Early Detection of Ovarian Cancer Using Markers to Short Chain Carbohydrates

Abstract

Researchers at the University of California, Davis have developed a unique method for early detection in ovarian cancer using chemical markers corresponding to short chain carbohydrates.

Full Description

Ovarian cancer is the fifth leading cause of death from cancer and has the highest mortality rate among the gynecologic malignancies within the United States. Often called “the silent killer”, ovarian cancer is notorious for its lack of noticeable early symptoms. When it is detected in its early stages however, ovarian cancer becomes very treatable and patient survival rates increase significantly.

Researchers at the University of California, Davis have developed a unique method for early detection in ovarian cancer using chemical markers corresponding to short chain carbohydrates, which are post-translational modifications of proteins. In this method, glycoproteins are collected and their oligosaccharide contents released for mass spectrometry analysis, revealing the presence and type of cancer cells that are detected. Through mass spectrometry, analysis of ovarian cancer is greatly simplified.

Applications

• Early detection in ovarian cancer

Features/Benefits

• Simplified analysis
• Isolation and detection of the oligosaccharides
• Early detection of ovarian cancer
• The ability to monitor the course of a cancer
• The ability to isolate and detect specific oligosaccharides for cancer markers

Patent Status