP depletion, associated with cell swelling and cell blebbing, and increased permeability to propidium iodide (PI), annexin V (AV) and release of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). PLC/PRF/5C cells retained their cell structure, but were permeable to PI and, following exposure to high concentrations of KF, to AV. The pattern of cell permeability is similar to maitotoxin, another small cytotoxic peptide, but the differential effects on the cell membrane induced by KF in HepG2 and PLC/PRF/5C suggest specific interactions with membranes or proteins. This could lead to better drug design aimed at exploiting the potential for cell selectivity.
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Carcinoma Hepatocelular/metabolismo , Depsipéptidos/farmacología , Neoplasias Hepáticas/metabolismo , Adenosina Trifosfato/deficiencia , Línea Celular Tumoral , Membrana Celular/efectos de los fármacos , Depsipéptidos/farmacocinética , Humanos , Permeabilidad/efectos de los fármacosRESUMEN
WWOX is a candidate tumour suppressor gene that exhibits LOH or homozygous deletion in several tumour types. As well as the predominant full-length transcript (variant 1) there also exist alternatively spliced transcripts found previously only in malignant tissue. It has been suggested that proteins encoded by these variants may interfere with normal WWOX function in a dominant negative fashion. The most prevalent alternate transcript demonstrated in ovarian cancer is variant 4, which lacks exons 6-8. Here, we report the first comparison of the mRNA expression of WWOX variants 1 and 4 in human ovarian tumours and normal ovaries, and correlate expression with clinical data. We demonstrate significantly lower WWOX variant 1 expression in tumours than in normal ovaries. This reduction was not associated with any specific clinical subgroup. Variant 4 was expressed at low levels, and significantly associated with high grade and advanced stage ovarian cancer. Furthermore, tumours co-expressing variant 4 and relatively high levels of variant 1 showed significantly worse survival than tumours expressing variant 1 alone. However, variant 4 was also frequently identified in non-malignant ovarian tissue. These results support the role of WWOX variant 1 as a suppressor of ovarian tumourigenesis, but the role of variant 4 remains speculative.
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Perfilación de la Expresión Génica , Genes Supresores de Tumor , Neoplasias Glandulares y Epiteliales/metabolismo , Neoplasias Ováricas/metabolismo , Oxidorreductasas/genética , ARN Mensajero/análisis , Femenino , Humanos , Estadificación de Neoplasias , Neoplasias Ováricas/mortalidad , Neoplasias Ováricas/patología , Ovario/metabolismo , Reacción en Cadena de la Polimerasa de Transcriptasa Inversa , Proteínas Supresoras de Tumor , Oxidorreductasa que Contiene Dominios WWRESUMEN
E7070 is a synthetic chloro-indolyl sulphonamide that is being developed as an anti cancer agent. In this phase II study, 28 patients with metastatic melanoma received 700 mg/m(2) of E7070 as a 60-min infusion repeated every 3 weeks. Although therapy was well tolerated, with one patient receiving 14 courses of treatment, there were only minor responses on independent radiological review. E7070 does not warrant further development as a single agent for the treatment of metastatic melanoma.
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Melanoma/tratamiento farmacológico , Neoplasias Cutáneas/tratamiento farmacológico , Sulfonamidas/uso terapéutico , Adulto , Anciano , Progresión de la Enfermedad , Femenino , Humanos , Infusiones Intravenosas , Masculino , Melanoma/patología , Persona de Mediana Edad , Neoplasias Cutáneas/patología , Sulfonamidas/administración & dosificación , Sulfonamidas/efectos adversos , Resultado del TratamientoAsunto(s)
Antineoplásicos/farmacología , Interferón gamma/farmacología , Neoplasias Ováricas/tratamiento farmacológico , Animales , Antineoplásicos/inmunología , Antineoplásicos/uso terapéutico , División Celular/efectos de los fármacos , Ensayos Clínicos como Asunto , Femenino , Humanos , Interferón gamma/inmunología , Interferón gamma/uso terapéutico , Neoplasias Ováricas/inmunología , Neoplasias Ováricas/patología , Células Tumorales Cultivadas , Ensayos Antitumor por Modelo de XenoinjertoAsunto(s)
Inhibidor p16 de la Quinasa Dependiente de Ciclina/genética , Genes p53/genética , Linfoma de Células B/genética , Animales , Apoptosis/genética , Daño del ADN , Resistencia a Antineoplásicos/genética , Ratones , Ratones Transgénicos , Trasplante de Neoplasias , Transfección , Resultado del TratamientoRESUMEN
Mixed mesodermal tumours (MMTs) are relatively rare gynaecological tumours that have been poorly studied in clinical and molecular terms. They are chemosensitive (at least initially), although ultimately they have a poor prognosis. The biology of the tumour is fascinating in view of its composition of both epithelial and mesenchymal entities. We review herein the literature on the clinical and biological aspects of this malignancy.
