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| Research Trial: Prince Henry's Institute is seeking non-smoking, healthy but overweight men aged 40-70 years for a study of testosterone treatment on body fat and cardiovascular disease. more details >> |
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Media Release 2 Sept 02 Significant step in ovarian cancer research - Diagnostic Test One woman dies every ten hours from ovarian cancer in Australia, with most women being diagnosed when the cancer has advanced to a late stage. Scientists at Prince Henry’s Institute, in collaboration with Monash University and with funding from the National Australia Bank's Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation, today announced that they have developed a new ovarian cancer detection test, combining two blood tests (CA125 and Inhibin). The test has proved successful in the diagnosis of 95 per cent of all ovarian cancers in blood taken from women known to have ovarian cancer. Olympic legend and National Australia Bank Community Ambassador, Raelene Boyle, called on public support to take the research to the next stage, which is to take the combined test to the human trial stage. Raelene is herself a survivor of ovarian cancer. “This is not just a germ of an idea – we have done ten years of research in this area. We are now very close to bringing an improved ovarian cancer diagnostic test to the public,” Associate Professor David Robertson, Senior Scientist in Reproductive Research at Prince Henry’s Institute, said today. “This is a very exciting time and a significant step towards the early diagnosis of ovarian cancer,” Associate Professor Robertson said. Raelene Boyle has experienced the impact of ovarian cancer first hand, having been diagnosed with the disease on the eve of the 2000 Sydney Olympics. Raelene has successfully fought the disease, but continues to undergo regular testing to ensure she remains healthy. “My diagnosis came despite a lack of symptoms,” said Raelene. “It was just lucky that it was detected so early. With a reliable early detection test, more women will have a better chance of successful treatment for ovarian cancer.” In order to take the research to the next step the Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation are calling on the public to support Ovarian Cancer Research Week from Sept 2 – 8 and to buy a silver ribbon bookmark from National Australia Bank branches throughout September. Every $2.00 spent will go towards ovarian cancer research. The National’s Executive General Manager Financial Services Australia, Mr Ian MacDonald said, “Australians love to support those who are the best in their field. The Monash Medical Centre and Prince Henry's Institute's collaboration in the Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation represents the very best in medical research, and the National is proud to be involved." “By purchasing a silver ribbon at National branches during Ovarian Cancer Research Week Australians will be able to support this great cause, and make a real difference to reducing instances of ovarian cancer,” he said. The research is undertaken as a collaboration between Prince Henry's Institute, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Monash University at Monash Medical Centre and is funded by the National Health & Medical Research Council and the National Australia Bank Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation. For more information contact Ian Muchamore, Science Communications Tel : (03) 9594 4049 or 0415 551 705 |
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