A new method of testing for ovarian cancer could eventually help more patients be detected earlier. Because ovarian cancer’s symptoms are often not readily apparent until the disease is advance, it’s known as the “silent killer.” New tests would help save lives, particularly those that aid with early detection. Here’s more information about the new test:
“A simple blood test for ovarian cancer which detected tumour cells in four out of five patients could be available next year.
The test was further refined for use in seven patients, detecting all cases of ovarian cancer, according to results from the Medical University of Vienna.
The detection rate is superior to current methods used to monitor women at inherited risk of ovarian cancer, including a blood marker test that has a reliability rate as low as 50 per cent for early stage disease.
Blood samples are analysed in a cell separation device called Parsortix, which picks up cancer cells and also harvests them so they can be analysed to determine the best treatment for the patient.
UK charities said the results were ‘encouraging’ and could eventually lead to earlier diagnosis through screening of high-risk women.
Ovarian cancer is known as the ‘silent killer’ because women are often diagnosed too late for a cure.
Ovarian cancer affects almost 7,000 women a year and kills more than 4,000 women - claiming the lives of over 85 per cent of patients if found at a late stage when it has spread to other parts of the body.
In a new pilot study, presented at the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2015 in Philadelphia, the test picked up cancer cells in 80 per cent of 42 patients with ovarian cancer.
After the test was refined 100 per cent of cancers were picked up in seven ovarian cancer patients.
Experts hope the test will assist women – like Angelina Jolie - at high risk of developing ovarian and breast cancer because of inherited BRCA gene defects.
At present some opt for preventive surgery with removal of the breasts and ovaries to reduce the risk, but close monitoring using a blood test might provide an alternative.
The university researchers presented the case of a high risk patient who carried BRCA gene mutations.”
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