Advances in the early detection of ovarian carcinoma.
Because early ovarian cancer is generally an asymptomatic process, the majority of cases are diagnosed at a late stage, when they are incurable. A precursor lesion, while thought by many to exist, has so far not been successfully identified. While CA-125 is a useful test for the follow-up of patients with established ovarian cancer, it has not led to earlier detection when used alone as a marker. Similarly, ultrasound, although a sensitive test, is not sufficiently specific to be utilized for screening. The combination of CA-125 and ultrasound is currently being studied and may ultimately prove to be an effective screening method for postmenopausal and high-risk women. Research is also under way to identify markers that have sufficient sensitivity and specificity to be utilized in the screening of asymptomatic women; the hope is to ultimately develop a panel of markers for early detection.
Garner
Elizabeth I O
EI
Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA. egarner@partners.org
D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor / Q000097:blood; D018394:CA-125 Antigen / Q000097:blood*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008403:Mass Screening; D010051:Ovarian Neoplasms / Q000097:blood / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D010808:Physical Examination; D040901:Proteomics; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D014463:Ultrasonography
D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor; D018394:CA-125 Antigen