Institute for Molecular Bioscience (IMB) researchers at the University of Queensland (Australia) have demonstrated a genetic link between endometriosis and ovarian cancer subtypes enabling the scientists to identify potential drug targets for therapy and increasing the understanding of both diseases. Previous studies have shown that endometriosis sufferers have a slightly increased risk of developing epithelial ovarian cancer. Dr. Sally Mortlock and Professor Grant Montgomery of IMB carried out a large genetic study to identify a genetic basis for this risk with a view to better understanding the biological overlap between these two reproductive disorders. “More information about how they develop, their associated risk factors, and the pathways shared between endometriosis and different types of ovarian cancer has been needed,” Dr. Mortlock said.