ABSTRACT
However, BRCA-associated cancers may be fallopian tube or peritoneal in
origin, limiting the success of ultrasound detection.
CHALLENGES FOR AN OVARIAN CANCER SCREENING TEST
Ovarian cancer remains the most lethal gynecologic malignancy due in large part
to the advanced stage of disease at which patients are diagnosed. For the
minority of patients whose disease is localized to the pelvis, five-year survival
rates approach 70% to 90%, and cure is a tenable goal of therapy. At present,
55% of patients present with advanced stage disease with five-year survival rates
of 35% to 50% (1). Early detection of ovarian cancer, therefore, is an important
goal to improve women’s survival.
