2026-2027 Team Science Grantees: Robert Bast, MD & Wenyuan Li, PhD
About Project
Early Detection of Ovarian Cancer with Cell-Free DNA Methylome and Protein Blood Biomarkers
PROJECT SUMMARY
Ovarian cancer is often called “silent killer” because symptoms are shared by many other more common illnesses so that most women are diagnosed after it has spread, when treatment is less likely to be successful. If caught early, however, ovarian cancer can be cured in two thirds of cases. Unfortunately, there is currently no accurate test to detect ovarian cancer early.
This project aims to change that by developing a new combination of blood tests that combine changes in DNA methylation – where single carbon atoms have been added to the DNA that encodes many different genes – with levels of specific ovarian cancer associated proteins. Our team has created a powerful new DNA test called cfMethyl-SeqV2 that searches for abnormal “methylation” patterns in DNA floating in the blood. These patterns can be early warning signs of cancer. Our test is much more sensitive and affordable than previous versions and can find cancer in early stages in many patients.
However, DNA alone doesn’t always tell the full story. That’s why we are also measuring proteins in the blood, like CA125, that may rise when cancer is present. By combining the DNA and protein data using advanced computer techniques, we can improve the test’s accuracy.
Our goal is to develop a test that can find most ovarian cancers early, when they can still be cured, without causing unnecessary operations in healthy women. If successful, this test could be used to screen women regularly and dramatically improve survival rates for ovarian cancer.
