New device spots ovarian cancer early

Cancer-detecting method may save many lives London - Arab Today A new screening technique for ovarian cancer in women has been developed which could detect the disease in its early stages, according to a study in the journal, Cancer. Scientists at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, developed a ‘two-stage’ screening method which measures changes in the blood protein, CA125 – known as a marker for the development of tumours. If accepted for clinical trials, the method could help save the lives of hundreds of thousands of women worldwide, the team of researchers said. The study analysed 4,051 post-menopausal women over an 11 year period.  Through a complex monitoring technique, the tests showed early tumours were correctly identified using a series of blood tests measuring CA125 levels, and internal ultrasound examinations. A statement from the medical centre said, “If verified in an ongoing clinical trial, [the screening technique] could potentially help save the lives of thousands of women each year in the US alone". Medical oncology consultant, Sarah Blagden, at Imperial College London said there were a number of different forms of ovarian cancer, and that it was important to know whether the screening was not just isolating ‘indolent’, slow-growing cancers, but faster-developing, more lethal forms. She added, “I had a patient who had an ultrasound showing clear and six months later we picked her up at stage four [the most advanced]. This is in fact the most common type.  If you have a screening programme that tests people once a year, it might have a dangerous effect. We really have to think carefully about that”