We use cookies to understand how you use our site and to improve your experience. This includes personalizing content and advertising. To learn more, click here. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies. Cookie Policy.

Features Partner Sites Information LinkXpress
Sign In
Advertise with Us
LGC Clinical Diagnostics

Download Mobile App




Events

09 Apr 2024 - 12 Apr 2024
15 Apr 2024 - 17 Apr 2024
23 Apr 2024 - 26 Apr 2024

Genetic Test Improves Ovarian Cancer Treatment

By LabMedica International staff writers
Posted on 12 Jan 2023
Print article
Image: The new genetic test helps to identify ovarian cancer patients who benefit from a new drug (Photo courtesy of Helsinki University Hospital)
Image: The new genetic test helps to identify ovarian cancer patients who benefit from a new drug (Photo courtesy of Helsinki University Hospital)

Ovarian cancer has the worst prognosis among all gynecological cancers due to delay in diagnosis as its symptoms are often minor and unclear. Of late, the new PARP inhibitors as maintenance treatment for ovarian cancer after surgery and cytostatic therapy in newly-diagnosed ovarian cancer have demonstrated excellent results. However, the therapy can also cause serious side-effects, making it vital to target it to only those patients who stand to benefit the most from the treatment. Now, a new genetic test can identify ovarian cancer patients who can benefit from PARP inhibitors.

The genetic test developed at the University of Helsinki (Helsinki, Finland) and Helsinki University Hospital (Helsinki, Finland) using machine learning can identify patients whose tumors carry certain gene defects that are typical of ovarian cancer. The lesions are caused by a deficiency in the homologous recombination DNA repair pathway (HRD). These tumor types are the ones that are sensitive to PARP inhibitors. Their study has shown that each cancer type is associated with different characteristics of the genetic lesions related to HRD. In fact, it was important to develop a test optimized for ovarian cancer in order to advance the precision of therapies for the cancer type.

“The genetic test helps to identify patients who do not benefit from the drug, thus avoiding unnecessary treatment and the adverse effects associated with the drug,” said Specialist Anniina Färkkilä from HUS Helsinki University Hospital. “This therapy can now be administered to as many as half of the patients with ovarian cancer.”

“Clinical trials have shown that patients with HRD tumors have a strong response to PARP inhibitors, while the response of other patients is poor,” added Doctoral Researcher Fernando Perez Villatoro from the University of Helsinki. “The gene test and the algorithms are now freely available, and can be used in clinical care and trials to guide the treatment of ovarian cancer.”

Related Links:
University of Helsinki 
Helsinki University Hospital 

Platinum Member
COVID-19 Rapid Test
OSOM COVID-19 Antigen Rapid Test
Specimen Collection & Transport
Anti-Cyclic Citrullinated Peptide Test
GPP-100 Anti-CCP Kit
Gold Member
Real-time PCR System
GentierX3 Series

Print article

Channels

Clinical Chemistry

view channel
Image: Reaching speeds up to 6,000 RPM, this centrifuge forms the basis for a new type of inexpensive, POC biomedical test (Photo courtesy of Duke University)

POC Biomedical Test Spins Water Droplet Using Sound Waves for Cancer Detection

Exosomes, tiny cellular bioparticles carrying a specific set of proteins, lipids, and genetic materials, play a crucial role in cell communication and hold promise for non-invasive diagnostics.... Read more

Hematology

view channel
Image: The low-cost portable device rapidly identifies chemotherapy patients at risk of sepsis (Photo courtesy of 52North Health)

POC Finger-Prick Blood Test Determines Risk of Neutropenic Sepsis in Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy

Neutropenia, a decrease in neutrophils (a type of white blood cell crucial for fighting infections), is a frequent side effect of certain cancer treatments. This condition elevates the risk of infections,... Read more

Pathology

view channel
Image: The medical office procedure detects the key biomarker in Parkinson’s and related neurodegenerative diseases (Photo courtesy of BIDMC)

Simple Skin Biopsy Test Detects Parkinson’s and Related Neurodegenerative Diseases

Parkinson's disease and a group of related neurodegenerative disorders known as synucleinopathies impact millions globally. These conditions, including Parkinson’s disease (PD), dementia with Lewy bodies... Read more
Copyright © 2000-2024 Globetech Media. All rights reserved.