Australian scientists trial new generation ovarian cancer test 13 July 2010 Australian scientists have begun trialling a new, second-generation, early-stage ovarian cancer blood test. The innovative test could help save many lives because ovarian cancer – known as the silent killer – is often not detected at an early stage. Early diagnosis can increase the five year survival rate to 90 per cent from the low 20 per cent survival rate of late diagnosis. There are 240,000 new cases of ovarian cancer diagnosed each year around the world, and 130,000 women die from the disease. The test, OvPlex™, from Melbourne-based biotech, HealthLinx Ltd, builds on existing technology and will examine seven ovarian cancer biomarkers*. International, multi-centre trials of the new ovarian cancer test have just begun. The Mercy Hospital in Victoria, the Mater Hospital in Queensland, the National University of Singapore, and the Essex Hospital London, Southend Hospital London and Liverpool Hospital, all in the UK, are collaborating in the trials. HealthLinx is an Australian stock exchange-listed biomarker and diagnostic company which develops novel, non-invasive, serum-based diagnostic products. *A biomarker is a specific biochemical in the body that detects the incidence of and/or measures disease or the effects of treatment. More information |