The Future of Ovarian Cancer Screening

At this time there’s no good test for early ovarian cancer. But physicians at RUSH University Medical Center are working to change that. Jacques Abramowicz, MD, section director for OB/GYN ultrasound at RUSH, and Jacob Rotmensch, MD, section director of gynecological oncology, are conducting research to develop a test to detect ovarian cancer at an earlier stage—when it is easier to treat—by using ultrasound contrast agents that would highlight any new blood vessels created by tumors.

The contrast agents help make visible even the smallest of blood vessels in ways that ultrasound alone can’t. If the research is successful, it could lead to the creation of a new early screening for ovarian cancer when used in conjunction with other screening approaches, such as a test for ovarian antibodies, developed by RUSH colleague Judith Luborsky, PhD.