Gynecological cancers (GCs), which primarily encompass cervical cancer (CESC), ovarian cancer (OC), and endometrial cancer (EC), represent a group of malignancies that pose a severe threat to women's health. The advancement of precision medicine holds profound significance for enhancing the diagnosis and treatment of gynecological cancers. The application of molecular-targeted drugs, coupled with progress in surgical concepts and techniques, has substantially improved the survival outcomes of patients with ovarian cancer. Neuropilin-1 (NRP1) was initially identified as a neuronal guidance protein. Recent studies have revealed multifaceted roles of NRP1 in cancers, including its regulatory effects on tumor cell proliferation, growth, metastasis, and angiogenesis. NRP1 functions as a potent modulator of immune cells in the tumor microenvironment. Suppressing NRP1 results in antitumor immune responses and affects the efficacy of cancer immunotherapy. Alterations in NRP1 expression are associated with poor prognosis across a spectrum of malignancies, indicating its potential as a biomarker for evaluating the prognosis of cancer patients. In the present review, we first aim to summarize the expression characteristics and clinical associations of NRP1 in gynecological cancers; second, we elaborate on the role and molecular mechanisms of NRP1 in the progression of these cancers. Therapeutic strategies targeting NRP1 to prevent the development of gynecological cancers will also be discussed. In conclusion, this review highlights the pivotal role of NRP1 in the progression of gynecological cancers and the development of targeted therapeutic strategies, suggesting that NRP1 is a key target for personalized treatment.
Jiang et al. (Thu,) studied this question.