Ovarian Cancer

Research at TRI focussed on improving detection, diagnosis and treatment of ovarian cancer includes:

A non-invasive test to triage patients before surgery - using MR technology: Researchers and clinicians at TRI, Princess Alexandra (PA) Hospital and the Mater Hospital in Brisbane have teamed up to undertake a clinical trial of a non-invasive test to determine whether suspicious ovarian masses are benign or cancerous prior to surgery. Led by Prof Carolyn Mountford, CEO and Director of Research at TRI, the team is using a technique called magnetic resonance (MR) spectroscopy as a non-invasive means of evaluating tissue chemistry. Using this technique, they can also determine whether it is a low or high grade tumour, and whether it has spread beyond the ovary. This technology is currently in clinical trials, to automate and speed up the diagnostic process for patients with suspicious ovarian lesions. Read more.

Using radio-labelled antibodies to improve detection of location and extent of tumours: Mater Research Prof John Hooper is developing a novel PET imaging agent to improve treatment of ovarian cancer. It involves use of a radio-labelled antibody to help visualise the location and extent of ovarian cancer via PET imaging. Read more. 

Kallikrein proteases and ovarian cancer: QUT Prof Judith Clements and her team are investigating the functional role of kallikrein proteases in ovarian cancer, and whether genetic changes (single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs)) in the Kallikrein genes that may be predictors of ovarian cancer. Read more.