ScienceDaily: Ovarian Cancer News

Hysterectomy does not increase risk of cardiovascular disease, study finds

Tue, 14 May 2013 18:53:53 EDT

Having a hysterectomy with or without ovary removal in mid-life does not increase a woman's risk of cardiovascular disease compared to women who reach natural menopause, contrary to many previously reported studies, according to new research.

Markers related to ovarian cancer survival and recurrence identified

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 09:25:25 EDT

Animal sciences researchers have identified biomarkers that are used to determine ovarian cancer survival and recurrence and shown how the interactions between these biomarkers affect these outcomes.

Screening detects ovarian cancer using neighboring cells

Mon, 22 Apr 2013 17:58:58 EDT

Pioneering biophotonics technology detects the early presence of ovarian cancer in humans by examining cells easily brushed from the neighboring cervix or uterus, not the ovaries themselves. The results have the potential to translate into a minimally invasive early detection method using cells collected by a swab, exactly like a pap smear.

Discovery brings hope of new tailor-made anti-cancer agents

Sun, 21 Apr 2013 15:38:38 EDT

Scientists have tailor-made a new chemical compound that blocks a protein that has been linked to poor responses to treatment in cancer patients. The development of the compound, called WEHI-539, is an important step towards the design of a potential new anti-cancer agent.

Soy-based compound may reduce tumor cell proliferation in colorectal cancer

Thu, 11 Apr 2013 19:40:40 EDT

Scientists have developed a soy-based treatment for colorectal cancer, a promising agent in ovarian cancer, and a new drug target for advanced prostate cancer.

Engineered T cells kill tumors but spare normal tissue in an animal model

Sun, 07 Apr 2013 13:32:32 EDT

Researchers devised a next gen cancer immune approach in which the activation signal for T cells is physically dissociated from a second costimulatory signal for immune cells. The two CARs carry different antigen specificity -- mesothelin and a-folate receptor. Mesothelin is primarily associated with mesothelioma and ovarian cancer, and a-folate receptor with ovarian cancer.

Two-step ovarian cancer immunotherapy made from patients' own tumor benefits three quarters of trial patients

Sun, 07 Apr 2013 09:07:07 EDT

As many as three quarters of advanced ovarian cancer patients appeared to respond to a new two-step immunotherapy approach -- including one patient who achieved complete remission -- according to new research.

Targeted toxin active in platinum-resistant ovarian cancers

Sun, 07 Apr 2013 09:07:07 EDT

Researchers have found that a novel antibody-guided drug achieves responses in platinum drug-resistant ovarian cancer.

New type of experimental drug active in platinum-resistant ovarian cancers

Sun, 07 Apr 2013 09:06:06 EDT

The antibody-drug conjugate DMUC5754A, a novel member of a relatively new class of drugs, showed activity in women with ovarian cancer, even those with hard-to-treat, platinum-resistant disease, in a phase I trial. Those women with the highest expression of the drug's target, MUC16, gained the most benefit from treatment, which may help researchers predict which patients will benefit from treatment.

Cisplatin-resistant cancer cells sensitive to experimental anticancer drugs called PARP inhibitors

Wed, 03 Apr 2013 07:14:14 EDT

Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitors may be a novel treatment strategy for patients with cancer that has become resistant to the commonly used chemotherapy drug cisplatin, according to data from a preclinical study.

Five genetic variations increase risk of ovarian cancer

Wed, 27 Mar 2013 13:33:33 EDT

Scientists have found five new regions of the human genome that are linked to increased risks for developing ovarian cancer. Researchers analyzed genetic information from more than 40,000 women.

Functional ovarian tissue engineered in lab

Tue, 26 Mar 2013 15:11:11 EDT

A proof-of-concept study suggests the possibility of engineering artificial ovaries in the lab to provide a more natural option for hormone replacement therapy for women.

New DNA sequences home in on breast, ovarian cancer risk

Wed, 20 Mar 2013 13:32:32 EDT

Researchers have identified new DNA sequences associated with breast cancer -- the most common cancer among women, with an average risk of developing the disease of 10 percent -- and ovarian cancer, the most common cause of death from gynecological cancers in the U.S. The findings will help reveal the underlying causes of these diseases and help researchers build better risk models to support new prevention strategies.

Night shifts may be linked to increased ovarian cancer risk

Fri, 15 Mar 2013 07:47:47 EDT

Working night shifts might increase the risk of developing ovarian cancer, indicates new research.

Bathing abdomen in chemotherapy gives ovarian cancer patients better chance of survival

Sat, 09 Mar 2013 15:49:49 EST

A recent study suggests that patients with advanced ovarian cancer who undergo intensive treatment with chemotherapy that bathes the abdomen are significantly more likely to live longer than those who receive standard intravenous (IV) chemotherapy.

