Assessment of Screening Modalities for Gynecologic Cancers

Background:

• Endometrial and ovarian cancers are, respectively, the fourth and eighth most common cancers among women in the United States. Although some routine Pap tests may detect the presence of cancer cells, there are no convincing early detection approaches for either cancer. Better methods of detection are needed.
• Two possible methods for cancer detection involve samples taken with a tampon or a special kind of brush, called a Tao brush. Researchers would like to know more about how well these methods work.

Objectives:

• To assess the quality of DNA collected by the tampon and Tao brush sampling methods.
• To detect genetic markers in collected DNA and determine if these markers are related to an individual s cancer status.

Eligibility:

• Women age 45 years and older with confirmed or suspected endometrial or ovarian cancer, who will be having surgery.
• A control group of postmenopausal women having surgery for benign gynecological conditions will be included.

Design:

• Shortly before hysterectomy or more extensive procedures to treat either cancer or the benign condition:
• A tampon will be inserted into the vagina to collect cell samples, and removed after 30 minutes.
• After the tampon is removed, the cervix will be swabbed with the Tao brush to collect cell samples.
• Following the hysterectomy, samples of healthy and cancerous tissue will be taken, and tested by researchers.