Lab scientists find early ovarian cancer markers

Laboratory scientists claim they may be able to help lower the mortality rate for ovarian cancer patients after discovering a new way of detecting the disease early.

Researchers at Fox Chase Cancer Center said the answer lies in inclusion cysts, which fold into the ovary from its surface.

They noted that many tumours originate in lesions on the growths, rather than on normal tissue.

Microscopy techniques were used in conjunction with molecular approaches to view the cancers, with chief scientific officer at Fox Chase Jeff Boyd explaining the process.

"We ... dissected away cells from normal ovaries and early stage cancers and did genetic analyses," he commented. "We showed that you could follow progression from normal cells to the precursor lesion."

Earlier this month, laboratory scientists at the organisation announced non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs that contain naproxen can help to lower the risk of individuals developing precancerous polyps and colon cancer.