I did ask the Dr I see at my clinic and she said she would look into it. Perhaps it isn't something they look for clinically since the treatment options are limited and wouldn't change given this information. It does explain why some do well and others don't. I'm always searching for those positive sign posts. (I'm HRD+, surgery got everything etc). I hoped I might find a clue in my pathology notes suggesting I'm in a "less bad" subtype. And if I'm not that's information about me and that helps deal with the unpredictability.
im doing well on Zejula, my last CA125 was normal and my 6 month scan was today. I'm making the most of this in between time and the sunny weather. Off to Scotland in 10 days to see my daughter!
thanks and take care,
claire
Original Message:
Sent: 04-24-2025 13:43
From: Strongwoman
Subject: do you know your subtype of HGSC?
@mcb I did not know there were subtypes either so thank you for the information. Were you able to get any answers from your Oncologist as to what subtype you are and if that info will help when deciding what treatment you will have next and why? How are you feeling about it all? Have you started any treatment protocol as of yet? If not, when is your next Oncology appt that you will be able to discuss this all with them and get the answers you are looking for? Hoping all of this info is settling to you and does not raise your anxiety over your journey in general. Give us an update when you can and in the meantime, take care of you!
Original Message:
Sent: 04-18-2025 16:52
From: mcb
Subject: do you know your subtype of HGSC?
Hello Teal Sisters,
I recently read some information about subtypes of High Grade Serous Cancer (HGSC). Has anyone here been told which subtype you are? Are you on a modified treatment protocol as a result?
This data was published a while ago (2008) so maybe I'm just late to the table, but I've never heard of it so some of you may not have either. Links are below if you want to read a couple of papers.
I was always curious as to why some of us with the same form and stage of OC do well while others have recurrence sooner and progress faster. one possible explanation is that there are 4 subtypes of HGSC: Mesenchymal, Proliferative, Immunoreactive and Differentiated. These are the names for molecular subtypes which have differing gene expression. They correspond to four histopathological subtypes: Mesenchymal Transition, Solid and Proliferative, Immune reactive and Differentiated. The immunoreactive form has the most favorable prognosis while the mesenchymal and proliferative forms had the least. Which subtype you have can impact your response to chemo and Bevacizumab (Avastin).
I don't have enough data in my pathology report or genetic tests to figure out which subtype I am but I have asked my oncologist if she can find out.
Stay well,
Claire
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12885-017-3573-1
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8827304/