Spatial proteo-transcriptomic profiling reveals the molecular landscape of borderline ovarian tumors and their invasive progression

Epithelial serous borderline tumors (SBT) are non-invasive neoplastic ovarian lesions that may recur as chemo-resistant low-grade serous cancer (LGSC). While genetic alterations suggest a common origin, the transition from SBT to LGSC remains poorly understood. Here, we integrate cell-type resolved spatial proteomics and transcriptomics to elucidate the evolution from SBT to LGSC and its corresponding metastases in both stroma and tumor. The transition occurs within the epithelial compartment through an intermediary stage with micropapillary features, during which LGSC overexpresses c-Met and several brain-specific proteins. Within the tumor microenvironment, interconnectivity between cancer and stromal cells, along with enzymes degrading a packed extracellular matrix, suggests functional collaboration among various cell types. We functionally validated 16 drug targets identified through integrated spatial transcriptomics and proteomics. Combined treatment targeting CDK4/6 (milciclib) and FOLR1 (mirvetuximab) achieved significant tumor reduction in vivo, representing a promising therapeutic strategy for LGSC.