Biomarker Research in Ovarian Cancer

Leigha Senter, MS, LGC, licensed genetic counselor and clinical associate professor of Human Genetics in the Department of Internal Medicine at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, discusses ongoing biomarker research efforts in ovarian cancer.

The search for effective biomarkers that might predict response to treatment in patients with ovarian cancer continues, says Senter. Despite many research efforts that have already been made, investigators are just scratching the surface of all there is to learn about biomarkers in this space.

It is known that not all BRCA mutations will behave the same way in cells. Likewise, genes that work in the same pathway may not behave in the same way either. As such, molecular studies are vital to ovarian cancer research, explains Senter.

The challenge is that the way that different clinical trials define biomarkers can vary. Furthermore, many options are now available. The ultimate goal is to determine what the molecular signature is in order to choose an appropriate corresponding therapy, according to Senter. To achieve such a goal, more progress needs to be made, concludes Senter.