Cancer News: Ovarian
Scientists identify genetic errors in 12 major cancer types
Examining 12 major types of cancer, scientists at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis have identified 127 repeatedly mutated genes that appear to drive the development and progression of a range of tumors in the body. The discovery sets the stage for devising new diagnostic tools and more personalized cancer treatments.
BRCA1/2 mutations may alter endometrial, ovarian function
Scientists have detected significant differences in endometrial thickness and hormone levels in women with and without BRCA1/2 mutations that may play a role in cancer susceptibility or development.
Internet-based intervention improves cancer-related sexual dysfunction in women
An Internet-based intervention may significantly improve both sexual function and satisfaction in women with sexual dysfunction years after treatment for breast or gynecologic cancer, according to a randomized trial reported in the November issue of the Journal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network. Leslie R. Schover, PhD, of The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, and colleagues also found that the intervention may reduce emotional distress and improve the overall quality of life in these women after treatment.
Test may help predict survival from ovarian cancer
By counting the number of cancer-fighting immune cells inside tumors, scientists say they may have found a way to predict survival from ovarian cancer.
Surviving ovarian cancer: scientists attack drug resistant cancer cells
Scientists have developed a targeted drug delivery system that they believe could make ovarian cancer more treatable and increase survival rates.
Advanced-stage ovarian cancer treated with targeted nanomedicine
Advanced stage ovarian cancer in mice has been treated successfully using a targeted nanomedicine approach to deliver what are called "small molecule drugs".
Surgery for ovarian cancer risk reduction finds support in research
Women carrying a fault in any of the BRCA1 or BRCA2 high-risk genes have an increased risk of dying from breast and/or ovarian cancer. Many, including Angelina Jolie, choose to undergo surgery to remove their healthy breasts, ovaries or both before the disease affects them.
Breast cancer risk still not understood despite Angelina Jolie's mastectomy
A new study shows that awareness of Angelina Jolie's preventive mastectomy did not increase understanding of breast cancer risk.
BRCA testing against breast and ovarian cancer encouraged for high-risk women
Family history of breast or ovarian cancer triggers a recommendation for women to undergo testing for mutations in the BRCA cancer susceptibility genes.
Ovarian cancer combination treatment using decitabine found effective
Recurrent ovarian cancer patients benefited from decitabine before chemotherapy and a cancer vaccine, according to researchers.
Ovarian cancer biomarker discovered may predict treatment response
An ovarian cancer biomarker that may help in predicting the treatment response and improve outcomes for patients with the epithelial form of the disease, has been discovered.
Ovarian cancer risk reduced by 20% in study via daily aspirin intake
Daily aspirin intake reduced ovarian cancer risk by 20% in a study, raising prevention hopes. Clinical recommendations must be based on further research, though.
Genetic analysis for ovarian cancer treatment selection
Matching advanced ovarian cancer patients with one of the most common drugs (paclitaxel, cyclophosphamide, and topotecan) is now possible via gene analysis.
Preventive ovarian surgery for BRCA1 carriers must be done early
Women with BRCA1 mutations should have preventive ovarian surgery (“prophylactic oophorectomy”) before they turn 35. Otherwise, their risk for cancer increases. This is the outcome of a large international study.
Potential vaccine against ovarian cancer, pancreatic cancer & mesothelioma
Scientists are building proteins that act on the tumor cell surface, and increase immune function against some tumors. Their work is still in laboratory phase.
Ovarian cancer detection closer through a biomarker
Ongoing research is devoted to detecting ovarian cancer early on. The latest work identified a substance which can be used as a tool for early cancer detection.
Ovarian cancer falsely diagnosed to be reduced by new test
The most common test for ovarian cancer reports false-positives in 94% of diagnosed cases. A new test will use a method able to cut this number in half.
Experimental ovarian cancer drug meets main goal in trial
The experimental drug Zybrestat combined with Avastin significantly slowed progression of recurrent ovarian cancer better than Avastin alone.
Ovarian cancer risk correlates with weight, experts say
New research suggests that overweight or obese women are more likely to develop ovarian cancer, after a study on the Body Mass Index (BMI) of 4 million women.
Targeted treatment offers hope for resistant gynecologic cancers
Women with a BRCA mutation, with gynecologic cancers which did not respond to other treatments, had improved outcomes & minimal side effects from an oral drug.
BRCA1 mutation carriers may have alternative to surgery
Women at high risk of breast and ovarian cancer due to BRCA1 mutation may be able to use already available drugs instead of undergoing irreversible surgery.
Breastfeeding & contraceptives may reduce BRCA1/2 ovarian cancer risk
New study finds that breastfeeding, taking oral contraceptives and tubal ligation may reduce ovarian cancer risk for women with BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes mutations.
Ovarian cancer treatment discovery in phase 3 trial
Doctors report that a new ovarian cancer treatment can improve response rates, prolong time before cancer recurs, and even improve survival, in a phase 3 trial.
Ovarian cancer patients with BRCA mutation benefit from tested drug
A phase 2 clinical trial shows that an investigational drug (olaparib) increases progression-free survival in platinum-sensitive recurrent ovarian cancer.
Avastin approved for some ovarian cancer patients in Europe
European regulators approved Avastin (bevacizumab) as a treatment for women with ovarian cancer that is resistant to platinum-containing chemotherapy.