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Women's Health Sep 3, 2019

A Clinical Trial May Help in Detecting Ovarian Cancer Early in Women over 50

Reviewed by: Yvette Williams-Brown, MD
Written by: Lauryn Feil

A senior African-American woman sits on an exam table listening as a young Africa-American clinician in a white lab coat speaks with her.

Ovarian cancer is the fifth most common cancer in women and the most common cause of gynecologic cancer-related deaths, but there is not a reliable or standardized screening to prevent or catch ovarian cancer early. MD Anderson and other study sites, including UT Health Austin, are participating in a clinical trial to determine if a blood test could help detect ovarian cancer early in women who are post-menopausal.

“Unless a woman has a family history of ovarian cancer or the BRCA mutation, right now there isn’t a reliable screening to test for early signs of ovarian cancer in the general population of women,” says M. Yvette Williams-Brown, MD, gynecologic oncologist in both UT Health Austin’s Livestrong Cancer Institutes and Women’s Health, a clinical partnership between UT Health Austin and Ascension Seton, and principal study investigator for this site. “The purpose of this study is to see if a blood test, known as the CA-125 test, can help us detect ovarian cancer early in post-menopausal women, which is the population at the highest risk for developing ovarian cancer.”

The CA 125 blood test measures the concentration of the CA 125 glycoprotein antigen that is produced on the surface of cells and released into the bloodstream. The level of this antigen is typically higher than normal in women with ovarian cancer. However, it can also be higher than normal in pregnancy, endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, menstruation, acute and chronic hepatitis, and noncancerous diseases.

The antigen levels from the blood sample along with patient information are put through an algorithm that determines potential next steps for patients who may be flagged as high-risk for ovarian cancer.

“The algorithm helps us triage patients into three categories. One being ‘low risk’ with a typical follow-up screening in one year. Two being ‘intermediate risk,’ where we would do a follow-up blood draw in three months. And three being ‘concerning or high risk,’ for which we may recommend the patient receive a transvaginal ultrasound so we can get a better idea of what the ovaries look like,” says Dr. Williams-Brown.

A transvaginal ultrasound, while not as invasive as surgery, can still be a discomforting experience for women so, only patients who pose a higher risk of developing or having ovarian cancer are sent to receive that screening. Surgery is the only method available to confirm ovarian cancer for certain.

Because of the way ovarian cancer spreads, it can be very difficult to detect early. Symptoms can also be similar to those of other conditions or simply common bodily experiences. The three most common symptoms that tend to be present in women with ovarian cancer are persistent abdominal or pelvic pain, bloating or fullness and urinary frequency.

“As it can be difficult to diagnose early, oftentimes ovarian cancer is caught at stage three or four where curing it can be much more difficult. If we can find a way to catch it early we could increase more favorable outcomes,” says Dr. Williams-Brown.

The clinical trial is currently open and free to anyone who meets the criteria below:

  • Women between the ages of 50-74
  • Post-menopausal (no period for one year or longer)
  • No cancer treatment in the past 12 months
  • Have at least one ovary
  • Have a healthcare provider (someone that provides your annual well-woman exam, whom we can send follow-up results to)

By participating in this study, patients are helping to advance medical science and help others who may battle cancer in the future.

For more information about participating in the free screening view flyer here.
For answers to frequently asked questions regarding the study view FAQ sheet here.

Women's Health

About the Partnership Between UT Health Austin and Ascension Seton

The collaboration between UT Health Austin and Ascension brings together medical professionals, medical school learners, and researchers who are all part of the integrated mission of transforming healthcare delivery and redesigning the academic health environment to better serve society. This collaboration allows highly specialized providers who are at the forefront of the latest research, diagnostic, and technological developments to build an integrated system of care that is a collaborative resource for clinicians and their patients.

About UT Health Austin

UT Health Austin is the clinical practice of the Dell Medical School at The University of Texas at Austin. We collaborate with our colleagues at the Dell Medical School and The University of Texas at Austin to utilize the latest research, diagnostic, and treatment techniques, allowing us to provide patients with an unparalleled quality of care. Our experienced healthcare professionals deliver personalized, whole-person care of uncompromising quality and treat each patient as an individual with unique circumstances, priorities, and beliefs. Working directly with you, your care team creates an individualized care plan to help you reach the goals that matter most to you — in the care room and beyond. For more information, call us at 1-833-UT-CARES or request an appointment here.