Find hidden early ovarian cancer changes in the fallopian tubes
Project 1: Diagnose high-grade ovarian serous carcinoma precursors and occult tumors
This project uses cells brushed from the fallopian tubes and ovaries during risk-reducing surgery to test DNA and methylation signs of early high-grade ovarian cancer in women at higher risk.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11194315 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
I would have the surface of my fallopian tubes and ovaries gently brushed during my risk-reducing surgery so cells can be collected for molecular testing. The team will use Real-SeqS to detect chromosome copy-number changes (aneuploidy) and DREAMing to find methylation patterns linked to serous tubal intraepithelial carcinoma (STIC) and early high-grade serous carcinoma (HGSC). These tests aim to identify tiny or hidden precancerous lesions that standard pathology might miss when only a few tissue sections are examined. The project seeks to improve detection of occult disease and better inform follow-up and treatment decisions.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are women at high hereditary or clinical risk of ovarian cancer who are scheduled for risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy (RRSO).
Not a fit: Women who are not high-risk, are not undergoing surgery, or do not have fallopian tubes available for brushing are unlikely to benefit directly from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could find hidden precancerous or early cancer cells that standard pathology misses, allowing earlier or more tailored follow-up and treatment.
How similar studies have performed: Related molecular tests for tumor DNA and methylation have shown promise in other cancers, but applying Real-SeqS and DREAMing to fallopian tube brushings for STIC/HGSC detection is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
Baltimore, United States
- Johns Hopkins University — Baltimore, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Papadopoulos, Nickolas — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Papadopoulos, Nickolas
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.