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- Category:
- News
- Author:
- Ani Lamont
- Posted:
- Wednesday, 12 November 2008
A new early stage detection test for ovarian cancer, developed by Australian scientists, has the potential to save the lives of thousands of women a year.
Melbourne scientists from HealthLinx Ltd and ARL Patholgy have developed Ovplex, the world’s first test to detect ovarian cancer at an early stage.
The new test, which works to measure five different substances in the blood related to ovarian cancer, recently became available to Melbourne GPs. It will go nationwide over the coming months. The test will cost $200 and will only be used as a diagnostic tool rather than a general screening device.
“Women all around the world will benefit from this. This test has not been available but by putting five biomarkers together, we really increase the chances of detecting ovarian cancer early,” said the CEO of ARL Pathology Pam Davey.
It is hoped the test will significantly reduce the numbers of 800 Australian women and 142,000 women worldwide who die from the disease each year.
HealthLinx chairman Professor Greg Rice is confident that such an outcome is possible.
“The reason why it is the most lethal of the reproductive tract cancers is that 75 percent of women with ovarian cancer are not diagnosed until late stage disease. Their chances of surviving five years are probably only 20 percent, but if the disease is diagnosed at an early stage, where it is contained within the ovary, the chance of surviving five years rises to 80 percent.
“That is why it is so important to try and develop better tests for diagnosing ovarian cancer, particularly early stage disease, that is where we can make a difference and save lives.”
info: To find out more about the test go to www.ovplex.com.au
Tags: health, ovarian cancer, test
