The molecular validation of miRNA's as specific biomarkers for early diagnosis of ovarian cancer

• Main Author: Lottering, Sharneal
• Other Authors: Pretorius, Ashley
• Language: en
• Published: University of the Western Cape 2018
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/11394/6316

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).