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A new test has been designed to identify six proteins that are biomarkers for ovarian cancer. In a study, researchers used it to test blood from 362 healthy women and 156 women with newly diagnosed ovarian cancer. They found that when the test detected all six biomarkers, it correctly identified 95% of patients with ovarian cancer. This was a significant improvement over a similar test that identi-

 

fied only four serum biomarkers.

 

Researchers, who are now conducting a larger evaluation of the test, say it "has the potential for efficient screening in patients who are at high risk for ovarian cancer." Early detection could significantly reduce mortality from ovarian cancer.

 

Source

 

Visintin I, et al., Diagnostic markers for early detection of ovarian cancer, Clinical Cancer Research, February 15, 2008.