Ovarian cancer early detection focus of study

Researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center are investigating whether sonograms of fallopian tubes can be effective for the early detection of ovarian cancer, and their ongoing study shows promise. 

Ovarian cancer is the most lethal form of gynecologic cancer because it is most often diagnosed at late stage. A study in WFUMB Ultrasound Open on Dec. 15, 2023 provides an update on their progress. 

The investigators shared data from four women who underwent ultrasounds with intraluminal contrast for improved imaging of the fallopian tube lumen, the interior portion of the organ. The women carried the BRCA+ mutation and had scheduled risk reduction surgery for removal of their ovaries and fallopian tubes. Although biopsies after surgery revealed that none of the four women had cancerous lesions, one of the participants did have inflammation of the fallopian tube. The area of inflammation corresponded to the same spot where the ultrasound detected lower luminal circularity values relative to the adjacent segments of the tube and overall high rates of change of lumen diameter. 

The finding supports the use of fallopian tube luminal contrast enhancement during ultrasounds to detect abnormalities. The study received support from the Susan Morrow Legacy Foundation.