Proceed with Caution

Over the past five years I have read many articles citing new screening or biomarker tests for ovarian cancer . Then there have been the numerous headlines about new treatments based on preliminary test results. As a survivor it is easy to get excited about test results - especially when they might be hyped up on the nightly news.

Last year, I remember reading about the KRAS gene mutation and its link to ovarian cancer. In July, MiraDx announced it had developed a test PreOvar to help predict ovarian cancer and overall survival.

Well, here I am six months later, reading an article from the Society of Gynecological Oncologist meeting which states "investigators found no evidence of an association between the KRAS SNP and risk of ovarian cancer"

Since the PreOvar test was developed based on a single study, the Ovarian Cancer Association Consortium decided investigate the KRAS mutation further. The new study included over 8000 cases of ovarian cancer versus 10,000 control . The investigators also found no relationship between the KRAS and overall survival .

If you would like to read more about this check out this MedPage Today article "SGO:Mutation link to Ovarian Cancer Disputed"

What does this incidence teach us? It teaches us to be cautious. Do not jump on the band wagon with the results of one test.

But remember too that just because something does not work that does not mean something important was not learned by the researchers doing the work.

Dee

Every Day is a Blessing!