Steve Skates, Ph.D. Co-PI: Amy Bregar, M.D.

Research Overview

In women undergoing surgery for possible ovarian cancer due to a mass in the abdomen, we will wash the womb (uterus) to collect any material shed from ovarian cancer through the fallopian tubes to the womb.

We aim to develop a test to detect any sign of cancer in the material from the wash while minimizing false “detection.” If the new test in uterine lavage is successful, our next study will determine whether the same test in cervical swabs also distinguishes patients with ovarian cancer from all other patients. If this study is positive, we will undertake a screening trial of the test using cervical swabs in apparently healthy women to see if it increases detection of early-stage ovarian cancer. This could lead to an annual screening program testing cervical swabs to detect ovarian cancer earlier.

My “Why”

Skates: Early in my career I worked on one of the first trials in early detection of ovarian cancer. Most ovarian cancers are diagnosed in late stages with poor prognosis. Early detection holds the promise of diagnosing most ovarian cancers in early stages and reducing ovarian cancer mortality.

Bregar: I was drawn to cancer research through my desire to take care of people. As a gynecologic oncologist, I want to make a difference by better understanding, detecting and treating cancers in earlier stages.

Why Funding Matters

Skates: Funding from Prevent Cancer Foundation will enable our team to investigate whether a sample close to the disease site, such as a cervical swab, will provide a method for identifying ovarian cancer earlier than it could be detected through a blood test.

Bregar: The generous funding from the Prevent Cancer Foundation will support our ongoing work in early detection. Our goal is to be able to perform a routine screening test, similar to a Pap test, that could detect ovarian cancer early.