Canadian researchers work toward early detection

By Iris Winston, Vancouver Sun, September 7, 2010 – p. D5

There is no screening test for ovarian cancer, the sixth most common cancer in women. The disease might exhibit no symptoms in the early stages.

When symptoms eventually appear, they can be similar to those of such diseases as irritable bowel syndrome, says Regina gynecologic oncologist Dr. Maryam Al-Hayki. That which means many patients are not diagnosed with the disease until it is in its later stages, when survival rates are very much lower.

This, says Al-Hayki, is why it is vital for family physicians to refer patients suspected of having ovarian cancer to a specialist in the area as soon as possible.

“It is important to increase knowledge and awareness of ovarian cancer and its symptoms and to ensure that primary physicians address those symptoms and direct any woman suspected of having ovarian cancer to gynecologic oncology service,” she says. “Referral for primary ovarian cancer surgery and chemotherapy results in better survival rates for patients with advanced disease and influences their quality of life positively.”

A number of research projects across the country are focused on early detection and screening of ovarian cancer, says Barbara Vanderhyden, who holds the Corinne Boyer chair in ovarian cancer research at the University of Ottawa.

“About 30 researchers are working closely with gynecologic oncologists and pathologists to pay attention to this disease,” she says. “Having more people in the field interpreting data based on their own strengths makes it a much more dynamic area of research. We are making much faster progress now that more people are involved.”

One of the most interesting collaborations nationally, she says, is on biomarkers, proteins found in blood or a tumour after its removal. “The proteins present are indicative of how that woman will respond to further treatment or how long she will survive.”

“A lot of good work is being done across the country,” says Ovarian Cancer Canada’s chief executive officer Elisabeth Ross, adding that having a screening equivalent to the Pap test for cervical cancer would make the biggest difference in controlling the disease.

Public awareness of ovarian cancer is also being raised by such prominent Canadians as Olympian Elizabeth Manley, the national spokeswoman for Ovarian Cancer Canada’s Winners Walk of Hope, which takes place Sunday.

“Awareness is important. Early detection is important. Support is important, but research is how we are going to end this disease,” she says.

Ovarian Cancer Canada has contributed more than $3 million to research initiatives over the 11 years the organization has existed. “We are committed to $500,000 a year and, as the budget grows, would like this to increase so that we can sustain and build the current momentum.”

As well as funding projects dedicated to early detection and supporting a biannual conference on the disease headed by Vanderhyden, the association funds tissue banks in four major centres across Canada, which, says Ross, “ensure that resources are available for research.

“It is incredible how many research projects the tissue from the banks are part of,” she says. “It is a fabulous way to keep research alive.”