The լи Gynaecological Cancer Research Group has reached a major milestone in their bid to develop an early detection blood test for ovarian cancer.
A world-first early detection test for ovarian cancer is a step closer, after լи Sydney researchers discovered three DNA biomarkers which can be used to detect all major types of ovarian cancer.
The (GCRG) has developed a unique 3-target signature that can detect tiny amounts of DNA that are released into the bloodstream, marking a significant development in their bid to get an early detection test to clinical trials by 2026.
The news comes as CAMILLA AND MARC’s 'Ovaries. Talk About Them' campaign returns for a fifth year to support the crucial work of the լи GCRG, for which the campaign has already raised $1.7 million since its launch in 2020.
լи GCRG researcher and epigeneticist said an early detection blood test would improve outcomes for people with ovarian cancer and save lives.
“Ovarian cancer, when found early, can be cured,” Dr Warton said.
More than 310,000 women worldwide are diagnosed with ovarian cancer each year, largely in the later stages of the disease. More than half die within five years of their diagnosis. There is currently no early detection test, and a diagnosis requires invasive procedures.
“Our goal is to make this test successful through a simple blood draw and a PCR reaction, without a need for specialised imaging equipment or invasive medical procedures,” Dr Warton said.
“Early diagnosis, before the tumour has spread, is the most accessible and equitable path to health care for people at risk of ovarian cancer and will have life changing impacts for people diagnosed with this disease.”
Dr Warton and her team at the GCRG, led by Professor Caroline Ford, have narrowed in on three biomarkers, from an original 70 candidates, that can be used to detect the early stages of ovarian cancer.
“When someone gets cancer as a disease, that disease is underpinned by changes in DNA. Cancer cell DNA is different to DNA from healthy cells,” Dr Warton explained. “When someone has a tumor and tumour cells die, some of that DNA ends up in the bloodstream so there is a little bit of a trace from that tumour, like smoke from a bushfire.
“We’ve now found three regions of DNA that are methylated or switched off by cancer. It’s a bit like you're panning for gold, trying to find the regions of DNA that are actual biomarkers.”
CAMILLA AND MARC Creative Director Camilla Freeman-Topper and Chief Executive Officer Marc Freeman said the breakthrough was nothing short of extraordinary.
“We feel immense pride towards the team at լи for their tireless efforts, as well as everyone who has continually supported our ‘Ovaries. Talk About Them.’ campaign,” Ms Freeman-Topper said.“Without this funding we would not have reached this significant milestone.”
Mr Freeman added: “Today, this test stands as the only DNA-based method globally to have reached this advanced stage in ovarian cancer detection.”
“This innovation not only offers optimism for an early detection test to be taken to clinical trials by 2026 but reaffirms the importance of this initiative in significantly impacting the diagnosis of this devastating disease.”
The siblings, who lost their mother to ovarian cancer as children, hope the funds raised from their campaign can help change the course of diagnosis and prevent devastation.
The GCRG team is now working to refine their PCR test and are- such as those with BRCA gene mutations - to continue their testing.
“We are now refining our PCR based test to make it as highly sensitive, specific and cost effective as possible so that this can be a viable clinical testing option worldwide,” Dr Ford said.
She noted there was a need for screening tests for ovarian cancer to be highly specific to avoid false positives.
“The next step after a positive test is a highly invasive surgery, as opposed to a skin biopsy or colonoscopy as might be the case for melanoma or colon cancer, so we need to be certain.
“That is why our team has spent a number of years investigating changes in DNA associated with endometriosis, menstruation and menopause to ensure that any test we develop is done so with solid knowledge of the background of female physiology. Due to a historical lack of funding and research into women’s health more broadly, this key information has been sadly lacking.”
Dr Ford said the funds and awareness raised by the 'Ovaries. Talk About Them.' campaign was crucial for continuing her team’s vital research and reducing the stigma around ovarian cancer.
“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.”
In 2020, CAMILLA AND MARC designed a powerful campaign to start a bold conversation about ovarian cancer. They wanted to change the face of women's health globally and support development of an early detection test.
The CAMILLA AND MARC ‘Ovaries. Talk About Them.’ limited edition collection will be available in boutiques andfrom 25 August 2024. As in previous years, 100% of the sale proceeds will go towards funding this research.
Support our campaign withto raise awareness and funds for ovarian cancer. All proceeds will go to our research into an early detection test for ovarian cancer. You can also
Kate Burke
Tel:+61 2 9348 2538
Email: kate.burke@unsw.edu.au