Molecular Biology of Pediatric and Adult Ovarian Germ Cell Tumors: A Review

Simple Summary: Because ovarian germ cell tumors (OGCTs) are rare tumors, our current understanding of them is sparse; this is because few studies have investigated the molecular basis of pediatric and adult cancers. In this paper, we aim to provide an overview of the etiopathogenesis of OGCTs in children and adults, and we address the molecular landscape of these tumors.Ovarian germ cell tumors (OGCTs) are rare in adults; indeed, they occur predominantly in children, adolescents, and young adults, and they account for approximately 11% of cancer diagnoses in these groups. Because OGCTs are rare tumors, our current understanding of them is sparse; this is because few studies have investigated the molecular basis of pediatric and adult cancers. Here, we review the etiopathogenesis of OGCTs in children and adults, and we address the molecular landscape of these tumors, including integrated genomic analysis, microRNAs, DNA methylation, the molecular implications of treatment resistance, and the development of in vitro and in vivo models. An elucidation of potential molecular alterations may provide a novel field for understanding the pathogenesis, tumorigenesis, diagnostic markers, and genetic peculiarity of the rarity and complexity of OGCTs.

Automated summary

Because ovarian germ cell tumors (OGCTs) are rare, our understanding of them is limited due to insufficient studies on their molecular basis in pediatric and adult cancers. This paper provides an overview of the etiology and pathogenesis of OGCTs in children and adults, focusing on their molecular characteristics.