Origin of aggressive ovarian cancer discovered

Wed, 06 Mar 2013 13:44:44 EST

Researchers have discovered a likely origin of epithelial ovarian cancer (ovarian carcinoma), the fifth leading cause of cancer death among women in the United States.

Protein that may control the spread of cancer discovered

Tue, 26 Feb 2013 09:21:21 EST

Researchers have uncovered a novel mechanism that may lead to more selective ways to stop cancer cells from spreading. Cancer biologists have identified the role of the protein RSK2 in cancer cell migration, part of the process of cancer metastasis.

Breakthrough in ovarian cancer: Selumetinib

Thu, 14 Feb 2013 19:41:41 EST

Researchers have discovered that many women with low-grade serous carcinoma of the ovary or peritoneum have seen their tumors stabilize or shrink after taking a regular dose of the compound selumetinib.

BRCA mutation carriers have little long-term survival benefit with ovarian cancer, researchers say

Thu, 14 Feb 2013 10:36:36 EST

Researchers studied the long-term survival of women with a BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation who were diagnosed with invasive ovarian cancer. They found that the short-term benefit to having either mutation does not lead to a long-term survival benefit.

Nanotech'ed RNA drug reduces ovarian cancer tumors by 83 percent

Tue, 12 Feb 2013 11:17:17 EST

By loading fragile RNA into silicon nanoparticles, researchers have found a new drug delivery system can reduce the size of ovarian tumors by as much as 83 percent -- and stop tumor growth in chemotherapy-resistant ovarian cancer tissue.

Deep genomic analysis identifies a micro RNA opponent for ovarian cancer

Mon, 11 Feb 2013 16:23:23 EST

Researchers employed an extensive analysis of genomic information to identify a new, high-risk cohort of ovarian cancer patients, characterize their tumors, find a potential treatment and test it in mouse models of the disease.

Study prompts rethink of how ovaries develop

Mon, 11 Feb 2013 10:20:20 EST

New research will rewrite the textbooks on how an ovary is formed, as well as providing new insights into women's health and fertility.

Two-step immunotherapy attacks advanced ovarian cancer

Thu, 31 Jan 2013 16:30:30 EST

Most ovarian cancer patients are diagnosed with late stage disease that is unresponsive to existing therapies. In a new study, researchers show that a two-step personalized immunotherapy treatment -- a dendritic cell vaccine using patients' own tumor followed by adoptive T cell therapy -- triggers anti-tumor immune responses in these type of patients.

DNA-repairing protein may be key to preventing recurrence of some cancers

Mon, 28 Jan 2013 10:46:46 EST

Just as the body can become resistant to antibiotics, certain methods of killing cancer tumors can end up creating resistant tumor cells. But a professor has found a protein present in several types of cancer, including breast and ovarian cancer, which could be helpful in preventing tumors from coming back.

High blood calcium levels may indicate ovarian cancer

Wed, 23 Jan 2013 11:54:54 EST

A new study reports that high blood calcium levels might predict of ovarian cancer, the most fatal of the gynecologic cancers.

New method to diagnose hereditary breast and ovarian cancer

Wed, 16 Jan 2013 13:14:14 EST

Researchers have developed and validated a new method to diagnose hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndrome based on mass sequencing of BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. The model is based on a genetic and bioinformatic analysis which has been proved very effective.

Study shows promise of molecular screening for gynecologic cancers, commentary writers state

Wed, 09 Jan 2013 18:56:56 EST

A new study that proposes a three-in-one test for gynecologic cancers underscores the promise of molecular screening for early detection of endometrial and ovarian cancers, but also suggests that such tests are not yet ready for clinical use. Andrea Myers, MD, PhD, of Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, a co-author of the commentary on the study, says the test is an important step in that direction.

Ovarian cancer stem cell study puts targeted therapies within reach

Mon, 07 Jan 2013 08:26:26 EST

Researchers have identified a key link between stem cell factors that fuel ovarian cancer's growth and patient prognosis. The study paves the way for developing novel targeted ovarian cancer therapies.

Common diabetes drug may treat ovarian cancer

Mon, 03 Dec 2012 08:16:16 EST

Diabetic patients with ovarian cancer who took the drug metformin for their diabetes had a better survival rate than patients who did not take it, a new shows. The findings may play an important role for researchers as they study the use of existing medications to treat different or new diseases.

Advances in understanding of the mechanisms of drug resistance to dual-agent chemotherapy in recurrent ovarian cancer

Thu, 29 Nov 2012 23:26:26 EST

More than half of all patients with ovarian cancer experience recurrent disease and will eventually fail to respond to chemotherapy. The failure of chemotherapy is usually due to the development of resistance to the two main classes of chemotherapy agents used to fight it – platinating agents and taxanes. Now, a new study provides novel information that further adds to clinicians’ understanding of the mechanisms involved in the development of resistance to dual-agent chemotherapy.

