The Potential Roles of Epigallocatechin-3-Gallate in the Treatment of Ovarian Cancer: Current State of Knowledge

Sabrina Bimonte, Marco Cascella Division of Anesthesia and Pain Medicine, Istituto Nazionale Tumori – IRCCS – “Fondazione G. Pascale, Naples, ItalyCorrespondence: Sabrina Bimonte Email s.bimonte@istitutotumori.na.itAbstract: Ovarian cancer represents the principal leading cause of women dying in the world. The first standard of care involved surgical resection followed by chemotherapy with taxane and platinum, mainly connected with cytotoxic chemotherapies causing diverse severe side effects. Unfortunately, recurrence represents a significant problem, and finally, patients develop resistance to cytotoxic chemotherapy. Other alternative treatments had been developed so far to reduce side effects; however, the outcomes are yet not empowering. Current shreds of evidence showed that epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) possesses an anticancer effect on ovarian carcinoma, mainly through the inhibition of different genetic signaling pathways which are closely linked with tumorigenesis. This review recapitulates these findings and highlights the roles of EGCG for the chemoprevention and treatment of ovarian cancer.Keywords: epigallocatechin-3-gallate, EGCG, ovarian cancer, antitumor properties, chemoprevention