A groundbreaking blood test developed at The University of Queensland (UQ) that could transform early detection of ovarian cancer is set to begin clinical trials this year, offering new hope in the fight against this devastating disease.
The innovative screening test, which has demonstrated an impressive 94% accuracy rate in preliminary studies, will be evaluated in a large-scale trial involving 1,500 Queensland women. This crucial study aims to validate the test's effectiveness as a population-based screening tool for ovarian cancer, often referred to as 'the silent killer.'
Professor Carlos Salomon Gallo, Director of the UQ Centre for Extracellular Vesicle Nanomedicine, emphasizes the critical importance of early detection: "Rapid and accurate identification of asymptomatic ovarian cancer will dramatically improve survival rates." This urgency is underscored by current statistics showing ovarian cancer as the eighth leading cause of death among women, with high mortality rates primarily due to late-stage diagnosis.
Revolutionary Technology and Promising Results
The screening test employs cutting-edge technology targeting extracellular vesicles (EVs) - microscopic bubbles produced by cells that contain vital proteomic and genomic information signaling the presence of cancer. This innovative approach has been developed through a partnership between UQ and ASX-listed biotechnology company INOVIQ Ltd.
A standout feature of the test is its remarkably low false-positive rate of 4%, as demonstrated in previous studies involving over 500 blood samples. Professor Salomon Gallo explains the significance: "If the false positive rate is high, say 10%, then too many women would be sent for further diagnostic investigations and biopsies they don't need, creating unnecessary anxiety and placing an extra burden on the healthcare system."
Trial Design and Implementation
The study will focus on postmenopausal women over 45 with no prior history of ovarian cancer. This comprehensive evaluation will assess the test's performance under real-world conditions, including the logistics of collecting and transporting blood samples from multiple Queensland sites to a central laboratory for analysis.
The ambitious five-year program has garnered substantial support from leading research organizations, including the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC), the Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation, and the Lions Medical Research Foundation. These partnerships also extend to collaboration with Mater Research and Queensland Centre for Gynaecological Cancer Research.
"We hope this test enables women with ovarian cancer to be diagnosed at the earliest stage, when they have a fighting chance against this silent killer," Professor Salomon Gallo states, highlighting the potential impact of this revolutionary screening approach on women's health outcomes.