Novel mechanism through which normal stromal cells become cancer-promoting stromal cells identified

Wed, 21 Nov 2012 10:44:44 EST

New understanding of molecular changes that convert harmless cells surrounding ovarian cancer cells into cells that promote tumor growth and metastasis provides potential new therapeutic targets for this deadly disease, according to new research.

Researchers investigate dasatinib in combination with other drugs for advanced, recurrent ovarian cancer

Wed, 14 Nov 2012 11:29:29 EST

Researchers have conducted a phase I trial of dasatinib, an oral SRC-family tyrosine kinase inhibitor, to determine the maximum tolerated dose when combined with paclitaxel and carboplatin to treat patients with advanced or recurrent ovarian cancer.

Ovarian cancer patients have lower mortality rates when treated at high-volume hospitals

Thu, 08 Nov 2012 15:17:17 EST

Women who have surgery for ovarian cancer at high-volume hospitals have superior outcomes than similar patients at low-volume hospitals, new research suggests.

Squeezing ovarian cancer cells to predict metastatic potential: Cell stiffness as possible biomarker

Wed, 10 Oct 2012 13:15:15 EDT

New research shows that cell stiffness could be a valuable clue for doctors as they search for and treat cancerous cells before they're able to spread. The findings found that highly metastatic ovarian cancer cells are several times softer than less metastatic ovarian cancer cells.

Animal models can revolutionize the study of cancer

Tue, 09 Oct 2012 13:15:15 EDT

Animal models have served to validate the effectiveness of a new drug against ovarian cancer resistant to cisplatin.

Aspirin may decrease risk of aggressive form of ovarian cancer, study suggests

Tue, 09 Oct 2012 09:25:25 EDT

New research shows that women who regularly use pain relief medications, particularly aspirin, have a decreased risk of serous ovarian cancer—an aggressive carcinoma affecting the surface of the ovary. The study reports that non-aspirin non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), paracetamol (acetaminophen), or other analgesics did not decrease ovarian cancer risk.

Gene variant linked with reduced lung cancer risk

Mon, 08 Oct 2012 08:31:31 EDT

A variant in a gene involved with inflammation and the immune response is linked with a decreased risk of lung cancer. The results add to the growing body of literature implicating these processes in the development of lung cancer.

Discovery leads to new hope against ovarian cancer

Wed, 03 Oct 2012 15:09:09 EDT

Scientists have discovered a new type of drug for the treatment of ovarian cancer that works in a way that should not only decrease the number of doses that patients need to take, but also may make it effective for patients whose cancer has become drug resistant.

Researchers find possible key to regulation of ovarian cancer stem cells

Thu, 27 Sep 2012 09:19:19 EDT

Researchers have discovered that the micro ribonucleic acid miR-214 plays a critical role in regulating ovarian cancer stem cell properties. This knowledge, said the researchers, could pave the way for a therapeutic target for ovarian cancer.

Treating ovarian cancer: New pathways through genetics

Mon, 24 Sep 2012 15:25:25 EDT

A new discovery that sheds light on the genetic make up of ovarian cancer cells could explain why some women survive longer than others with this deadly disease. A multi-disciplinary team has identified genetic patterns in ovarian cancer tumors that help to differentiate patients based on the length of their survival after initial surgery.

Ovarian cancer screening: Simple two-minute questionnaire that checks for six warning signs may lead to better early detection

Fri, 21 Sep 2012 16:16:16 EDT

A simple three-question paper-and-pencil survey, given to women in the doctor’s office in less than two minutes, can effectively identify those who are experiencing symptoms that may indicate ovarian cancer, according to a new study. The study represents the first evaluation of an ovarian cancer symptom-screening tool in a primary care setting among normal-risk women as part of their routine medical-history assessment.

PARP inhibitors may have clinical utility in HER2-positive breast cancers

Mon, 17 Sep 2012 08:49:49 EDT

Poly (ADP-Ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitors, shown to have clinical activity when used alone in women with familial breast and ovarian cancers linked to BRCA mutations, may be a novel treatment strategy in women with HER2-positive breast cancers, according to the results of a new study. Currently, women with HER2-positive breast cancers are treated with therapies that target HER2. However, many women with this form of cancer either fail to ever respond to these targeted therapies or initially respond to them but then become resistant to their effects.

Lack of oxygen in cancer cells leads to growth and metastasis

Thu, 13 Sep 2012 12:35:35 EDT

The proteins HIF-1a and CD24 have both been implicated in the aggressive characteristics of hypoxic cancers. A new study shows that HIF-1a drives CD24 overexpression, and that CD24 then drives aggressive tumor features.

