Ovarian cancer research looks for improved prevention, early detection and treatment.

Ovarian cancers were previously believed to begin only in the ovaries, but recent evidence suggests that many ovarian cancers may start in the cells in the far (distal) end of the fallopian tubes. Scientists continue to study the genes responsible for familial ovarian cancer. This research is beginning to yield clues about how these genes normally work and how disrupting their action can lead to cancer. And, this information eventually is expected to lead to new drugs for preventing and treating familial ovarian cancer.

• Research in this area has already led to better ways to detect high-risk genes and assess a woman's ovarian cancer risk. A better understanding of how genetic and hormonal factors (such as oral contraceptive use) interact may also lead to better ways to prevent ovarian cancer.
• New information about how much BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations increase ovarian cancer risk is helping women make practical decisions about prevention. However, it is important to remember that although doctors can predict the average outcome of a group of many women, it is still impossible to accurately predict the outcome for any individual woman. Researchers are constantly looking for clues such as lifestyle, diet, and medicines that may alter the risk of ovarian cancer.
• Researchers are testing new ways to screen women for ovarian cancer. One method being tested is looking at the pattern of proteins in the blood (called proteomics) to find ovarian cancer early. The use of new imaging techniques such as Functional MRI are being evaluated in ovarian cancers. PET/CT scans are also being studied to see where they may be best used for ovarian cancer. Please see the Ovarian Cancer Fact Sheet for more information.