Sep 3, 2010 New test for ovarian cancer By Lee Hui Chieh
The new test makes it more likely for the cancer to be picked up earlier. --
A NEW blood test that can detect ovarian cancer - especially in its early stages - more accurately than an existing test has been made available here.
This makes it more likely for the cancer to be picked up earlier, which improves patients' chances of survival.
Ovarian cancer is diagnosed through a physical examination and an ultrasound scan for tumours, and an existing blood test to check for a protein that increases to high levels in those with ovarian cancer, called a tumour marker.
However, other conditions such as endometriosis or pelvic inflammatory disease can also raise the level of this protein.
The existing blood test will indicate the presence of early ovarian cancer in 10 per cent of women who are actually cancer-free. It will also give the all-clear to 10 per cent of those who do, in fact, have ovarian cancer in its early stages.
The new test, called Ovplex, reduces both these rates by more than 30 per cent each, a study on 362 women in Australia done by its creator, Australian biotechnology company HealthLinx, showed.
The new test is being distributed here by Innovations Exchange, the National University of Singapore's arm that specialises in diagnostic tests for women's health, and will be carried out by private laboratory chain Quest Laboratories.
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