Progress and Challenges in Screening for Early Detection of Ovarian Cancer*

Ovarian cancer is characterize by few early symptoms, presentation at an advanced stage, and poor survival. As a result, it is the most frequent cause of death from gyneco-logical cancer. During the last decade, a research effort has been directed toward improving outcomes for ovarian can-cer by screening for preclinical, early stage disease using both imaging techniques and serum markers. Numerous biomarkers have shown potential in samples from clinically diagnosed ovarian cancer patients, but few have been thor-oughly assessed in preclinical disease and screening. The most thoroughly investigated biomarker in ovarian cancer screening is CA125. Prospective studies have demon-strated that both CA125 and transvaginal ultrasound can detect a significant proportion of preclinical ovarian can-cers, and refinements in interpretation of results have im