Ovarian cancer often remains undetected until it is at an advanced stage. Despite positive responses to initial treatment, many patients are at risk of tumor recurrence. A multitude of genetic markers have been implicated in ovarian cancer prognosis. However, the genetic testing required is not practical or affordable in a clinical setting.
In this issue of the Journal of Clinical Investigation , Roel Verchaak and colleagues at the MD Anderson Cancer Center identify protein biomarkers that are predictive for time of ovarian cancer recurrence and develop a PRotein-driven index of OVARian cancer (PROVAR).
Using PROVAR, the authors were able to discriminate between patients with high and low risk of cancer recurrence, as well as short-term and long-term survival prognosis. In combination with genetic diagnosis, analysis of protein biomarkers may be useful in predicting outcome and determining a treatment plan for ovarian cancer patients.
TITLE: Predicting Time to Ovarian Carcinoma Recurrence Using Protein Markers
AUTHOR CONTACT: Roel G.W. Verhaak
MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
Phone: 7135632293; E-mail: RVerhaak@mdanderson.org
View this article at: http://www.jci.org/articles/view/68509?key=d03afe0843e018bcf8a0
Journal of Clinical Investigation