Science Current Events | Science News | Brightsurf.com
 
Email a Friend Send to a friend
Printer Friendly Print Multimarker assay for ovarian cancer most promising to date

Multimarker assay for ovarian cancer most promising to date

April 03, 2006

The search for a specific protein that could help diagnose ovarian cancer in its early stages has for years eluded researchers who are seeking a reliable and accurate test for the disease. Instead of searching for a single protein, researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine used a new technology to analyze a large number of proteins, or potential biomarkers, from a very small sample of serum from women with ovarian cancer. They identified a combination of several biomarkers that could help detect the disease much earlier than it is currently being diagnosed, according to findings presented at the annual meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research, April 1 to 5 at the Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C.

"One of the most challenging problems with ovarian cancer is that we lack a reliable and accurate test that can detect it early when it is most responsive to treatment," said Anna E. Lokshin, Ph.D., lead investigator and assistant professor of medicine and pathology at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. "By the time women are diagnosed, their cancers have already spread and are extremely difficult to treat successfully. To improve the long-term outcome for women diagnosed with ovarian cancer, we sought to identify a panel of proteins that could signify the presence of early disease."




In the study, Pitt researchers took advantage of a novel technology called LapMAP that is able to analyze multiple proteins in a single drop of blood or serum. They tested 450 serum samples for 46 biomarkers that had previously been correlated with ovarian cancer and were able to identify a multi-marker panel, comprised of 20 proteins that correctly recognized more than 98 percent of serum samples from women with ovarian cancer, offering higher diagnostic power than any other published assay for ovarian cancer.

"Through further examination, our goal is to develop this screening assay into a diagnostic test to improve the early detection of ovarian cancer and to monitor therapeutic response and recurrence in women with the disease," said Dr. Lokshin.

Ovarian cancer will be diagnosed in 22,000 women in the U.S. this year alone. Despite aggressive surgery and chemotherapy approaches, the prognosis for ovarian cancer has been poor since the majority of women have advanced disease at the time it is detected - most women have a life expectancy of only three to four years after their diagnoses.

University of Pittsburgh Medical Center



Related Ovarian Cancer Current Events and Ovarian Cancer News Articles Ovarian Cancer Current Events and Ovarian Cancer News RSS Ovarian Cancer Current Events and Ovarian Cancer News RSS
FDA approved leukemia drugs shows promise in ovarian cancer cells
The drug Sprycel, approved for use by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in patients with chronic myeloid leukemia, significantly inhibited the growth and invasiveness of ovarian cancer cells and also promoted their death, a study by researchers with UCLA's Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center found.

American Dietetic Association Releases Updated Position Paper Promoting and Supporting Breastfeeding
The American Dietetic Association has released an updated position paper on breastfeeding that details health benefits for both infants and mothers and encourages promotion of breastfeeding whenever possible.

Metals could forge new cancer drug
Drugs made using unusual metals could form an effective treatment against colon and ovarian cancer, including cancerous cells that have developed immunity to other drugs, according to research at the University of Warwick and the University of Leeds.

Breast cancer patients with high risk gene diagnosed 6 years earlier than generation before
Women with a deleterious gene mutation are diagnosed with breast cancer six years earlier than relatives of the previous generation who also had the disease and/or ovarian cancer, according to new research from The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center.

Cancer Predisposition From Gene Variant Shows Strong Gender Bias
Cancer predisposition resulting from the presence of a specific gene variant shows a strong gender bias, researchers at the University of Cincinnati (UC) have demonstrated.

Medications Effective in Reducing Risks for Breast Cancer Can Also Cause Serious Side Effects
Three drugs that reduce a woman's chance of getting breast cancer also have been shown to cause adverse effects, according to a new report from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), U.S. Department of Health & Human Services.

Scientists from University of Hawaii at Manoa find genetic marker
A new genetic marker associated with ovarian cancer risk was recently discovered by an international research group, led by scientists from the Cancer Research Genetic Epidemiology Unit in the United Kingdom.

New treatment in sight for ovarian cancer
In the future, women with metastatic ovarian cancer could be treated with a radioactive substance that can seek and destroy tumour cells.

Young early stage ovarian cancer patients can preserve fertility
A new study finds that young women with early-stage ovarian cancer can preserve future fertility by keeping at least one ovary or the uterus without increasing the risk of dying from the disease.

Estrogen-Dependent Switch Tempers Killing Activity of Immune Cells
The sex hormone estrogen tempers the killing activity of a specific group of immune cells, the cytotoxic T cells (CTLs), which are known to attack tumor cells and cells infected by viruses.
More Ovarian Cancer Current Events and Ovarian Cancer News Articles
Beating Ovarian Cancer: How To Overcome The Odds And Reclaim Your Life

Beating Ovarian Cancer: How To Overcome The Odds And Reclaim Your Life
by Chris Bledy (Author)

A diagnosis of Ovarian Cancer does not have to be a death sentence. Recent advances in medicine have made this once incurable disease treatable and manageable. You can beat advanced and even recurring, ovarian cancer. Simple but significant lifestyle changes can produce big results when it comes to healing.

