New Tool Aims to Detect Ovarian Cancer Earlier in Patients

A new diagnostic tool developed by researchers from Queen Mary University of London could significantly enhance the ability of general practitioners (GPs) to detect signs of ovarian cancer in women at higher risk. Ovarian cancer is frequently referred to as a “silent killer” due to its subtle symptoms, which often do not present themselves until the disease has reached an advanced stage.

Recent findings from the National Ovarian Cancer Audit revealed alarming statistics: in England and Wales, approximately 41% of women diagnosed with ovarian cancer sought emergency care due to severe symptoms. Furthermore, around 32% of cases in England and 24% in Wales were diagnosed only after the cancer had metastasized, complicating treatment options.

Details of the New Diagnostic Tool

The new tool, referred to as Ovatools, aims to streamline the identification process for GPs. Two studies published in the British Journal of Cancer and funded by Cancer Research UK and the National Institute for Health and Care Research assessed both the efficacy of Ovatools and its cost-effectiveness for the National Health Service (NHS).

The first study, which analyzed data from 340,000 women across England, found that the tool is particularly effective for women over the age of 50. The second study concluded that incorporating Ovatools into standard practice would be financially viable for the NHS. Currently, GPs can administer the CA125 blood test to assess the likelihood of ovarian cancer, but referrals for scanning are only made if test results indicate a certain protein level.

Dr. Garth Funston, a clinical senior lecturer at Queen Mary and co-author of the study, emphasized the importance of combining CA125 levels with patient age to improve diagnostic accuracy. “CA125 is already widely used by GPs as a test in women with symptoms of possible ovarian cancer, such as persistent bloating or abdominal pain,” he stated. “By combining a woman’s CA125 level and age, Ovatools provides a clearer indication of her risk of having ovarian cancer.”

Implications for Patient Care

The introduction of Ovatools could transform the approach to early diagnosis. Professor Danny McAuley, scientific director for NIHR Programmes, commented on the significance of this advancement. He noted, “This tool brings real power into the hands of GPs, enabling them to detect patients at higher risk of ovarian cancer and get them the specialist help they need sooner.”

Dr. Sarah Cook, senior strategic evidence manager at Cancer Research UK, remarked on the challenges GPs face in managing referrals for ovarian cancer. She stated, “Risk stratification tools like Ovatools offer valuable support to GPs, guiding clinical decisions and ultimately improving patient outcomes.” While she acknowledged the need for further research to understand the real-world implications, she maintained that the evidence supporting the tool is compelling.

The development of Ovatools represents a crucial step towards enhancing early detection of ovarian cancer and improving outcomes for patients across the UK. With ongoing research and implementation, it is hoped that this new tool will reduce the number of late-stage diagnoses and enhance the overall prognosis for women at risk.