The Interplay of Cytokines in the Pathogenesis of Female Reproductive Cancer

This thesis sought to examine the interplay of key molecular processes involved in the pathogenesis of cancer. Ground-breaking re-emergence of Nodal/Cripto was detected in endometrial cancer patient samples compared to healthy controls. Interestingly blockade of Nodal/Cripto activities, using monoclonal antibody treatment significantly reversed the carcinogenic behaviour of cellular models. This thesis also examined another molecule, with important functions within the female reproductive tract, the Interferon Epsilon. It was demonstrated that Interferon Epsilon treatment of aggressive endometrial cancer cells dramatically reduced cell growth. These findings could be utilized in the potential development of novel therapeutic agents for endometrial cancer.