Abstract
There are no effective early-detection modalities for epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC), the fifth leading cause of cancer death in women. However, the 5-year survival rate for women diagnosed with stage I disease is 90%, demonstrating the need for improved early-detection methods. Biomarkers are used in conjunction with clinical assessment, for screening and detecting cancer occurrence, and for determining response and recurrence. Currently, two biomarkers (CA-125 and HE4) are used for monitoring and identification of recurrence of EOC; a third marker (OVA1) is used as the differential in a preoperative setting. In addition to serum markers, researchers are looking at an ovarian cancer symptom index, which may improve specificity to malignancy detection. Ultimately, the clinical benefit of a marker depends on its behavior preceding the months and years prior to symptoms, while the malignancy is developing. The best screening test will detect the early-stage and noninvasive cancers.
