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Healthcare Stock on Watch; Vermillion climbs on Poster Presentation

Posted by g.zalesak on Mar 08, 2011

Vermillion Inc. (NASDAQ: VRML) shares are up nearly 2.5% to $4.99 mid-day on word of the company’s poster presentation of its preliminary results from its collaboration with John Hopkins University School of Medicine to identify biomarkers that improve the identification of malignant ovarian tumors.
The poster evaluated more than 20 candidate biomarkers for their ability to complement the company’s CA125 in distinguishing benign ovarian tumors from malignant ones.

abstract: A systematic review of gynecological cancer surveillance in women belonging to Hereditary Nonpolyposis Colorectal Cancer (Lynch syndrome) fa

Conclusions.
Currently available published studies on gynecological cancer surveillance in women with HNPCC do not adequately allow for evidence-based clinical decisions. Detection of endometrial cancer or hyperplasia in nonsymptomatic women belonging to a HNPCC family is improved by adding routine endometrial sampling along with transvaginal ultrasound for surveillance visits. No benefit was shown for ovarian cancer surveillance.

Surveillance MRI viable alternative to risk-reducing mastectomy in BRCA mutations | HemOncToday

(repeat) abstract: SGO White Paper on ovarian cancer: etiology, screening and surveillance

Abstract: Ovarian cancer is a heterogeneous, rapidly progressive, highly lethal disease of low prevalence. The etiology remains poorly understood. Numerous risk factors have been identified, the most prominent involving an inherited predisposition in 10% of cases. Women with germline mutations associated with Hereditary Breast/Ovarian Cancer and Lynch syndromes have dramatically elevated risks (up to 46% and 12%, respectively). Risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy is the best method to prevent ovarian cancer in these high-risk women. Significant risk reduction is also seen in the general population who use oral contraceptives. Since up to 89% patients with early-stage disease have symptoms prior to diagnosis, increased awareness of the medical community may facilitate further workup in patients who otherwise would have had a delay. Despite enormous effort, there is no proof that routine screening for ovarian cancer in either the high-risk or general populations with serum markers, sonograms, or pelvic examinations decreases mortality. Further evaluation is needed to determine whether any novel biomarkers, or panels of markers, have clinical utility in early detection. Prospective clinical trials have to be designed and completed prior to offering of any of these new diagnostic tests. CA125 is currently the only biomarker recommended for monitoring of therapy as well as detection of recurrence. This commentary provides an overview on the background, screening and surveillance of ovarian cancer.

Cancergazing? CA125 and post-treatment surveillanc... [Soc Sci Med. 2010] - PubMed result

Soc Sci Med. 2010 Aug 26

Cancergazing? CA125 and post-treatment surveillance in advanced ovarian cancer.

Jordens CF, Morrell B, Harnett P, Hobbs K, Mason C, Kerridge IH.

Centre for Values, Ethics and the Law in Medicine, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.

Abstract

Post-treatment surveillance of advanced ovarian cancer involves regular testing of asymptomatic patients using the CA125 test. This practice is based on a rationale that is not supported by evidence from clinical trials. This paper aims to stimulate critical reflection concerning the effect of investigative tests on clinical decisions and interactions, and the experience of illness, particularly in the context of advanced malignant disease. Drawing on the idea of the "medical gaze", and building on previous health communication research, we present an analysis of in-depth interviews and psychometric tests collected in a prospective study of 20 Australian women with advanced ovarian cancer conducted between 2006 and 2009. We describe the demands placed on patients by the use of the CA125 test, some hazards it creates for decision-making, and some of the test's subjective benefits. It is widely believed that the CA125 test generates anxiety among patients, and the proposed solution is to educate women more about the test. We found no evidence that anxiety was a problem requiring a response over and above existing services. We conclude that the current debate is simplistic and limited. Focussing on patient anxiety does not account for other important effects of post-treatment surveillance, and educating patients about the test is unlikely to mitigate anxiety because testing is part of a wider process by which patients become aware of a disease that - once it has relapsed - will certainly kill them in the near future.