Finding ovarian cancer early using routine Pap tests
A paradigm shift for ovarian cancer biomarkers: Utilizing routine Pap tests as liquid biopsies for the development of targeted mass spectrometry-based proteomic assays for early detection
This project looks for early signs of ovarian cancer in routine Pap test samples to help women get diagnosed sooner.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Minnesota NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Minneapolis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11146724 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Ovarian cancer is often found late, making it harder to treat successfully. This project explores a new way to find it earlier by looking at samples from routine Pap tests. Researchers believe that proteins shed by ovarian cancer cells might travel to the lower genital tract and be present in the fluid or on the swabs collected during a Pap test. By using advanced technology called Mass Spectrometry, they hope to identify specific protein markers that signal the presence of ovarian cancer, even at very early stages. This approach could transform how we screen for this disease.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This research is relevant to women at risk for or diagnosed with ovarian cancer, as well as those who undergo routine Pap tests.
Not a fit: Patients who do not undergo routine Pap tests or are not at risk for ovarian cancer may not directly benefit from this specific screening method.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to a new, non-invasive screening method for ovarian cancer, allowing for earlier diagnosis and potentially saving lives.
How similar studies have performed: While Pap tests are well-established for cervical cancer, using them to detect ovarian cancer biomarkers is a novel and largely untested approach.
Where this research is happening
Minneapolis, United States
- University of Minnesota — Minneapolis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Skubitz, Amy Patrice — University of Minnesota
- Study coordinator: Skubitz, Amy Patrice
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.