The research, which was published in the British Journal of Cancer, discovered that the presence of four proteins together, known as a biomarker panel, indicates the likelihood of Epithelial Ovarian Cancer (EOC), a type of ovarian cancer. Using these biomarkers, the researchers then developed a screening test that initial studies suggest may be able to detect ovarian cancer up to two years before current detection tests.
The study involved the analysis of blood samples from 80 individuals across a seven-year period. The research was carried out in partnership with the University of New South Wales Australia, University of Milan, University of Manchester and University College London.
Lead author Dr Bobby Graham from Queen’s University Belfast explains, “Firstly, we discovered that the presence of the biomarker panel will enable us to detect ovarian cancer. We then developed a screening test to detect this biomarker panel, making this a relatively simple diagnostic test.
“The algorithm designed will screen the blood sample and flag any abnormal levels of the proteins associated with the cancer. The screening test identifies ovarian cancer up to two years before the current tests allow.”
In females in the UK, ovarian cancer is the sixth most common cancer. In 2016, 4227 deaths were reported as a result of ovarian cancer. If diagnosed at stage one, there is a 90% chance of five-year survival compared to 22% if diagnosed at a stage three or four.
Dr Graham added: “The results of this study are encouraging, however, we now want to focus on testing it in a wider sample set so that we can use the data to advocate for an ovarian cancer screening programme.”
Athena, CEO of Eve says, “We are extremely proud to have part funded the PROMISE programme, which brought together experts for a 7 year project to try and diagnose ovarian cancer at an earlier stage.
“Sadly, so many women are diagnosed late, to devastating effect. We are hopeful the outcomes of this project will have a positive affect on women in the future.”
You can read the full paper on the BJC.