Preliminary investigation of a new serum marker for ovarian cancer

Authors

  • Matthys H Botha University of Stellenbosch
  • Hanne Veenstra University of Stellenbosch
  • Wilhelm K Van der Merwe University of Stellenbosch
  • R Hubert Laeng University of Berne
  • James Nevin University of Cape Town
  • Leon Van Wijk University of Cape Town
  • Robert Soeters University of Cape Town
  • Sue Bird University of Cape Town
  • Paul D Van Helden University of Stellenbosch

Keywords:

biomarker, carcinoma, ovary, serological, SMO47, test

Abstract

Objectives: The long-term survival rate of patients with carcinoma of the ovary is poor, because this condition is usually diagnosed at an advanced stage of the disease. A reliable diagnostic and screening test is still lacking. Therefore, a serological test for a novel ovarian tumour antigen was developed and investigated in a clinical setting. This report describes this investigation, the aim of which was to provide data to decide whether the test warrants a further, large-scale trial. Methods: Serum collected from 25 patients with ovarian carcinoma, 24 healthy controls and 25 control patients with non-carcinomatous ovarian disorders was tested. The test utilises a monoclonal antibody, designated SMO47, to capture the tumour antigen and a normal form of the antigen from serum. Only the tumour antigen is detected by biotinylated Maakia amurensis lectin, which binds specifically to the sialic acid on the tumour antigen. Results: The sensitivity for the carcinoma patient group was 60% and the specificity for the control patient group was 76% when a cut-off value for 100% specificity in the healthy controls was used. The area under the receiver-operator characteristic curve was 0. 8200. CA125 tests were done on all serum, and the results compared graphically. The tumour antigen in the serum was very stable and did not seem to be affected by freezing or long storage at 4°C. Conclusions: The results of this first application of the new test are encouraging and warrant further investigation and testing of larger numbers of subjects to obtain more significant values for the sensitivity and specificity.

Author Biographies

  • Matthys H Botha, University of Stellenbosch
    Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology University of Stellenbosch
  • Hanne Veenstra, University of Stellenbosch
    MRC Centre for Molecular and Cellular Biology University of Stellenbosch
  • Wilhelm K Van der Merwe, University of Stellenbosch
    Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology University of Stellenbosch
  • R Hubert Laeng, University of Berne
    Department of Pathology University of Berne Switzerland
  • James Nevin, University of Cape Town
    Department of Gynaecological Oncology University of Cape Town
  • Leon Van Wijk, University of Cape Town
    Department of Radiation Oncology University of Cape Town
  • Robert Soeters, University of Cape Town
    Department of Gynaecological Oncology University of Cape Town
  • Sue Bird, University of Cape Town
    Department of Nuclear Medicine University of Cape Town
  • Paul D Van Helden, University of Stellenbosch
    MRC Centre for Molecular and Cellular Biology University of Stellenbosch

Downloads

Additional Files

Published

2012-04-12

Issue

Vol. 4 No. 1 (2012)

Section

Original Research

License

South African Journal of Gynaecological Oncology (SAJGO) Copyright is held by South African Society of Gynaecologic Oncology (SASGO). Copyright of the articles is held by the authors. The work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Non-Commercial Works 4.0 South Africa License (CC BY NC). Material submitted for publication in the SAJGO is accepted provided it has not been published elsewhere. The SAJGO does not hold itself responsible for statements made by the authors. The opinions expressed in this publication are those of the authors. They do no purport to reflect the opinions or views of SASGO or its members.