Novel therapeutic targets identified for small cell lung cancer

Thu, 06 Sep 2012 11:17:17 EDT

• If validated, may have the potential to produce first targeted therapy for this disease. • Molecular profile of small cell lung cancer distinct from nonsmall cell lung cancer.

Ovarian cancer cells hijack surrounding tissues to enhance tumor growth

Tue, 04 Sep 2012 12:14:14 EDT

Researchers have discovered that ovarian cancer cells activate the HOXA9 gene to compel stromal cells to create an environment that supports tumor growth.

Mechanisms of acquired chemoresistance in ovarian cancer identified

Wed, 15 Aug 2012 08:32:32 EDT

Disease has high heterogeneity. First-line chemosensitivity associated with subsequent chemoresistance. Gene identified that may predict chemoresistance.

First-of-its-kind approach nanomedicine design effectively targets cancer with decreased toxicity

Tue, 10 Jul 2012 12:02:02 EDT

A new approach that integrates rational drug design with supramolecular nanochemistry in cancer treatment has just been developed.

Unexpected discovery highlights new role for cell death regulator

Thu, 14 Jun 2012 18:27:27 EDT

Scientists have already revealed the mechanism by which high alcohol intake can induce pancreatitis and its progression to pancreatic cancer. Now a new study reveals a hitherto unknown interaction between two well known molecules, which has important implications for our understanding of inflammation and cancer in the pancreas as well as other organs.

Marked for destruction: Newly developed compound triggers cancer cell death

Thu, 24 May 2012 12:32:32 EDT

Scientists have developed a compound that enhance cell death in cancer cells.

DNA marker indicates if ovarian cancer treatment will be successful, study suggests

Tue, 03 Apr 2012 17:21:21 EDT

Researchers have discovered that blood can help determine the best treatment plan for patients with ovarian cancer.

Cancer stem cell vaccine in development shows antitumor effect

Mon, 02 Apr 2012 09:41:41 EDT

Stem cells had greater effect than differentiated tumor cells in eliciting antitumor immunity in vivo. Antibodies and T cells targeted cancer stem cells in laboratory models. Data could provide a rationale for a new type of immune therapy.

Traitorous immune cells promote sudden ovarian cancer progression

Mon, 20 Feb 2012 10:21:21 EST

In a new mouse model that mimics the tumor microenvironment of ovarian cancer, scientists have demonstrated that ovarian tumors don't necessarily break "free" of the immune system, rather dendritic cells of the immune system seem to actively support the tumor's escape. The researchers show that it might be possible to restore the immune system by targeting a patient's own dendritic cells.

Ovarian cancer risk related to inherited inflammation genes

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 13:38:38 EST

Genes that are known to be involved in inflammation were found to be related to risk of ovarian cancer.

Collaborative research sheds light on new cancer stem cell therapies

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 13:54:54 EST

New anti-cancer research has led to the development of a novel class of chemical inhibitors that specifically target cancer cells with pluripotency.

Women with certain type of ovarian cancer and BRCA gene mutation have improved survival at 5 years

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 16:23:23 EST

Among women with invasive epithelial ovarian cancer, patients having a germline (gene change in a reproductive cell that could be passed to offspring) mutation in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes was associated with improved five-year overall survival, with BRCA2 carriers having the best prognosis, according to a new study.

Faulty proteins may prove significant in identifying new treatments for ovarian cancer

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 21:06:06 EST

A constellation of defective proteins suspected in causing a malfunction in the body's ability to repair its own DNA could be the link scientists need to prove a new class of drugs will be effective in treating a broad range of ovarian cancer patients, a new study found.

Ten gynecologic cancer symptoms women shouldn’t ignore

Thu, 05 Jan 2012 16:17:17 EST

Pelvic pain and abnormal bleeding aren’t the only signs of gynecologic cancer. Researchers share other symptoms that often are overlooked.

Simple online tool to aid GPs in early ovarian cancer diagnosis

Wed, 04 Jan 2012 13:54:54 EST

The lives of hundreds of women could be saved every year, thanks to a simple online calculator that could help GPs identify women most at risk of having ovarian cancer at a much earlier stage.

Drug duo kills chemotherapy-resistant ovarian cancer cells, researchers find

Wed, 07 Dec 2011 13:30:30 EST

The use of two drugs never tried in combination before in ovarian cancer resulted in a 70 percent destruction of cancer cells already resistant to commonly used chemotherapy agents, say researchers.

Tiny genetic variation can predict ovarian cancer outcome

Mon, 05 Dec 2011 08:22:22 EST

Researchers have shown that a tiny genetic variation predicts chances of survival and response to treatment for patients with ovarian cancer.