Detecting OVarian cancer Early McGill University

McGill University
 Detecting OVarian cancer Early

The DOVE project (Detecting OVarian cancer Earlier) is a clinical research study aimed at discovering a method of detecting ovarian cancer at an early stage. This cancer is referred to as a "silent killer" because in its early stages its symptoms are vague and non-specific. Therefore it mimics many common benign diseases and is therefore ignored by patients and doctors alike.
If detected early (stage I) ovarian cancer (OC) is curable by surgery alone in over 90% of the cases. Over 70% of women are diagnosed in stage III or IV, when despite extensive surgery and chemotherapy, over 50% will relapse within two years, and more than 80% will die of disease within 5 years.
Objectives:

1. To determine whether the presence of a fast tracking open access dedicated diagnostic center will increase the proportion of women diagnosed at early stages where they are curable.
2. To inform and educate the public and primary care doctors about the symptoms of ovarian cancer and the appropriate diagnostic investigations
3. To develop the probability tool that will accurately identify the particular cluster of symptoms that suggest that the probability of OC is high in a particular symptomatic woman

Method:
Women over 50 year-old, symptomatic for more than 2 weeks and less than one year are eligible and no referrals are necessary. They are assessed by physical examination, endovaginal ultrasound and serial blood test, CA-125 to rule in or rule out ovarian cancer.
Funded by: Canadian Institute of Health Research (CIHR), McGill University Health Centre Foundation, Royal Victoria Hospital Foundation and the Montreal General Hospital Foundation
Principal Investigator: Dr Lucy Gilbert (MUHC) profileCo-Investigators: Dr S Krishnamurthy profile, Dr I Karp, Dr M Tremblay, Dr P Gauthier, Dr JSampalis profile, Dr J Takefman profile
Refer women to the DOVE project at 1-866-716-3267 to schedule an appointment for ovarian cancer diagnostic testing.