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Neoplasias de los Genitales Femeninos , Tumor Mixto Maligno , Tumor Mesodérmico Mixto , Antineoplásicos/uso terapéutico , Terapia Combinada/métodos , Femenino , Neoplasias de los Genitales Femeninos/etiología , Neoplasias de los Genitales Femeninos/patología , Neoplasias de los Genitales Femeninos/terapia , Humanos , Tumor Mixto Maligno/etiología , Tumor Mixto Maligno/patología , Tumor Mixto Maligno/terapia , Tumor Mesodérmico Mixto/etiología , Tumor Mesodérmico Mixto/patología , Tumor Mesodérmico Mixto/terapia , PronósticoRESUMEN
The modulating effects of the orally active epidermal growth factor receptor-specific tyrosine kinase inhibitor ZD 1839 ("Iressa") on cell growth and signalling were evaluated in four ovarian cancer cell lines (PE01, PE04, SKOV-3, OVCAR-5) that express the epidermal growth factor receptor, and in A2780, which is epidermal growth factor receptor-negative. Transforming growth factor-alpha stimulated growth was completely inhibited by concentrations of ZD 1839 > or =0.3 microM in the epidermal growth factor receptor-expressing cell lines, as were transforming growth factor-alpha stimulated phosphorylation of the epidermal growth factor receptor and downstream components of the MAP kinase and PI-3 kinase signalling cascades. Growth inhibition in the absence of added transforming growth factor-alpha was also observed which could be consistent with suppression of action of autocrine epidermal growth factor receptor-activating ligands by ZD 1839. In support of this, transforming growth factor-alpha, EGF and amphiregulin mRNAs were detected by RT-PCR in the epidermal growth factor receptor-expressing cell lines. ZD 1839 inhibited growth of the PE04 ovarian cancer xenograft at 200 mg kg(-1)day(-1). These data lend further support to the view that targeting the epidermal growth factor receptor in ovarian cancer could have therapeutic benefit.
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Receptores ErbB/fisiología , Neoplasias Ováricas/tratamiento farmacológico , Proteínas Tirosina Quinasas/antagonistas & inhibidores , Quinazolinas/uso terapéutico , Animales , División Celular/efectos de los fármacos , Receptores ErbB/efectos de los fármacos , Femenino , Gefitinib , Humanos , Ratones , Ratones Desnudos , Neoplasias Ováricas/patología , Transducción de Señal/efectos de los fármacos , Trasplante Heterólogo , Células Tumorales CultivadasRESUMEN
c-Raf is an essential component of the extracellular related kinase (ERK) signal transduction pathway. Immunohistochemical staining indicated that c-Raf was present in 49/53 ovarian adenocarcinomas investigated and high c-Raf expression correlated significantly with poor survival (P = 0.002). c-Raf protein was detected in 15 ovarian cancer cell lines. Antisense oligodeoxynucleotides (ODNs) (ISIS 5132 and ISIS 13650) reduced c-Raf protein levels and inhibited cell proliferation in vitro. Selectivity was demonstrated by the lack of effect of ISIS 5132 on A-Raf or ERK, while a random ODN produced only minor effects on growth and did not influence c-Raf expression. ISIS 5132 produced enhanced apoptosis and cells accumulated in S and G(2)/M phases of the cell cycle. In vivo, ISIS 5132 inhibited growth of the s.c. SKOV-3 xenograft while a mismatch ODN had no effect. These data indicate that high levels of c-Raf expression may be important in ovarian cancer and use of antisense ODNs targeted to c-Raf could provide a strategy for the treatment of this disease.
