2026-2027 Team Science Grantees: Andrew K. Godwin, PhD & Steven Soper, PhD

About Project

Liquid Biopsy using Tumor Specific Extracellular Vesicles for the Early Detection of Epithelial Ovarian Cancer

PROJECT SUMMARY

Developing a simple blood test (“liquid biopsy”) to detect ovarian cancer early is the holy grail! Our studies have indicated that extracellular vesicles (EVs) can yield important information regarding the presence of ovarian cancer. EVs are 1000-times smaller than the width of human hair and different types of cells in our body release EVs, but cancer cells discharge more into our blood even in very early stages of disease progression.

We have developed tools to exploit these EVs as “biomarkers” for the early presence of ovarian cancer, specifically the type most difficult to treat known as high grade serous (5-year survival 80% for early-stage and 35% for late-stage diagnosis). These tumors actually originate in the fallopian tubes and when their EVs are present in blood, can indicate the presence of ovarian cancer.

Our goal is to detect ovarian cancer while confined to the fallopian tubes using EVs and with preventative surgery known as salpingectomy, which removes one or both fallopian tubes leaving the ovaries intact, can be curative. Using our novel tools, we can capture and analyze the molecular content of specific EVs in the blood of asymptomatic women who don’t know they have the earliest stage of ovarian cancer. Despite being small, it turns out these EVs are mighty early warning beacons.

When our research proves successful, Tina will have her wish! Women will finally have a tool to find ovarian cancer early, well before any symptoms appear and will have a fighting chance of being cured!

Researcher Roundtable #2, featuring Andrew K. Godwin, PhD and Steven Soper, PhD of The University of Kansas. Moderated by Tina’s Wish Leadership Council Member Laureen Ryan of Alvarez & Marsal.