Researchers have identified a molecular signature in blood that may enable the early detection of ovarian cancer before traditional imaging or diagnostic tests can identify a tumor.
According to a study published in the journal Nature Medicine, this discovery focuses on detecting microscopic changes in the lining of the fallopian tubes known as serous tubal intraepithelial carcinoma (STIC), a precursor to high-grade serous ovarian cancer.
The diagnostic method measures a long non-coding RNA molecule found in extracellular vesicles in blood serum, referred to as “Tu-Stroma.” In tests involving 506 individuals, the molecular indicator successfully identified 92.3% of women with these pre-cancerous lesions. The test accurately classified 98.2% of women without the lesions as healthy.
The research, conducted by a team at the Hoag Family Cancer Institute in Newport Beach, California, highlights the potential for this biomarker to assist women with high genetic risk factors, such as those carrying BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations. Currently, these individuals often face difficult decisions regarding preventative surgery to remove their fallopian tubes and ovaries without knowing if pre-cancerous changes are present.
The study cohort comprised 506 women, categorized into 143 individuals with normal tissue, 88 with benign lesions, 43 diagnosed with STIC, and 232 with high-grade serous ovarian cancer. Beyond the primary findings, the new indicator underwent an independent validation test that successfully detected 24 out of 26 cases of pre-cancerous lesions. The test also correctly categorized 53 out of 54 healthy women, achieving a specificity of 98.2%.
Researchers noted that “Tu-Stroma” levels were significantly higher in those with STIC lesions and high-grade serous ovarian cancer compared to reference groups.
In high-risk populations, statistical modeling indicated that approximately 72% of positive results are true positives, while the test demonstrated nearly 100% accuracy in ruling out the presence of lesions. The research team specifically investigated potential interference from pregnancy, autoimmune conditions, and other cancers, finding no similar systematic elevation of the marker.
The study found the “Tu-Stroma” indicator significantly outperformed the traditional CA125 test in distinguishing between STIC lesions and healthy tissue or benign ovarian masses. Despite these findings, researchers emphasized that the study relied on blood samples from women with known diagnoses rather than prospective monitoring of healthy individuals.
The team is now planning future clinical trials to validate the test’s effectiveness, noting that it remains a research candidate and is not yet ready for routine screening.
The study also suggests that monitoring cellular mutations may help distinguish between stable cellular changes and those indicating potential disease progression, as researchers continue to explore how biomarkers can signal malignancy before it develops into invasive cancer. As noted by the study authors, this new tool could eventually provide critical biological information to guide preventative clinical decisions.
Earlier coverage: New Blood Test Can Detect Early Ovarian Cancer Markers, Study Finds
