Medical Information
Research
New Blood Tests
New blood tests (serum and plasma tumor markers) are being developed that can identify early stage ovarian cancer by the presence of newly identified tumor markers that circulate in the blood of women with advanced stage ovarian cancer. Therefore, the presence of these tumor markers in apparently healthy women could lead to the diagnosis of early stage rather than late stage ovarian cancer.
The following are examples tumors markers that may play a role in the early detection of ovarian cancer:
- Lysophospholipids (such as LPA)
- Growth factor (such as EGFRs)
- Soluble urinary-type plasminogen activator (such as suPAR)
- Matrix metalloproteinases (such as MMPs)
- Hypermenthylated gene products
- Extra cellular matrix proteins.
Ovarian Pap Test
The "Ovarian Pap Test" is a new diagnostic test performed to detect pre-cancerous or early cancerous changes on the ovaries. Using minimally invasive office laparoscopy, the "Ovarian Pap Test" directly visualizes the ovaries and collects cells from the surface of the ovary and from the surface of the abdomen, similar to the cervical Pap test that collects surface epithelium from the cervix.
Research into new ovarian cancer screening tests is ongoing and new diagnostic tests may be on the horizon. NOCC monitors the latest scientific developments, so continue to check our website.
Help patients and their caregivers know that they are not alone.
Connect With Us:
Partnered with:
