Identifying Proteomic Profiles and Biological Networks of Early-Stage Ovarian Cancer
Abstract
Early detection of ovarian cancer could allow earlier interventions and lead to a significant improvement in ovarian cancer survival. However, despite extensive efforts to identify early detection biomarkers, there is currently no ovarian cancer biomarker appropriate for population level screening targeting women with average risk of developing ovarian cancer. This may be, in part, due to the use of post-diagnosis blood samples for biomarker discovery, leading to markers of late stage disease. In addition, past studies have been limited by technology in biomarker discovery. Our primary objective of this research is to discover novel biomarkers for early detection of ovarian cancer using a unique study with blood samples drawn 1 to 7 years prior to diagnosis of late stage ovarian cancer and apply the cutting-edge technology, which can simultaneously measure more than 1,012 proteins using small amount of blood. Unlike prior technology, this innovative platform has proven to be highly reproducible and reliable, allowing simultaneous evaluation of biologically important proteins in ovarian cancer development, including proteins related to inflammation, cell migration, and immunity. Importantly, with this next-generation proteomics platform, we will be able to detect the low-concentration proteins that will be necessary to detect small early-stage lesions. Using this groundbreaking technology, we will identify promising blood protein biomarkers for early detection of ovarian cancer. In addition, we will use data on all 1,012 proteins and apply network analysis approach to understand the biological changes related to early disease progression. Successful completion of this research will open new avenues in developing a novel ovarian cancer screening test targeted to women with average risk. Furthermore, our proposed research will expand our understanding of the development of this deadly disease. Results from this study will lead to a reduction in ovarian cancer mortality by discovery of novel ovarian cancer screening biomarkers and potential therapeutic targets to prevent and/or treat ovarian cancer at an earlier stage. My long-term goal is to become an independent ovarian cancer researcher and positively impact ovarian cancer outcomes. Building on my training in gynecologic oncology, my ultimate goal is to integrate multiple biomarker data together with demographic and clinical information to tailor personalized strategies for prevention, early detection, and treatment, which will substantially improve the burden of ovarian cancer on patients and their families. The proposed research and career development plans will provide valuable time and support from established mentors to gain extensive research experience using complex blood biomarker data and advanced statistical methods, which will be valuable for me to obtain future funding to establish a sustainable research career. In addition, participating in the Ovarian Cancer Academy will allow me to build a new professional network with early-career and established ovarian cancer investigators and patient advocates, which will further expand and impact my projects through multi-disciplinary collaborations. The proposed research has high clinical applicability and will generate strong preliminary data that can be further expanded to future clinical screening trials once we validate promising findings in existing independent studies. Moreover, results from this study have high potential to advance our understanding of how ovarian cancers develop and progress, leading to novel prevention strategies and chemoprevention targets. While establishing early detection strategies for average-risk women has substantial positive impact on all women, a recent study reported active Service Members younger than age 45 may be more burdened by ovarian cancer compared to the general population. Therefore, the potential impact of the proposed research may be even more relevant to
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Dec 05, 2021
- Source ID
- W81XWH2110320
Entities
People
- Naoko Sasamoto
Organizations
- United States Army