| Summary: | Magister Scientiae - MSc (Biotechnology) === Ovarian Cancer (OC) is the most common reproductive and the most lethal gynaecological
malignant tumour. The majority of Ovarian Cancers, comprising more than 95% of cases,
emanate from the surface epithelium of the ovary, commonly referred to as Epithelial
Ovarian Cancer (EOC). OC is the eighth most common form of cancer in women world-wide
and in South Africa approximately 800 women die annually from the disease without
diagnosis. OC is located deep within the pelvic region making early diagnosis and monitoring
of the disease challenging. A minute group of cancer cells presents itself on the surface of
one or both of the ovaries.
The current diagnostic tests for OC include pelvic examination, imaging studies, diagnostic
imaging and a serum protein biomarker, CA-125. These diagnostic tools have low specificity,
poor sensitivity, reduced positive predictive value and are quite invasive. Therefore, a method
for early diagnosis is required that is less invasive and overcome the limitations regarding
specificity, sensitivity and positive predictive value. Biomarkers are identified as feasible
alternatives for early detection of Ovarian Cancer for example biological indicators such as
DNA, RNA, proteins and microRNAs (miRNAs).
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