Nonascites-forming advanced-stage serous ovarian cancer is related to a superior epithelial antigen presentation and enhanced infiltrating T-cell response

Objective: High-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) is the most common subtype of ovarian cancer, with ascites a common presenting feature. Little is known of the mechanisms leading to ascites formation. Recent publications on gene expression profiles of HGSOC revealed at least 4 subtypes, suggesting that HGSOC is a heterogeneous disease, but data on ascites production were not included as a clinical parameter in these studies. We sought to identify genes expressed in HGSOC that correlate with differential ascites production in search of possible targets for therapy.