Reducing Ovarian Cancer Mortality Through Early Detection: Approaches using Circulating Biomarkers Original paper
Researched by:
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Divine Aleru
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Divine Aleru
I am a biochemist with a deep curiosity for the human microbiome and how it shapes human health, and I enjoy making microbiome science more accessible through research and writing. With 2 years experience in microbiome research, I have curated microbiome studies, analyzed microbial signatures, and now focus on interventions as a Microbiome Signatures and Interventions Research Coordinator.
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Women’s Health
Women’s Health
Women’s health, a vital aspect of medical science, encompasses various conditions unique to women’s physiological makeup. Historically, women were often excluded from clinical research, leading to a gap in understanding the intricacies of women’s health needs. However, recent advancements have highlighted the significant role that the microbiome plays in these conditions, offering new insights and potential therapies. MicrobiomeSignatures.com is at the forefront of exploring the microbiome signature of each of these conditions to unravel the etiology of these diseases and develop targeted microbiome therapies.
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Ovarian Cancer
Ovarian Cancer
OverviewOvarian cancer (OC) remains one of the most deadly cancers affecting women, with an estimated 314,000 new cases diagnosed worldwide annually, making it the eighth most commonly diagnosed cancer. It also accounts for over 207,000 deaths each year, reflecting its high lethality. The disease is often diagnosed at advanced stages (stage III and IV) due […]
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Divine Aleru
Researched by:
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Divine Aleru
ID
Divine Aleru
Microbiome Signatures identifies and validates condition-specific microbiome shifts and interventions to accelerate clinical translation. Our multidisciplinary team supports clinicians, researchers, and innovators in turning microbiome science into actionable medicine.
Divine Aleru
What was reviewed?
This review examined the current approaches for improving early detection of ovarian cancer, specifically focusing on the use of circulating biomarkers in liquid biopsies. It analyzed various molecular biomarkers, including circulating tumor cells (CTCs), cell-free DNA (cfDNA), and extracellular vesicles (EVs), and their potential roles in early-stage detection, monitoring recurrence, and predicting treatment responses.
Who was reviewed?
This review focused on the current advancements and methodologies related to the detection of ovarian cancer using liquid-based biomarkers. It did not evaluate specific individuals or patient groups but instead examined various biomarker types such as circulating tumor cells (CTCs), cell-free DNA (cfDNA), and extracellular vesicles (EVs) as potential tools for early diagnosis and monitoring of ovarian cancer. The review assessed numerous studies and research findings on these biomarkers and their clinical application, exploring how these molecular tools could improve ovarian cancer detection, prognosis, and treatment response.
What were the most important findings?
The review highlights the limitations of current ovarian cancer detection methods, such as CA125 and transvaginal ultrasonography, which have not significantly improved mortality rates. The main findings suggest that liquid-based biomarkers, particularly CTCs, cfDNA, and EVs, show promising potential for early detection. The use of CTCs, though not yet effective for early detection in ovarian cancer, is associated with prognosis and survival in advanced cases. More promising, however, are the advancements in the analysis of cfDNA and EVs, including their use for detecting mutations, methylation patterns, and tumor-associated markers like EpCAM and CD24, which could aid in distinguishing ovarian cancer from benign conditions. These biomarkers also hold the potential for identifying the tumor’s genetic landscape, which could significantly improve early diagnosis and targeted therapy.
What are the greatest implications of this review?
The findings underscore the need for more effective, non-invasive diagnostic tools for ovarian cancer. Liquid biopsy technologies that analyze CTCs, cfDNA, and EVs offer a less invasive alternative to traditional tissue biopsies, with the potential for earlier detection and continuous monitoring of treatment efficacy and recurrence. The review suggests that these technologies could be integrated into clinical practice for improving ovarian cancer screening, particularly through enhanced sensitivity and specificity in identifying early-stage disease. The review also calls for further clinical validation to demonstrate these biomarkers’ diagnostic and prognostic value, as well as the need for new techniques to improve detection sensitivity for rare biomarkers.