Promising ovarian cancer blood test to begin trials at UQ

Groundbreaking Blood Test for Early Ovarian Cancer Detection Set to Launch

The fight against ovarian cancer, often dubbed “the silent killer,” is receiving a major boost with the upcoming launch of a new blood test developed by researchers at The University of Queensland.

Designed to detect the disease in it’s earliest stages, the test promises to considerably improve survival rates. Ovarian cancer is the eighth leading cause of death for women, and its high mortality rate stems primarily from late diagnosis. Early detection is crucial, as it allows for more effective treatment options.

Targeting Microscopic Bubbles for Cancer Detection

this innovative test focuses on analyzing extracellular vesicles (EVs), minuscule bubbles released by cells that carry valuable genetic and protein information. In cancer, these EVs differ from those produced by healthy cells, providing a unique fingerprint for detection.

Professor Carlos Salomon Gallo, Director of the UQ Center for Extracellular Vesicle Nanomedicine, and his team have developed this groundbreaking test. They’ve already demonstrated its effectiveness, evaluating it on over 500 blood samples and achieving an impressive overall accuracy of 94 percent. This high accuracy makes it a promising candidate for population-based screening.

“Rapid and accurate identification of asymptomatic ovarian cancer will dramatically improve survival rates,” said Professor Salomon Gallo. “Ovarian cancer ranks as the 8th most prevalent cause of death for women, with the elevated mortality rate primarily becuase diagnosis usually occurs when the disease is at an advanced stage.”

A Low False Positive Rate for Reduced Anxiety and Healthcare Burden

One of the key strengths of this test is its extremely low false positive rate of 4 percent. Professor Gallo emphasized the significance of this low rate: “If the false positive rate is high, say 10 percent, then too many women would be sent for further diagnostic investigations and biopsies they don’t need, and this creates unneeded anxiety and places an extra burden on the healthcare system.”

Clinical Trial Underway: Towards a More hopeful Future

This year, clinical trials will begin at The University of Queensland to confirm the test’s performance in the general population. Nearly 1,500 women from across queensland will participate, providing valuable real-world data.

Professor Gallo explained, “In this study, we will confirm the performance of the test under real-world conditions which will involve the collection of blood samples from multiple sites throughout Queensland and thier shipment to a central laboratory for analysis.”

Key Eligibility Criteria for the Trial

• Postmenopausal women
• Over the age of 45
• No prior history of ovarian cancer

Funding and Collaboration: Driving Progress in Ovarian Cancer Research

This enterprising 5-year program has received considerable funding from the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) in partnership with the Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation and the Lions Medical Research Foundation. The project also benefits from the collaboration of Mater Research and the Queensland Centre for Gynaecological Cancer Research, highlighting the collective effort to combat this disease.

The development of this novel blood test represents a significant advance in the fight against ovarian cancer, offering a beacon of hope for early detection and improved survival rates. With upcoming clinical trials and the collaborative efforts of researchers, clinicians, and organizations, the future of ovarian cancer treatment looks brighter.

How does Professor Gallo’s team’s blood test for ovarian cancer detect the disease using extracellular vesicles (EVs)?

Archyde Exclusive: Interview with Professor Carlos Salomon Gallo on Revolutionizing Ovarian Cancer Detection

Q: Welcome, Professor Carlos Salomon Gallo, Director of the UQ Center for Extracellular Vesicle Nanomedicine. Your team’s work on a groundbreaking blood test for early ovarian cancer detection is generating immense hope. Could you provide an overview of this innovative test?

Professor Gallo: Thank you for having me. Our test focuses on extracellular vesicles (EVs), tiny bubbles released by cells carrying valuable genetic and protein facts. In cancer, these EVs differ from healthy ones, offering a unique chance for early detection.

Q: How has the test performed so far,and what makes it stand out?

Professor Gallo: In over 500 blood samples,we’ve achieved an overall accuracy of 94%,with a remarkably low false positive rate of 4%. This minimizes needless anxiety for women and reduces healthcare burdens.

Q: Why is early detection crucial for improving ovarian cancer survival rates?

Professor gallo: ovarian cancer ranks as the 8th leading cause of death in women due to its typically late diagnosis. Early detection enables more effective treatment and dramatically improves survival rates.

Q: Can you tell us more about the upcoming clinical trial, and how does one qualify to participate?

Professor Gallo: This year, we’re launching a clinical trial across Queensland involving nearly 1,500 women. Key eligibility criteria include being postmenopausal, over 45 years old, and having no prior history of ovarian cancer.

Q: Your work is supported by significant funding and collaborations. How do these partnerships accelerate research progress?

Professor Gallo: Collaboration is key. Our project benefits from the NHMRC, Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation, Lions Medical Research Foundation, Mater Research, and Queensland Center for Gynaecological Cancer Research. Together,we’re faster and more impactful.

Q: Looking ahead, what do you envision as the test’s impact on ovarian cancer diagnosis and treatment?

Professor Gallo: I foresee this test becoming a standard tool for population-based screening, helping detect ovarian cancer in its earliest stages. This means more lives saved and improved quality of life for countless women.

Q: Thank you for your time and insights, Professor gallo. Any final words for our readers?

Professor Gallo: I’d like to encourage everyone to stay informed about ovarian cancer. While there’s still work to be done, our progress gives me hope that we’re moving towards a future where early detection is the norm, not the exception.