World First Early Stage Diagnostic Test for Ovarian Cancer
Press release from Australian Company HealthLinx Limited
There is now new hope for women around the world, with the launch of an early detection test for ovarian cancer, according to HealthLinx Limited. The test, developed in Melbourne by HealthLinx scientists in collaboration with ARL Pathology, is called the OvPlex™ Panel and works by identifying whether five biomarkers (proteins) are present in a blood sample.
OvPlex™ is a new type of blood test. The difference between current blood tests and OvPlex™ is that OvPlex™ measures five different substances in blood that are associated with ovarian cancer and builds a diagnostic based on that information rather than relying on a single marker for the disease. Chairman of HealthLinx Limited, Professor Greg Rice, who helped develop the technology, said: “This is really what I see as a new generation of diagnostics.”
CEO of ARL Pathology, Pam Davey, said: "Women all around the world will benefit. Until now no test has been available. By putting the five biomarkers together, we really increase the chances of detecting ovarian cancer early.”
HealthLinx scientists stress this is not a general community screening test, rather a diagnostic test. The test will be available through general practitioners in Melbourne from 29th October, before being rolled out to other states across Australia. It will cost around $200. Results are available within a fortnight.
19.11.2008
