ABSTRACT
ABSTRACT Ovarian cancer is a complex and multifaceted disease with a disproportionately high mortality rate, as it is most commonly diagnosed in the late stages of the disease, when the cancer has metastasised to surrounding tissues. Early detection of ovarian cancer-associated biomarkers CA-125, He4, and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) would be instrumental not just in detecting ovarian cancer while it is still in its early stages, but also in monitoring the effectiveness of treatment. The emergence of electrical biosensors holds the greatest promise in fulfilling these needs. Electrical biosensors integrate a sensing element and a signal transducer into one convenient device, decreasing the cost and time required for traditional laboratory testing. The portability of biosensors also makes them ideal in point-of-care situations and remote locations. Much work has been put into developing biosensors for CA-125, He4 and CEA, but for a true improvement in this aspect of women’s health, a sensor must be developed that is capable of detecting all three of these biomarkers simultaneously. A rational approach to the design of such a sensor is described.
