This Simple Test Can Tell If You Have Ovarian Cancer

Can three proteins revolutionize ovarian cancer detection? Read more to find the answer to this.

Highlights:

Scientists have discovered three proteins that serve as reliable biomarkers for early detection of ovarian cancer
These proteins, known as extracellular vesicles (EVs), can be isolated from bodily fluids such as blood, urine, and saliva
Early detection of ovarian cancer is crucial as it significantly increases the chances of survival, with nine out of ten women surviving when diagnosed early

A potential breakthrough in the detection of ovarian cancer is imminent following the discovery of three distinct proteins that serve as reliable indicators. These proteins were successfully extracted from samples using nanowires coated with a specialized chemical.

This discovery offers a glimmer of hope for the development of a screening program capable of diagnosing the disease at an earlier stage. Ovarian cancer, often referred to as "the silent killer," typically exhibits symptoms only after it has already spread throughout the body.

Nanowires and Specialized Coating: Advancing the Development of a Simple Blood Test

These proteins, known as extracellular vesicles (EVs), are minute proteins released by tumors that can be isolated from bodily fluids like blood, urine, and saliva.

Ovarian Cancer | Cancer in the Ovaries - Causes, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Ovarian cancer affects both the ovaries and is referred to as the 'silent killer' as the symptoms go unnoticed until the disease advances.

‘Can a trio of proteins unlock the secret to early detection of ovarian cancer? The simple answer is yes. #OvarianCancer’

In this study, a team of Japanese scientists managed to extract EVs from the most prevalent type of ovarian cancer, high-grade serous carcinoma (HGSC), utilizing a scanning technique called liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry.

The results, published in the journal Science Advances, revealed that each of the three identified proteins served as a reliable biomarker for HGSC ().

Promising Implications: Personalized Medicine and Improved Survival Rates

Dr. Akira Yokoi, the lead author of the study from Nagoya University, stated, "The results of this research suggest that these diagnostic biomarkers can be used as predictive markers for specific therapies. Our findings enable doctors to optimize their treatment strategies for ovarian cancer, making them potentially valuable for the realization of personalized medicine."

Statistics show that nine out of ten women diagnosed with ovarian cancer at an early stage survive, whereas the survival rate drops dramatically to just one out of ten for late-stage diagnoses. Presently, only a third of cases are detected early, but the discovery of these three proteins introduces a promising new diagnostic tool.

Dr. Yokoi explained that the validation process for the identified proteins was challenging due to the extensive experimentation with different antibodies to identify an effective target. Subsequently, the researchers coated nanowires with a novel thermoplastic polymer called polyketone, enabling the separation of proteins from blood samples.

Despite the difficulty faced during this process, Dr. Yokoi expressed satisfaction with the choice of polyketones as a coating material, stating." Although polyketones are entirely new for this type of nanowire coating, they turned out to be an excellent fit."

Quiz on Ovarian Cancer / Cancer of the Ovary
Ovarian cancer is a cancer that does not produce definite symptoms. Here are a few questions that you could attempt to answer to check your knowledge on ovarian cancer.

Reference:

Identifying high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma–specific extracellular vesicles by polyketone-coated nanowires - (https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.ade6958)

Source-Medindia

Ovarian Cancer / Cancer of Ovary
ovarin cancer or cacer of the ovaries, often referred to as the 'silent kills', is the fifth most common cancer in women.