A groundbreaking new tool developed by researchers at Queen Mary University of London has the potential to transform the early detection of ovarian cancer, an innovation that could significantly enhance patient outcomes and prove cost-effective.

Dubbed Ovatools, this cutting-edge tool merges standard blood test results measuring the Cancer Antigen 125 (CA125) protein with a woman's age to generate a personalized risk score for ovarian cancer. Two critical studies analyzing data from over 340,000 women across England suggest that Ovatools is particularly effective for women aged over 50, while also representing a promising financial solution for the NHS.

The first study highlighted Ovatools’ ability to better identify women over 50 who are at higher risk for ovarian cancer, ensuring they receive urgent referrals and specialized assessments. The second study confirmed that implementing Ovatools for this demographic would lead to earlier cancer detection, all while remaining within affordability guidelines set by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). Both findings are published in the highly regarded British Journal of Cancer.

In the UK, ovarian cancer ranks as the sixth most common cause of cancer death among women. Alarmingly, most diagnoses occur when the cancer is already advanced and challenging to treat.

Currently, women displaying symptoms like bloating or abdominal pain typically undergo a CA125 blood test, with ultrasound referrals only for results above a predetermined threshold. However, Ovatools improves upon this method by factoring in a woman's age alongside her CA125 levels, allowing for a more reliable detection of high-risk individuals.

Dr. Garth Funston, a Clinical Senior Lecturer at Queen Mary and one of the study authors, remarked, "CA125 is already a standard test for GPs when assessing women with symptoms indicative of ovarian cancer. Ovatools enhances our understanding by combining CA125 levels with age, providing clearer insights on a woman's actual risk. This tool could significantly aid in determining which patients require immediate investigation and referral."

Professor Danny McAuley, Scientific Director for NIHR Programs, emphasized the significance of Ovatools: "This innovation empowers GPs by helping them identify patients at an elevated risk of ovarian cancer, enabling timely access to specialist support. It marks an essential advancement in improving patient outcomes."

Dr. Sarah Cook, a Senior Strategic Evidence Manager at Cancer Research UK, added, "Determining when to refer patients for further assessment can be quite complex. Risk assessment tools like Ovatools serve as crucial aids to GPs, guiding clinical choices and ultimately enhancing patient care. While more research is necessary to gauge its real-world impact, the preliminary evidence is compelling. The NHS must be ready to embrace such innovations."

It’s vital to encourage individuals to consult their doctors if they notice any unusual changes. Symptoms such as abdominal pain, persistent bloating, loss of appetite, and alterations in bladder or bowel habits can indicate ovarian cancer, although they may also stem from other conditions. Early intervention is key.

Every year, around 7,500 women in the UK are diagnosed with ovarian cancer, with the majority facing late-stage diagnoses that severely hamper survival prospects. While the five-year survival rate exceeds 90% for early-stage diagnoses, it plummets to approximately 16% for those diagnosed at an advanced stage.