Enzymes known as kallikreins may become an important diagnostic marker for ovarian cancer.

Often known as 'the silent killer', ovarian cancer produces few symptoms until the disease is advanced. What is needed is an early and accurate diagnostic test. Researchers at the Mount Sinai Hospital in Toronto, Canada, have taken one step further towards the development of such a test.

They find that enzymes called kallikreins are elevated in tissue from advanced ovarian cancer. The study was based upon stored blood samples from women who had the disease. Kallikreins are related to prostate specific antigen (PSA) which is used to help diagnose prostate cancer. It's not yet known just how kallikreins contribute to a poor prognosis for prostate cancer. But further research should show whether a blood test for kallikreins will provide an earlier diagnosis for ovarian cancer.

Source

American Association of Clinical Chemistry 21st July 2003