Ovarian cancer could be detected early with a new blood test, study finds

A new blood test could help diagnose cancer cases earlier. Researchers from the University of Southern California developed a blood test to detect early onset ovarian cancer. The test, called OvaPrint, is described as a 'cell-free DNA methylation liquid biopsy for the risk assessment of high-grade serous ovarian cancer,' according to the report published in the journal Clinical Cancer Research.

The test is 'highly sensitive and specific' for women experiencing symptoms, the results showed — with the potential for future use in asymptomatic cases. High-grade serous ovarian carcinoma is often diagnosed at later stages, the research states. It is the most common and lethal type of ovarian cancer, according to the National Institutes of Health. As of now, the most effective way to identify a pelvic mass is through surgery, followed by pathological testing.

There are still no effective screening tools in women who are asymptomatic, the report stated. The researchers were able to develop OvaPrint by testing samples to distinguish ovarian cancers from benign masses. OvaPrint achieved a 'positive predictive value of 95% and a negative predictive value of 88% for discriminating HGSOC from benign masses, surpassing other commercial tests,' the researchers reported.

The researchers are looking into a follow-up study to validate results, according to Medical Press. This validation could lead to OvaPrint's commercial availability within the next two years.

Health Health Latest News, Health Health Headlines

Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.

'Paradigm shift' needed on plastics health risk: researchersA 'paradigm shift' is needed on the risks posed to human health by plastics, researchers said Wednesday, warning of huge gaps in scientific understanding of the issue.
Source: physorg_com - 🏆 388. / 55 Read more »

Researchers show consequences of inaction on devastating banana diseaseLurking inside the crops of banana-producing-areas in east and central Africa is a disease called Banana Xanthomonas Wilt (BXW)—and new modeling by researchers from the Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT has shown that if left uncontrolled, this bacterial disease could cause a 55% reduction in banana production in newly affected regions within 10 years.
Source: physorg_com - 🏆 388. / 55 Read more »