New tests that determine the risk of developing ovarian cancer

The HE4 and CA125 tumor markers via the ROMA algorithm are the latest generation of diagnostic procedures. In addition to enabling the diagnosis of ovarian cancer in its early stage, they can also calculate the risk of ovarian cancer. These two revolutionary test have been introduced for the first time in our country at Acibadem Sistina Hospital. The HE4 tumor marker has the highest sensitivity and specificity to detect ovarian cancer, in particular in the first phase of the disease when the patient doesn’t feel any symptoms. In relation to the CA125marker it provides the most precise results for ovarian cancer or recurrence of the cancer.

The ROMA test determines risk of developing ovarian cancer

The risk of developing ovarian cancer can be predicted with the help of this test. The measured values ​​of serum concentrations of the CA125 and HE4 tumor markers are vital in determining the treatment of the patient. The effect of calculating the risk using the ROMA algorithm has been proven in multiple clinical studies worldwide. This test helps doctors to classify patients into groups with low or high risk for occurrence and development of epithelial ovarian tumors.

Ovarian cancer is the fifth most common cancer occurring in women. Regular gynecological and ultrasound examinations are the best prevention, since thesooner the cancer is detected, the greater the possibility of full recovery.

What are the risk factors?

It is difficult to determine the risk factors that lead to ovarian cancer. In 5-10% of cases the cause is heredity. The risk increases if two or more family members have cancer of the ovaries, uterus, colon or breast. Older women who have never given birth and women who could not get pregnant due to endometriosis have an increased risk factor for ovarian cancer. Other risk factors include smoking, obesity and taking hormone therapy for patients who want to get pregnant.

Symptoms

Ovarian cancer doesn’t cause any symptoms inthe early stage, so for this reason in two thirds of patientsit is diagnosed in the advanced stage. Since this cancer doesn’t cause any symptoms, itgrows in the abdominal cavity for a longer period without causing certain symptoms. However, stomach bloatedness, pelvic and abdominal pain,feeling full really fast, urination problems, pain during intercourse, painful menstruation, nausea and vomiting are some of the symptoms of this disease. In recent years, it is believed that the drastic loss of weight is one of the symptoms of this disease.

How is ovarian cancer diagnosed?

Ovarian cancer is diagnosed with a gynecological examination. With the help of an ultrasound, the gynecologist can diagnose ovarian cancer and can determine whether it is malignant or benign by certain characteristics. After the gynecological examination, if there is a suspicion for ovarian cancer, laboratory tumor markers are performed. Computer tomography and magnetic resonance are additional diagnostic procedures. The definitive diagnosis is set after the operation, after the suspicious material is histologically examined and the type and stage of the disease is confirmed which determines the further treatment.

Treatment

Ovarian cancer can be treated. The ovarian cancer treatment usually includes surgery. In patients who are diagnosed in the early stages of the disease there is no need for other treatment besides surgery. In others, chemotherapy follows after the postoperative treatment or in case of a locally advanced disease, the treatment can be initiated with chemotherapy and surgery would follow. New target therapy is available for patients at Acibadem Sistina Hospital that acts directly on the cancer cells which results in achieving successful results in ovarian cancer treatment.