Research Highlights Important Indicators of Early-stage Ovarian Cancer

New research explains why some ovarian cancer patients are dying, while others survive, despite similar surgical and post-operative treatment. The findings show that the difference between life and death can many times be explained by the different biological properties of the tumors. Understanding ovarian cancer biomarkers, such as clear cell tumors, and the exploration of specific tumor-targeted therapy, such as DNA profiling, will improve early stage diagnosis.

“Our findings show that continued research into identifying early-stage indicators for ovarian cancer will have a dramatic impact on long-term patient survival. Current practices, such as lymph node sampling, present only the first step towards an eventual cure,” says Ingiridur Skírnisdottir, lead author of the study.

Currently, less than 30 percent of women with ovarian cancer are diagnosed in the early stages of the disease, when it is confined to the ovaries (stage I) or when the spread has been limited to the pelvis (stage II). Although the long-term prognosis is better for patients with early-stage disease (10-year survival rates range from 50-70 percent) than for patients with advanced disease (where the 10-year survival rate is only 15-25 percent), up to 50 percent of women with early-stage ovarian cancer will eventually relapse and succumb to ovarian cancer.

This study is published in the November/December issue of International Journal of Gynecological Cancer. Media wishing to receive a PDF of this article may contact [email protected].

Ingiridur Skírnisdottir M.D., Ph.D is a gynecological surgeon in the Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Obstetrics and Gynecology at Akademiska University Hospital in Uppsala, Sweden . Dr. Skírnisdottir can be reached at for questions at [email protected] .

International Journal of Gynecological Cancer presents papers from throughout the global community of researchers covering many topics including basic science, epidemiology, diagnostic techniques, surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, pathology and experimental studies. The Journal allows you to call on a roster of international experts for the latest research, advice, and knowledge in order to provide the best treatment for your patients. For more information, please visit www. blackwellpublishing.com/ijg.