Ovarian Cancer Awareness "Unite to Fight" Wristband Adult Size

Ovarian Cancer Awareness "Unite to Fight" Wristband Adult Size
by sci

Ovarian Cancer Awareness "Unite To Fight" Wristband adult size

A Guide to Survivorship for Women with Ovarian Cancer (A Johns Hopkins Press Health Book)

A Guide to Survivorship for Women with Ovarian Cancer (A Johns Hopkins Press Health Book)
by F. J. Montz MD KM FACOG FACS (Author), Robert E. Bristow MD FACOG (Author), Paula J. Anastasia RN MN OCN (Assistant)

This comprehensive guide to ovarian cancer offers a wealth of information to ease the physical, emotional, and psychic suffering of women with the disease. The authors -- two Johns Hopkins gynecologic oncologists and a gynecologic-oncology clinical nurse -- put particular emphasis on the concept of "survivorship," or living life well in the face of daunting uncertainties. They stress the importance of self-determination: the right of each patient to be informed, involved, and in control of her care.

Up-to-date information on diagnosis and treatment, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, pain management, and alternative therapies, forms the core of the book. But the authors' immense clinical experience also means they understand what women worry about and care about, and...

Ovarian Cancer Awareness 8" Ribbon Car Magnet

Ovarian Cancer Awareness 8" Ribbon Car Magnet
by sci

Ovarian Cancer Awareness 8" Ribbon Car Magnet

L'Oréal Paris Color of Hope OCRF (Ovarian Cancer Research Fund) Fundraising Sterling Silver Pavé CZ Bracelet

L'Oréal Paris Color of Hope OCRF (Ovarian Cancer Research Fund) Fundraising Sterling Silver Pavé CZ Bracelet
by Netaya

Sterling beauty with an equally beautiful message.

Its new, its exclusive and its absolutely beautiful. LOreal Paris is proud to present the Color of Hope Bracelet, a fundraising campaign, with 100% of all net profits ($5.00 per bracelet) benefiting The Ovarian Cancer Research Fund (OCRF).

Whether viewed as a circle representing life, endurance, love or seen as an "O" for ovarian cancer, the bracelet is a simple way for women everywhere to visibly and tangibly help in the fight against one of the world's most deadly of women's cancers.

The exclusive sterling silver Color of Hope bracelet features a rolo design chain with an "O" toggle clasp, adorned with pave cubic zirconias to give a beautiful brilliance. And to ensure that all women can adorn their wrists, the bracelet...

Ovarian Cancer Journeys: Survivors Share Their Stories To Help Others

Ovarian Cancer Journeys: Survivors Share Their Stories To Help Others
by Ayala Miron (Author)

"All of the research has reinforced that ovarian cancer is not a silent disease as was once thought and as is shown quite eloquently in this collection of stories.... The value of this collection of stories is that it helps raise awareness about symptoms, need for patient persistence, and the importance of being treated by a gynecologic oncologist."

Barbara A. Goff, MD
Professor and Co-Director, Division of Gynecologic Oncology University of Washington School of Medicine

Women of ages 17 to 78 join to tell their true stories.
Find out about the lessons they have learned along their ovarian cancer journeys; from symptoms to diagnosis, trough treatments, and survival.

Ovarian cancer facts:
Occurs in 1 out of 57 women 89% have symptoms at the early stages...

Ovarian Cancer Awareness Teal Ribbon Crystal Heart Necklace

Ovarian Cancer Awareness Teal Ribbon Crystal Heart Necklace
by CharmingChick

This is a beautiful new teal ribbon heart charm necklace that is the perfect way to show your support for Ovarian Cancer Awareness. The pendant measures about 5/8 of an inch tall and is made of genuine sterling silver. It has stunning teal Swarovski Crystal embedded in the front. Box chain measures about 16 inches long. This teal ribbon necklace would make a great gift or is a wonderful way to remember a loved one with Ovarian Cancer.

100 Questions & Answers About Ovarian Cancer, Second Edition

100 Questions & Answers About Ovarian Cancer, Second Edition
by Don S. Dizon (Author)

Whether you're a newly diagnosed ovarian cancer patient, a survivor, or a friend or relative of either, this book offers help. Completely updated, the new second edition of 100 Questions & Answers About Ovarian Cancer gives you authoritative, practical answers to your questions about treatment options, post-treatment quality of life, sources of support, and much more. Written by a gynecologic oncologist and a gynecologic surgeon, with actual patient commentary, this book is an invaluable resource for anyone coping with the physical and emotional turmoil of this frightening disease.

Ovarian Cancer Awareness Long Sleeve T-shirt Large White

Ovarian Cancer Awareness Long Sleeve T-shirt Large White
by Shop Zeus



100 Pack Teal Blue Ribbon Temporary Tattoos for Ovarian Cervical Uterine Cancer Awareness

100 Pack Teal Blue Ribbon Temporary Tattoos for Ovarian Cervical Uterine Cancer Awareness
by Palmetto Fundraising

Show your courage and support! These teal ribbon tattoos are perfect for your next awareness event. These tattoos make great inspirational giveaways. 100 tattoos per package. Teal ribbon design with clear sides. Approximately 1.5" x 2". These cancer awareness favors are perfect for your awareness fundraisers or event.

© 2009 BrightSurf.com