A Blood Test for Ovarian Cancer?
Ovarian cancer remains one of the most challenging gynecologic cancers to detect and treat, often earning the nickname “the silent killer.” But recent breakthroughs in diagnostic technology are offering new hope for earlier detection and better outcomes.
Early detection matters in ovarian cancer.
Ovarian cancer is the fifth leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women. One of the biggest challenges is that symptoms—such as bloating, abdominal pain and digestive issues—are often vague and mistaken for less serious conditions. As a result, more than 70% of cases are diagnosed at an advanced stage, when treatment options are more limited and survival rates are lower. Currently, ovarian cancer is detected based on scans, biopsies or surgery. Most women will learn they have ovarian cancer when symptoms send them to the emergency room.
When caught early, ovarian cancer is highly treatable.
The five-year survival rate for women diagnosed at stage 1 exceeds 90%. That’s why improving early detection is a top priority for researchers and clinicians alike.
At Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, part of UHealth – University of Miami Health System and Miller School of Medicine, there is a robust program in place to help offer patients a pathway for treatment. The program addresses women who have ovarian cancer, as well as those who don’t, but may be at risk of developing cancer based on genetic testing. The center also offers a range of clinical trials — options that could change the standard of care but are not widely available as traditional approaches.
“We’re evolving the care for women with ovarian cancer through precision medicine, clinical research and genetic testing, and are doing so to help patients live longer and better,” says Matthew Schlumbrecht, M.D., M.P.H., professor of obstetrics, gynecology and reproductive sciences and co-lead of Sylvester’s Gynecologic Oncology Site Disease Group. “The challenge remains when it comes to detection, however.”
Dr. Schlumbrecht has been involved with national clinical trials on ovarian cancer detection.
In 2024, he co-authored a study that discussed the 21-year progress of clinical studies. The conclusion after testing 7,856 women was that a blood test could identify cancer in 70% of the women who had the blood tested.
“The NROSS study shows that with a two-step screening approach — using CA125 followed by ultrasound — we can detect ovarian cancer earlier and with fewer unnecessary surgeries. This strategy could shift how we screen postmenopausal women, helping us catch cancer before it spreads and potentially improving survival rates. It’s a promising step toward more effective, less invasive screening in routine clinical care,” says Dr. Schlumbrecht.
A new blood test may offer early detection of ovarian cancer.
A follow-up study that builds on the CA125 research has shown that a new combination blood test can detect ovarian cancer with even more remarkable accuracy—even in its earliest stages. This test uses a combination of lipidomics (the study of fats in the blood), protein biomarkers and machine learning algorithms to analyze a single blood sample.
“This new test could be a game-changer, if approved for use with patients in the U.S.,” says Dr. Schlumbrecht. “However, the most effective thing right now for detection of ovarian cancer is for women to remain in tune with their bodies and up to date on yearly check-ups—don’t wait if something feels off; get it checked out.”
Emerging nanotechnologies for ovarian cancer detection
In addition to blood-based diagnostics, researchers are exploring nanotechnology as a tool for early detection. A recent review published in the Journal of Ovarian Research highlights the development of nanoparticles and biosensors to identify ovarian cancer biomarkers with high sensitivity and specificity.
These technologies can detect cancer-related changes at the molecular level, often before symptoms appear. For example, nanoparticle-enhanced imaging improves tumor visibility in scans. Biosensors can detect cancer markers in tiny blood or urine samples. Targeted drug delivery systems are being designed to treat tumors more precisely, minimizing side effects.
“Nanotechnology is opening new frontiers in how we detect and treat ovarian cancer,” Dr. Schlumbrecht explains. “It’s not just about finding the disease earlier—it’s about doing so in a way that’s accessible, accurate and minimally invasive.”
What does this mean for patients?
These innovations could soon lead to routine blood tests for ovarian cancer in women presenting with symptoms, much like how mammograms are used for breast cancer screening. While more research and regulatory approvals are needed before this is added to the standard of care, the momentum is strong.
“We’re entering a new era of ovarian cancer care,” says Dr. Schlumbrecht. “With tools that offer greater accuracy in diagnoses, we can offer women faster answers and better outcomes. It’s incredibly exciting.”
What you can do
While these advances offer hope, awareness remains key, Dr. Schlumbrecht reminds us. If you need treatment, NCI-designated cancer centers, such as Sylvester, offer the most advanced treatments available. They also offer clinical trials with therapies that become the standard of care.
If you experience persistent symptoms such as bloating, pelvic pain or changes in appetite, don’t ignore them. Talk to your health care provider and ask about your risk factors, especially if you have a family history of ovarian or breast cancer. Genetic testing may be indicated, notes Dr. Schlumbrecht.
With continued investment in research and technology, tools such as blood tests and nanotechnology-based diagnostics could soon become a part of regular practice, saving lives through earlier and more accurate detection.
“The future of ovarian cancer detection is brighter than ever,” says Dr. Schlumbrecht.
AI-assisted. Edited by Monica Smith. Medically reviewed and approved by Dr. Schlumbrecht.
Tags: Dr. Matthew Schlumbrecht, Nanotechnology in medicine, Ovarian cancer screening, Preventive health care, Women's health innovations
