| abstract |
Screening methods for identifying patients with an increased likelihood of having ovarian cancer are provided. The screening methods involve the detection of expression of a plurality of biomarkers in a body sample, wherein overexpression of the biomarkers is indicative of an increased likelihood of having ovarian cancer. The screening methods may further comprise a two-step analysis. Biomarkers of interest include genes and proteins that are, for example, involved in defects in DNA replication/cell cycle control, cell growth and proliferation, escape from apoptosis, angiogenesis or lymphogenesis, or the mechanisms of cancer cell motility and invasion. In some aspects of the invention, expression of a biomarker is detected at the protein level using a biomarker-specific antibody or at the nucleic acid level using nucleic acid hybridization techniques. Methods for detecting ovarian cancer in patients are further disclosed herein. Kits for practicing the methods of the invention are further provided. |