PHI is sponsoring a Plenary Session at the 10th World Congress of Endometriosis. The Congress is being held in Melbourne from 11-14 March 2008.

Endometriosis affects 10-15% of women of reproductive age. The condition is a disorder of the female reproductive tract, in which small pieces of the lining of the uterus, that are shed at menstruation, become implanted within the pelvis, often on the ovaries, fallopian tubes or uterus. The effects of endometriosis can be overwhelming, causing bleeding, scarring and often excruciating pain which can quite seriously impact on a woman’s quality of life.

The only way to diagnose endometriosis is through an invasive surgical procedure known as a laparoscopy. There is no cure and the few treatment options available include pain medication, hormone treatment and minor or major surgery, depending on the severity of the disease.

PHI scientists are using proteomics to compare samples from the endometrium to identify specific proteins that are present in women with and without endometriosis. We believe identifying these unique proteins will provide the basis for a diagnostic test.

Related Links:

More about PHI research on Endometriosis [pdf]

Media Release - Protein signature of endometriosis provides hope of new diagnostic tool [pdf]