Researchers at the University of Skövde, the University of Gothenburg and the Sahlgrenska Academy have progressed significantly the early detection of gynecological cancer. They have identified biomarkers that can indicate if someone has cancer. This discovery allows faster answers in the field of healthcare, thereby increasing the chances of the patient’s survival.
Every year, about 325,000 women receive a diagnosis of gynecological cancer. For those who develop ovarian cancer, the future is often uncertain. Only half survive five years after diagnosis. When cancer is detected slowly, the survival rates are drastically reduced. However, there is now a glow of hope.
Research has made critical progress by identifying specific biomarkers that allow early detection of gynecological cancer. This new discovery could eventually be integrated into health care, improving the chances of successful treatment.
We have identified various protein variants that can help distinguish between benign and malignant tumors. We are currently testing a group of genetic changes to further improve the accuracy of our diagnoses. ”
Benjamin Ulfenborg, Higher Lecturer in Biopathic, Skövde University
Body signals reveal cancer
Cancer can hide in the body for a long time before the symptoms occur, making premature diagnosis provocative. The research team uses a technique that combines protein analysis and genetic changes. These biological indicators act as the same warning signals of the body, capable of revealing the disease long before it spread.
A specific part of the study aims for women with endometriosis, a chronic condition affecting about one in ten women of childbearing age. Researchers have found that some genetic lesions are shared between endometriosis and cancer, providing new knowledge in which patients may be at greater risk of developing cancer later.
“For these women, our research could lead to more personalized monitoring and prior detection of possible changes in cancer,” says Benjamin Ulfenborg.
The future of health care: early diagnosis and fewer invasive procedures
The method developed by researchers offers many advantages. Early cancer detection can save lives and reduce the need for extensive surgeries and treatments with serious side effects, providing patients more years of good health and a better quality of life.
“Our goal is to use this method of health care. With the detection of cancer at an early stage, we can prevent unnecessary hassle and give more women the opportunity to live healthier lives,” adds Benjamin Ulfenborg.
Reminder of the importance of research
The project is a collaboration between several research teams. The University of Gothenburg and the Sahlgrenska Academy provide clinical samples and genetic analysis, while the University of Skövde contributes expertise to bioinformatics and statistical modeling. Together they develop algorithms capable of handling large volumes of biological data to improve diagnostics. Early diagnosis research is vital to improving survival rates.
“Every success in this area gives more women the opportunity to survive their illness and live a healthier lives,” concludes Benjamin Ulfenborg.
Source:
Magazine report:
Linder, A., et al. (2024). Genomal changes in ovarian endometriosis and then diagnosed ovarian carcinoma. Human reproduction. doi.org/10.1093/humrep/deae043.
