The UNSW Gynaecological Cancer Research Group (GCRG) has achieved a significant milestone in their quest to develop an early detection blood test for ovarian cancer. Researchers at UNSW Sydney have identified three DNA biomarkers that can detect all major types of ovarian cancer, bringing a world-first early detection test closer to reality.
Breakthrough in Ovarian Cancer Detection
The UNSW Gynaecological Cancer Research Group (GCRG) has developed a unique three-target signature that can identify minute amounts of DNA released into the bloodstream. This advancement marks a critical step in the effort to bring an early detection test to clinical trials by 2026.
This discovery has come at a crucial time, as ovarian cancer remains one of the deadliest cancers affecting women worldwide. More than 310,000 women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer annually, often at advanced stages, leading to a high mortality rate—over 50% within five years of diagnosis. Currently, there is no early detection test available, and diagnosis typically requires invasive procedures.
The Importance of Early Detection
Dr. Kristina Warton, a researcher and epigeneticist with the UNSW GCRG, emphasized the life-saving potential of an early detection blood test. “Ovarian cancer, when found early, can be cured,” she stated. The goal is to create a test that requires only a simple blood draw and a PCR reaction, eliminating the need for specialized imaging equipment or invasive procedures.
“Early diagnosis, before the tumor has spread, is the most accessible and equitable path to healthcare for people at risk of ovarian cancer and will have life-changing impacts for people diagnosed with this disease,” Dr. Warton added.
Identifying DNA Biomarkers: A Groundbreaking Achievement
The research team, led by Professor Caroline Ford, has narrowed their focus to three specific DNA biomarkers from an initial pool of 70 candidates. These biomarkers are capable of detecting the early stages of ovarian cancer by identifying methylated regions of DNA that are “switched off” by cancer. Dr. Warton likened the process to “panning for gold,” as they searched for the specific DNA regions that serve as true biomarkers.
“When someone has a tumor, and tumor cells die, some of that DNA ends up in the bloodstream,” Dr. Warton explained. “There is a little bit of a trace from that tumor, like smoke from a bushfire.”
Impact of CAMILLA AND MARC’s Campaign
The breakthrough has been supported by the ‘Ovaries. Talk About Them’ campaign, initiated by CAMILLA AND MARC. This campaign, now in its fifth year, has raised $1.7 million since its launch in 2020 to support the critical work of the UNSW GCRG.
Camilla Freeman-Topper, Creative Director of CAMILLA AND MARC, expressed pride in the progress made by the UNSW team. “We feel immense pride towards the team at UNSW for their tireless efforts, as well as everyone who has continually supported our ‘Ovaries. Talk About Them.’ campaign,” she said. Marc Freeman, Chief Executive Officer, added, “Today, this test stands as the only DNA-based method globally to have reached this advanced stage in ovarian cancer detection.”
The siblings, who lost their mother to ovarian cancer as children, hope their campaign can help change the course of diagnosis and prevent future devastation.
Next Steps in Research and Development
The GCRG team is currently refining their PCR-based test to enhance its sensitivity, specificity, and cost-effectiveness, aiming to make it a viable clinical testing option worldwide. They are also collecting blood samples from individuals at elevated risk of developing ovarian cancer, such as those with BRCA gene mutations, to continue their testing.
Dr. Ford emphasized the need for a highly specific screening test to avoid false positives. “The next step after a positive test is highly invasive surgery,” she noted. “That is why our team has spent years investigating changes in DNA associated with endometriosis, menstruation, and menopause to ensure any test we develop is based on solid knowledge of female physiology.”
The Future of Ovarian Cancer Detection
The development of an early detection blood test could revolutionize ovarian cancer diagnosis and significantly improve survival rates. Dr. Ford highlighted the importance of continued research and funding. “If we can detect ovarian cancer at stage one, the survival rate should jump to around 90%, which will be a game-changer in tackling this disease,” she said.
Supporting the Cause
The ‘Ovaries. Talk About Them’ campaign, launched in 2020 by CAMILLA AND MARC, aims to foster a global conversation about ovarian cancer and support the development of an early detection test. The campaign’s limited edition collection will be available in boutiques and online from 25 August 2024, with 100% of the proceeds going towards funding this vital research.
Support the campaign by purchasing items from the collection or donating directly to help raise awareness and funds for ovarian cancer research. All contributions go directly to advancing the development of an early detection test, bringing hope to those affected by this devastating disease.
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