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Tampon-Based Sampling Studied for Early Ovarian Cancer Detection

lite News Desk 2 min read

At a glance

  • The DETECT trial is exploring tampon-based methods for ovarian cancer detection
  • No current screening test exists for early ovarian cancer diagnosis
  • A 2014 study found tumor DNA in tampons in about 60% of certain cases

Ovarian cancer is often found at a late stage, and no effective screening method is available for early detection at this time.

Researchers are evaluating whether tampons can be used to collect biological markers linked to ovarian cancer. The DETECT clinical trial, overseen by the National Cancer Institute, is focused on this approach by analyzing DNA and protein markers collected from tampon samples.

In the DETECT study, participants place a tampon for at least 30 minutes before undergoing surgery. The collected samples are then compared with tissue and blood specimens to determine if tumor markers can be reliably identified using this method.

Earlier research in 2014 examined the presence of tumor-derived DNA in tampons used by women diagnosed with ovarian cancer and with intact fallopian tubes. That pilot study detected such DNA in approximately 60% of cases, suggesting potential for further investigation.

What the numbers show

  • About 60% of tampons from women with ovarian cancer and intact fallopian tubes contained tumor DNA in a 2014 study
  • Participants in the DETECT trial use a tampon for at least 30 minutes before surgery
  • No approved early detection or screening test for ovarian cancer is currently available

Ovarian cancer is frequently diagnosed only after symptoms appear, which are often non-specific and can be mistaken for other conditions. This challenge has prompted ongoing research into alternative detection strategies.

The DETECT trial is designed to compare the effectiveness of tampon-based sampling with traditional methods such as blood and tissue analysis. The goal is to determine if this less invasive approach can identify markers associated with ovarian cancer.

According to the National Cancer Institute, the DETECT trial is still underway, and results will be used to assess the feasibility of tampon-based screening for ovarian cancer in the future.

Current efforts reflect a continued search for reliable early detection tools, as existing methods do not provide an effective screening option for ovarian cancer at this time.

* This article is based on publicly available information at the time of writing.

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