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ADN sin Sentido/farmacología , Neoplasias Ováricas/tratamiento farmacológico , Proteínas Proto-Oncogénicas c-raf/efectos de los fármacos , Animales , Ciclo Celular/efectos de los fármacos , Ciclo Celular/fisiología , División Celular/efectos de los fármacos , ADN sin Sentido/uso terapéutico , Relación Dosis-Respuesta a Droga , Femenino , Humanos , Inmunohistoquímica , Ratones , Ratones Desnudos , Trasplante de Neoplasias , Neoplasias Ováricas/metabolismo , Neoplasias Ováricas/patología , Proteínas Proto-Oncogénicas c-raf/biosíntesis , Proteínas Proto-Oncogénicas c-raf/genética , Análisis de Supervivencia , Factores de Tiempo , Ensayos Antitumor por Modelo de XenoinjertoRESUMEN
Two multicentre phase II trials were designed to determine if tumour responses can be achieved in progressive small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) or non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients treated with ISIS 5132, an inhibitor of C-raf kinase mRNA expression (CGP 69846A; ISIS Pharmaceuticals Inc, Carlsbad, CA), and to further characterise the safety of the compound. Between August 1998 and November 1999, 26 patients (18 NSCLC, 8 SCLC) were entered. Out of these, 23 were eligible, 22 (18 NSCLC, 4 SCLC) were treated with ISIS 5132 (2 mg/kg/day, 21 days continuous intravenous (i.v.) infusion every 4 weeks) and were evaluable for toxicity and 18 (15 NSCLC, 3 SCLC) were evaluable for efficacy. For the whole group haematological toxicity did not exceed grade 2. One patient experienced a grade 4 increased prothrombin time. Non-haematological toxicity was mild to moderate, with the observation of asthenia and nausea and vomiting. Progressive disease (PD) was diagnosed in 10 patients (8 NSCLC and 2 SCLC). 8 more patients (7 NSCLC, 1 SCLC) were considered as treatment failures. In conclusion, this study using ISIS 5132 with this dose and schedule of administration excludes a 20% response rate with 95% confidence intervals for NSCLC and cannot draw any conclusions for SCLC patients as only a few were involved in the study.
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Antineoplásicos/uso terapéutico , Carcinoma de Pulmón de Células no Pequeñas/tratamiento farmacológico , Carcinoma de Células Pequeñas/tratamiento farmacológico , Neoplasias Pulmonares/tratamiento farmacológico , Oligodesoxirribonucleótidos Antisentido/uso terapéutico , Tionucleótidos/uso terapéutico , Adulto , Anciano , Antineoplásicos/efectos adversos , Progresión de la Enfermedad , Esquema de Medicación , Inhibidores Enzimáticos/efectos adversos , Inhibidores Enzimáticos/uso terapéutico , Femenino , Enfermedades Hematológicas/inducido químicamente , Humanos , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Oligodesoxirribonucleótidos Antisentido/efectos adversos , Proteínas Proto-Oncogénicas c-raf/antagonistas & inhibidores , Tionucleótidos/efectos adversos , Resultado del TratamientoRESUMEN
PURPOSE: Arg-D-Trp-NmePhe-D-Trp-Leu-Met-NH(2) (Antagonist G), a substance P (SP 6-11) analogue, inhibits mitogenesis stimulated by a broad spectrum of neuropeptides and has demonstrated antitumor activity in vitro and in vivo with IC(50) concentrations of 10-20 microM in small cell lung cancer and other cell lines. Because neuropeptides are part of complex neurohumoral pathways, we have sought to develop novel pharmacodynamic approaches as part of the early clinical development of this potential anticancer drug. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: A Phase I trial was performed in two stages. In stage 1, Antagonist G was administered at 3- week intervals using an accelerated dose-escalation strategy until the target maximum plasma concentration (C(max)) of 10 microM was achieved. In stage 2, dose intensity was increased to weekly, and the inhibitory effect of i.v. Antagonist G was assessed by forearm blood flow (FBF) using SP as a vasodilator, as measured by venous plethysmography. RESULTS: In stage 1, dose was escalated from 2 to 300 mg/m(2) in 12 dose levels using only 15 patients. In stage 2, nine patients were entered at three dose levels (300, 350, and 400 mg/m(2)) and a C(max) of 45 microM was achieved. Facial flushing was the only consistent toxicity but was not dose limiting. FBF studies demonstrated that Antagonist G consistently inhibited the vasodilatory effects of SP (mean, 62 +/- 2% inhibition). CONCLUSIONS: Antagonist G can be safely administered up to 400 mg/m(2), achieving C(max)s >20 microM by weekly 6-h i.v. infusion. FBF studies in patients demonstrated that Antagonist G inhibits SP vasodilatory effects in vivo at these doses in the absence of dose-limiting toxicity.
