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Ovarian cancer is not a symptomless killer

Recent evidence shows ovarian cancer is preceded by symptoms like gastrointestinal or urinary issues in three to four months before diagnosis. Patient groups urge women to seek medical attention for new and persistent symptoms, while experts acknowledge the need for clinical judgement and more research funding.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateJun 21, 2007

Many women undertreated for ovarian cancer

A recent study found that one-third of ovarian cancer patients in the US fail to receive recommended comprehensive surgical treatment. Factors associated with undertreatment include age, race, and insurance status. The study highlights the need for increased access to specialized care from gynecologic oncologists.

SourceWiley·JournalCancer·DateApr 9, 2007

Expert centers prove cost-effective in managing ovarian cancer

A new study reveals that expert centers with extensive experience in managing cancer are more cost-effective over time, providing significantly longer quality-adjusted survival compared to less experienced medical centers. High-volume multidisciplinary centers also show better outcomes for ovarian cancer patients.

SourceWiley·JournalCancer·DateMar 12, 2007

Symptom screening advances early ovarian cancer detection

A new study reveals that a specific set of symptoms and their frequency/duration can distinguish early ovarian cancer from other causes, making it a potential rapid and cost-effective screening tool. The symptom index was found to be 57% sensitive for early disease and 80% sensitive for advanced cancer.

SourceWiley·JournalCancer·DateDec 11, 2006

Obesity leads to more aggressive ovarian cancer

A new study found significant differences in histological types of epithelial ovarian cancer depending on body mass index (BMI), with obese women having a worse outcome. Higher BMI was also associated with decreasing survival rates and increased risk of mortality.

SourceWiley·JournalCancer·DateAug 28, 2006

Fatty spheres loaded with siRNA shrink ovarian cancer tumors in preclinical trial

Researchers at the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center have developed a nanoparticle delivery system that targets ovarian cancer cells, reducing tumor size and incidence by up to 98%. The fatty spheres loaded with siRNA also attack the tumor's blood supply, inducing cell suicide and increasing cell death among cancer cells.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalClinical Cancer Research·DateAug 15, 2006

Childhood cancer survivors are more likely to go through early menopause

A recent study has found that childhood cancer survivors are more likely to experience premature menopause, with radiation to the ovaries and certain chemotherapy treatments identified as major risk factors. The study's results have significant implications for counseling and treatment strategies for affected survivors.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateJul 4, 2006

Yale ovarian cancer detection technology licensed in China by SurExam

The Yale University-developed technology has shown higher sensitivity and specificity than current commercially available tests for early-stage ovarian cancer. The technology, which analyzes serum proteins associated with cancer biology, will be developed and commercialized by SurExam to improve the health of women in China.

SourceYale University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 13, 2006

A surprising pair of proteins help make healthy eggs

Biologists at Brown University and the University of California–Berkeley have discovered a critical role for two proteins – TAF4b and c-Jun – in the growth and nurturing of granulosa cells that surround eggs. The finding provides important new information about fertility and may lead to better in-vitro fertilization therapies.

SourceBrown University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 15, 2006

Studies examine associations between provider characteristics and mortality rates in ovarian cancer

Research found no significant association between hospital case volume and short-term mortality after ovarian cancer surgery. However, patients treated by gynecologic oncologists had the best outcomes and lowest mortality rates. Long-term outcomes were slightly more favorable for high-volume hospitals, but this difference was modest.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateJan 31, 2006

NCI issues clinical announcement for preferred method of treatment for advanced ovarian cancer

The National Cancer Institute has issued a clinical announcement recommending a combination of chemotherapy regimens for women with advanced ovarian cancer. The treatment involves delivering chemotherapy directly into the abdominal cavity (intraperitoneal, or IP) in addition to traditional IV chemotherapy. This approach appears to be m...

SourceNIH/National Cancer Institute·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJan 4, 2006

Screening chest x-ray detects early-stage lung cancers at high rates, study results show

A recent study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that screening chest x-rays can detect early-stage lung cancers at high rates. The study involved 77,465 participants and showed a significant reduction in lung cancer mortality among current smokers, with a detection rate of 6.3 cases per 1000 individuals.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateDec 20, 2005

Risk of second cancer after breast cancer

A large study found an increased risk of second cancers in various sites, including connective tissue and myeloid leukemia, after breast cancer diagnosis. Treatment for breast cancer and shared genetic or environmental factors are thought to contribute to this risk.

SourceWiley·JournalInternational Journal of Cancer·DateDec 8, 2005