In the United States, ovarian cancer ranks as the sixth most frequent cancer among women. A better possibility of successful treatment results from early diagnosis. However, because the symptoms of ovarian cancer sometimes resemble those of digestive problems, it can be challenging to identify.

Three previously unidentified ovarian cancer proteins that can be found in the blood have recently been discovered by new research. These may make it easier to diagnose ovarian cancer, enabling early treatment to begin when it is most likely to be successful.

Any malignant tumor that begins in the ovaries the female reproductive organs located low in the abdomen is considered to be ovarian cancer.

Ovarian cancer rates have declined recently, but it still claims more lives than any other cancer of the female reproductive system. This is according to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Ovarian cancer symptoms, which typically manifest in older women, can be confused with those of other gynaecological or digestive conditions since they can include:

• pelvic pressure or pain
• abnormal vaginal bleeding
• back or stomach ache
• Bloating or the sensation of being full after eating
• Changes in bowel or bladder habits, such as constipation and more frequent urination.

Early detection of ovarian cancer usually results in good treatment, with 94% of patients living at least five years after diagnosis. However, only 20% of ovarian malignancies are discovered at an early stage, and there are no reliable screening tools available at this time.

Three previously undiscovered membrane proteins that can be extracted from bodily fluids like blood, urine, and saliva have now been linked to ovarian cancer, according to new research led by Nagoya University in Japan.

These results, according to the study’s authors, could result in an earlier detection of ovarian cancer, according to Science Advances.

Various ovarian cancer tumor types?

Ovarian tumours can be of three primary types:

Epithelial tumors. The cells that make up these tumours come from the ovary’s outer layer. The majority of ovarian tumours are epithelial tumours, according to the American Cancer Society. Typically, women over 50 are diagnosed with these tumours.

Stromal tumours. Cells of structural tissue are where stromal tumours start. In addition, progesterone and oestrogen are produced by these cells.

According to the Canadian Cancer Society, stromal tumors account for roughly 7% of cases of ovarian cancer. They are typically found in females over 50.

Germ cell tumors. These tumors develop from cells that make eggs. They account for 2–3% of cases of ovarian cancer. Women in their teens and 20s are more prone to experience this type of cancer.

A study identifies novel ovarian cancer biomarkers.

The most prevalent type of ovarian cancer, high-grade serous carcinoma (HGSC), was used by the researchers to collect extracellular vesicles (EVs).

To boost cell growth and survival as well as increase invasive and metastatic activities, cancer cells create EVs. Exosomes, a kind of small EV, are crucial to the development of cancer.

The scientists next examined the proteins present in small, medium, and big EVs using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry.

According to lead author and assistant professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Nagoya University Hospital in Japan, Dr. Akira Yokoi, “The validation steps for the identified proteins were tough because we had to try a lot of antibodies before we found a good target.”

It became evident that the small and medium/large EVs are laden with quite diverse molecules as a result. Small EVs are more suited as biomarkers than medium and large ones, according to further research. The tiny EVs connected to HGSC contained the membrane proteins FR-alpha, Claudin-3, and TACSTD2, he continues.

They had to figure out how to extract the EVs from blood samples after they had discovered the proteins in order to see if they might be utilised to identify ovarian cancer.

The team made use of specialised nanowire technology to collect the EVs. In order to separate exosomes from blood samples, they discovered that polyketone chain-coated nanowires (pNWs) were the best option.

On the nanowires, we must have tested three to four different coatings. Despite being a brand-new substance, polyketones were ultimately a great fit for coating this particular sort of nanowire, according to Dr. Akira Yokoi.

Chance of an earlier diagnosis

The most essential thing we can do to increase survival is probably to diagnose cancer sooner, yet for the majority of tumours, clinicians don’t have access to good diagnostic tools. Later stages of ovarian cancer are significantly more difficult to cure, and the disease’s signs are frequently overlooked, according to Dr. Godfrey.

There is now only one biomarker, Cancer Antigen 125 (CA125), that can be used to diagnose ovarian cancer. Although CA125 has been a key component of ovarian cancer management for the past 40 years in terms of screening, treatment, and follow-up. Also, it hasn’t showed much promise in terms of early detection.

A number of tests may be used by the doctor to make the diagnosis of ovarian cancer if a patient exhibits symptoms that point in that direction. These could involve a transvaginal ultrasound test, a CT scan, or a laparoscopy to look for any growths. Laparoscopy involves making a small incision and inserting a camera into the abdomen.

However, a biopsy, which entails removing a portion of the tumor for laboratory investigation, is the only reliable method of an ovarian cancer diagnosis. A straightforward blood test-based diagnosis approach would be a significant advancement.

Experts urge additional study.

Each of the three novel proteins, according to the study’s authors, may serve as valuable indicators for spotting ovarian cancer at an early stage.

According to Dr. Yokoi, “Our results demonstrated that each of the three identified proteins is useful as a biomarker for HGSCs.” According to the study’s findings, these diagnostic biomarkers may serve as indicators of prognosis for particular treatments.

Dr. Godfrey welcomed the study but emphasised that these were preliminary results.

“It’s too soon to say whether the technology could reliably help us spot ovarian cancer early,” he said. “The research only used a small number of clinical samples.”

He continued, that we need to see more study into these kinds of diagnostic tools. However, if they work, they might make significant improvements to how we treat a range of cancer types.

Summary

Those who are at a high risk of developing ovarian cancer may benefit from screening with ovarian cancer tumor markers. However, a diagnosis cannot be made solely on the basis of blood testing.

Tumour markers for ovarian cancer can be used to monitor disease progression and evaluate the efficacy of treatment.

A 2019 research found that the stage of ovarian cancer at the time of diagnosis is advanced in more than 70% of patients. Although research is ongoing, there is currently no accurate screening method for ovarian cancer.

Knowing the warning signals and informing a doctor of them is crucial for this reason. If you think you have a high chance of developing ovarian cancer, talk to your doctor about the types of testing that could be best for you.

REFERENCES:

• https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/new-biomarkers-for-ovarian-cancer-may-help-diagnose-condition-sooner
• https://gs.amegroups.org/article/view/46043/html
• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7998656/

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