Biological Basis for Chemoprevention of Ovarian Cancer
Abstract
Since reduction of ovulation is protective against ovarian cancer, prevention may represent a feasible approach to decreasing mortality. To achieve a better understanding of the etiology of ovarian cancer, which will translate into more effective chemoprevention strategies, we have initiated a molecular epidemiologic study in North Carolina. The study will consider genetic susceptibility, reproductive/hormonal and other exposures and acquired genetic alterations. The award from the DOD has been supplemented by a grant from the NCT allowing us to increase the number of cases and controls to 7OO; and the study will now be population-based with subjects recruited from 48 counties of central North Carolina. Subjects are interviewed in their homes, rather than by telephone, and 50 women with ovarian cancer have been accrued. Blood and cancer samples have been collected and DNA extracted and molecular analyses will commence when larger numbers of samples are available. Because progestins have a potent apoptotic effect on ovarian epithelial cells, the use of levonorgestrel in chemoprevention of ovarian cancer is being explored in chickens and women. A chernoprevention trial is ongoing in chickens and we will begin a trial to determine whether levonorgestrel induces apoptosis in the ovarian epithelium of women undergoing oophorectomy.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 1999
- Accession Number
- ADA375586
Entities
People
- Andrew Berchuck
Organizations
- Duke University Hospital