Breakthrough Blood Test for Ovarian Cancer Detection

Strategic Insights -

Researchers have developed a simple blood test that can accurately detect ovarian cancer in its early stages, potentially improving care and outcomes for women with the disease. The test uses machine learning to recognize patterns in blood markers that are shed by cancer cells and has shown high accuracy in testing 832 samples. Experts are hopeful that the test could one day be used on the NHS, subject to regulatory approval. Ovarian cancer is usually diagnosed using a mix of scans and blood tests, but is often detected too late when it is harder to treat.

Key Takeaways:

  • The blood test, developed by AOA Dx, looks for two types of blood markers in those showing symptoms of ovarian cancer, including pelvic pain and bloating.
  • The test uses machine learning to recognize patterns that would be difficult for humans to detect, and can accurately detect ovarian cancer across all stages of the disease 93% of the time.
  • The test has shown 91% accuracy in early stages in samples from the University of Colorado, and 88% accuracy in early stages in Manchester samples.
  • The test looks for fragments released by cancer cells into the bloodstream, which carry tiny fat-like molecules known as lipids, along with certain proteins.
  • The unique combination of lipids and proteins is like a biological fingerprint for ovarian cancer, according to AOA Dx.
  • The test has the potential to improve patient care and outcomes for women diagnosed with ovarian cancer, and lower costs to the healthcare system.
  • Experts are hopeful that the test could one day be used on the NHS, subject to regulatory approval.

Statistics:

  • 7,500 new cases of ovarian cancer occur in the UK every year, usually affecting women over the age of 50.
  • The test was able to accurately detect ovarian cancer across all stages of the disease 93% of the time in samples from the University of Colorado.
  • 91% accuracy in early stages in samples from the University of Colorado, and 88% accuracy in early stages in Manchester samples.
  • The test has shown 92% accuracy at all stages and 88% accuracy in early stages in Manchester samples.

Sources:

  • American Association of Cancer Research (AACR) journal Cancer Research Communications
  • University of Manchester
  • University of Colorado
  • Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT)
  • AOA Dx (AOA Dx)