Screening for ovarian cancer in BRCA1/BRCA2 mutations carriers

Abstract

Worldwide screening for early detection of ovarian cancer in both, the general population and the group of women at high risk for ovarian cancer, including BRCA genes mutations carriers, has proven to be ineffective. The recommended screening methods, including a pelvic examination, transvaginal ultrasound, and CA125 performed biannually, continue to fail due to their relatively low sensitivity, specificity and positive predictive value tests, as well as the fact that cancer is still detected in advanced stages (FIGO III/IV). However, proteomic techniques and the ongoing search for more sensitive and specific biomarkers to increase effectiveness of screening tests for ovarian cancer bring new hope. We reviewed the current literature on screening for ovarian cancer in BRCA genes mutations carriers.