Using Blood Test Could Help GPs Better Detect Ovarian Cancer
Ovarian cancer is one of the most lethal forms of cancer in women with a five-year survival rate of just 45%. However, new research has suggested that using a blood test could help GPs better detect ovarian cancer in its early stages, leading to more successful treatment outcomes.
What is Ovarian Cancer?
Ovarian cancer occurs when abnormal cells in the ovary begin to grow out of control and form a tumor. There are several types of ovarian cancer, but the most common is known as epithelial ovarian cancer, which begins in the cells that cover the surface of the ovary. Unfortunately, ovarian cancer often goes undetected until it has spread to other parts of the body, making it much harder to treat.
The Study Findings
A study conducted by Cancer Research UK and published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology found that using a blood test called the Risk of Ovarian Cancer Algorithm (ROCA) in conjunction with transvaginal ultrasound could help detect ovarian cancer in its early stages. The test works by measuring the levels of a protein called CA125 in the blood, which is often elevated in women with ovarian cancer.
The study involved over 46,000 women who were at a higher risk of developing ovarian cancer, such as those with a family history of the disease. Over a period of seven years, the researchers found that using the ROCA test led to a 20% reduction in deaths from ovarian cancer.
What This Means for Patients and GPs
Currently, there is no national screening program for ovarian cancer in the UK, and GPs often struggle to detect the disease in its early stages. Symptoms of ovarian cancer, such as bloating, abdominal pain, and urinary problems, can be vague and easily mistaken for other conditions. As a result, around two-thirds of ovarian cancer cases are only diagnosed at an advanced stage when treatment options are limited.
However, the findings from this study suggest that using the ROCA test in primary care could help GPs better identify women who are at a higher risk of developing ovarian cancer, leading to earlier diagnosis and better treatment outcomes. While the study was conducted in a high-risk population, it is hoped that the test could also be used in the general population to detect ovarian cancer earlier.
Dr. David Crosby, from Cancer Research UK, said: “The study findings suggest that this test could be used to help GPs make clinical assessments, but much more research is needed, in a larger trial, to see if it could improve GP assessment and ultimately patient outcomes.”
New Research Uncovers Potential for Genetic Testing in Ovarian Cancer
While the ROCA test shows promise for detecting ovarian cancer earlier, new research suggests that genetic testing could also play a role in improving outcomes for women with the disease.
Scientists from the University of Cambridge and the University of Newcastle have discovered a gene that is linked to a better outcome for women with high-grade serous ovarian cancer, the most common type of ovarian cancer. The gene, known as PAX8, is responsible for regulating the growth and development of cells in the ovary.
The study involved analyzing the DNA of over 2,000 women with high-grade serous ovarian cancer and found that those with an intact PAX8 gene had a better response to chemotherapy and longer survival rates than those with a mutated PAX8 gene.
This discovery could pave the way for new treatments that target the PAX8 gene and improve outcomes for women with ovarian cancer. However, further research is needed to fully understand the role of the PAX8 gene in ovarian cancer and how it can be targeted with new therapies.
Summary
Ovarian cancer is a deadly disease that is often diagnosed at an advanced stage. However, new research has uncovered the potential for blood tests and genetic testing to improve diagnosis and treatment outcomes. The ROCA test, which measures levels of the CA125 protein in the blood, has shown promise for detecting ovarian cancer earlier, while the discovery of the PAX8 gene offers new hope for more effective treatments in the future. While both areas of research require further study, they offer a glimmer of hope in the fight against this deadly disease.
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Dr David Crosby, from Cancer Research UK, said: “The study findings suggest that this test could be used to help GPs make clinical assessments, but much more research is needed, in a larger trial, to see if it could improve GP assessment and ultimately patient outcomes.”
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-65775159?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=KARANGA
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