Microbial Profiles and Tumor Markers From Culdocentesis: A Novel Screening Method for Epithelial Ovarian Cancer [3H]. Issue 1 (May 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Candel, Sofia; Karr, Mallory; Brard, Laurent; Thomson, Jongjin Anne; Groesch, Kathleen; Braundmeier-Fleming, Andrea
• Is Part Of: Obstetrics and gynecology. Volume 129:Issue 1(2017)
• Publication Date: 2017-05
• Subjects: Obstetrics -- Periodicals; Gynecology -- Periodicals; 618
• DOI: 10.1097/01.AOG.0000514905.81769.af
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0029-7844

Abstract

Abstract : INTRODUCTION: Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC), the most prevalent type of ovarian cancer, has a low five-year survival rate because it is commonly diagnosed in later stages of disease. There is a critical need for early screening methods to improve mortality outcomes. Specific bacterial populations (microbiome) have been linked to various diseases but not investigated with EOC. We hypothesize that patients with EOC have a unique microbiome and this used in conjunction with tumor markers from culdocentesis and serum, would benefit EOC diagnosis and prognosis. METHODS: Study population includes women aged 30 or older, undergoing surgery for an adnexal mass or ovarian malignancy at two hospitals in Springfield, IL. Exclusion criteria are previous malignancy within last 5 years and inability to perform culdocentesis. On the day of surgery, serum and culdocentesis samples were analyzed for CA-125/HE4 concentrations while culdocentesis samples were also sequenced for bacterial V4 rDNA. Associations of microbial profiles with tumor marker levels will be calculated using models developed for biomarker discovery. RESULTS: Currently, 30 patients (10 EOC, 20 benign) have been analyzed for CA-125/HE4. Preliminary results showed elevated tumor markers in EOC serum and culdocentesis but higher EOC positive and negative predictive values in serum than culdocentesis. Microbial profiles recently identified will be correlated to sample tumor marker levels. CONCLUSION: Culdocentesis tumor marker levels significantly correlated with EOC although less than serum levels. Additional analysis of microbial profiles may advance current screening methods and personalized treatment strategies, potentially increasing survival rates of patients with EOC.