Calcium signals and potential therapy targets in ovarian cancer (Review)

Ovarian cancer (OC) is a deadly disease. The poor prognosis and high lethality of OC are attributed to its high degrees of aggressiveness, resistance to chemotherapy and recurrence rates. Calcium ion (Ca(2+)) signaling has received attention in recent years, as it appears to form an essential part of various aspects of cancer pathophysiology and is a potential therapeutic target for OC treatment. Disruption of normal Ca(2+) signaling pathways can induce changes in cell cycle progression, apoptosis, proliferation and migration and invasion, leading to the development of the malignant phenotype of tumors. In the present review, the main roles of ion channel/receptor/pump-triggered Ca(2+) signaling pathways located at the plasma membrane and organelle Ca(2+) transport in OC are summarized. In addition, the potential of Ca(2+) signaling as a novel target for the development of effective treatment strategies for OC was discussed. Furthering the understanding into the role of Ca(2+) signaling in OC is expected to facilitated the identification of novel therapeutic targets and improved clinical outcomes for patients.