A new medical tampon may be able to detect early signs of ovarian cancer, scientists have said.
researcher in southampton The aim is to test a new device that detects biological signals in vaginal fluid.
Researchers have reported nearly 7,600 new cases of ovarian cancer. cancer occurs every year in the UK. Many of them are diagnosed at an advanced stage.
About 250 women named Violet are being recruited for the study. This will include patients who have been diagnosed with ovarian cancer and had their ovaries removed, as well as women with BRCA gene mutations who are opting for risk-reducing surgery.
According to Cancer Research UK, people with this genetic mutation have a higher risk of developing several cancers, including breast, ovarian, pancreatic, and prostate.
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Dr. Gemma Longley, consultant medical oncologist at University Hospital Southampton and lead investigator on the trial, said, “There is currently no screening program available for ovarian cancer, and women with recognised genetic mutations, such as BRCA, can choose to have surgery to remove their ovaries and fallopian tubes to reduce the risk of developing the disease.”
“However, it could have significant long-term health implications by putting young women into surgical menopause.”
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David Constable-Phelps, a consultant gynaecological oncology surgeon and co-investigator of the study, expressed that the successful implementation of the tampon could significantly transform the lives of women battling ovarian cancer.
“The early and late stages of ovarian cancer usually have non-specific symptoms, so the tumour can silently spread to other organs,” he said.
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Mr. Constable-Phelps said, “We are really optimistic that we will find interesting biological signals in the vaginal fluids of women with early-stage tumours, meaning more women can expect to be cured.”
“This study will pave the way for further translational work to allow us to understand more about the biology of these cancers.”
Daye, a biotechnology company, has developed the diagnostic tampon. If successful, the researchers hope to conduct an even larger trial.