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Antineoplásicos/uso terapéutico , Antebrazo/irrigación sanguínea , Neoplasias/tratamiento farmacológico , Oligopéptidos/uso terapéutico , Vasodilatadores/farmacología , Adulto , Anciano , Antineoplásicos/efectos adversos , Antineoplásicos/farmacocinética , Arteria Braquial/efectos de los fármacos , Bradiquinina/farmacología , Relación Dosis-Respuesta a Droga , Femenino , Rubor/inducido químicamente , Humanos , Bombas de Infusión , Masculino , Tasa de Depuración Metabólica , Persona de Mediana Edad , Neoplasias/fisiopatología , Neuropéptidos/antagonistas & inhibidores , Oligopéptidos/sangre , Oligopéptidos/farmacocinética , Flujo Sanguíneo Regional/efectos de los fármacos , Sustancia P/farmacología , Resultado del TratamientoRESUMEN
About 6000 women in the United Kingdom develop ovarian cancer each year and about two-thirds of the women will die from the disease. Establishing the prognosis of a woman with ovarian cancer is an important part of her evaluation and treatment. Prognostic models and indices in ovarian cancer should be developed using large databases and, ideally, with complete information on both prognostic indicators and long-term outcome. We developed a prognostic model using Cox regression and multiple imputation from 1189 primary cases of epithelial ovarian cancer (with median follow-up of 4.6 years). We found that the significant (P< or = 0.05) prognostic factors for overall survival were age at diagnosis, FIGO stage, grade of tumour, histology (mixed mesodermal, clear cell and endometrioid versus serous papillary), the presence or absence of ascites, albumin, alkaline phosphatase, performance status on the ZUBROD-ECOG-WHO scale, and debulking of the tumour. This model is consistent with other models in the ovarian cancer literature; it has better predictive ability and, after simplification and validation, could be used in clinical practice.
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Modelos Teóricos , Estadificación de Neoplasias , Neoplasias Ováricas/patología , Adolescente , Adulto , Edad de Inicio , Anciano , Anciano de 80 o más Años , Fosfatasa Alcalina/sangre , Ascitis/patología , Femenino , Estado de Salud , Humanos , Persona de Mediana Edad , Neoplasias Ováricas/terapia , Valor Predictivo de las Pruebas , Pronóstico , Análisis de Regresión , Albúmina SéricaRESUMEN
The human homeobox BARX2 is located at 11q24-q25, within a minimal region associated with frequent loss of heterozygosity and adverse survival in epithelial ovarian cancer. BARX2 is a transcription factor that regulates transcription of specific cell adhesion molecules in the mouse. We show that BARX2 and cadherin 6 are expressed in normal human ovarian surface epithelium. BARX2 and cadherin 6 both have significantly lower expression in a clinical sample of endometrioid and clear cell ovarian cancers, as compared with serous or mixed mesodermal tumors. In a series of ovarian cancer cell lines, BARX2 expression showed a significant direct correlation with cadherin 6 expression. In OAW42, an ovarian cancer cell line that does not endogenously express BARX2, in vitro transfection of human BARX2 cDNA induced cadherin 6 expression. Transfection of BARX2 into OAW42 inhibited Matrigel invasion, haptotactic cellular migration to a collagen IV signal, and adhesion to collagen IV-coated plates. Our data demonstrate that BARX2 is expressed in the ovarian surface epithelium and has functional suppressor properties in ovarian cancer cells.