Follicle-stimulating hormone receptor in gynecological cancers

Expression of follicle-stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR) is normally restricted to the ovary and the testis, where FSH-dependent cell differentiation occurs. FSHR also is involved in the regulation of angiogenesis in ovary. Expression of FSHR has been consistently shown in vascular endothelial cells of human malignant tumors although biological functions of FSHR on tumor neovasculature have not been fully understood. FSHR expression in vasculature of normal or inflammatory tissues is scarce, suggesting its potential role as a diagnostic and therapeutic target in cancer. FSHR has recently been tested as an imaging biomarker for ovarian cancer as FSHR is found to be over-expressed on ovarian tumors. In addition, FSHR is involved in signaling cascades that mediate cancer progression and metastases. Targeting FSHR could provide new agents as imaging and interventional probes not only for ovarian cancer but also many other human solid cancers. In this review, the expression and potential roles of FSHR in human cancers with emphasis on gynecological cancers will be discussed.