Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Study Reveals Novel Immune-Based Biomarker Helps Detect Ovarian Cancer Two to Four Years Before Conventional Diagnosis

Study Highlights Hospital's Commitment to Lifespan Research

PHILADELPHIA, June 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Researchers at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) announced the discovery of a novel immune-based biomarker that could pave the way for potential lifesaving early detection of high-grade ovarian cancer (HGOC). The findings were published today in the journal Cell Reports Medicine.

High-grade ovarian cancer (HGOC) is the fifth-leading cause of cancer-related death among women.  More than 90% of women are diagnosed when the disease has reached advanced stages and has already spread, presenting significant treatment challenges. Ovarian cancer is highly treatable when caught early, but tests that look for conventional biomarkers haven't been able to detect microscopic, metastatic early lesions that often develop in the fallopian tubes. However, with the discovery of a novel immune-based biomarker, there is potential to change the trajectory for many women. 

Although CHOP is a pediatric environment, its comprehensive Research Institute is dedicated to improving children's lives and helping them thrive into adulthood through transformative solutions, such as new diagnostic tools, medicines, technologies, and policy recommendations. By tackling the most pressing healthcare challenges, CHOP dramatically advances wellness beyond pediatrics across the entire lifespan.

"Early detection of ovarian cancer could mean the difference between life and death for millions of women," said Bo Li, PhD, a core faculty member in the Center for Computational and Genomic Medicine at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. "We believe our findings can be a gamechanger, providing insights for the development of an immune-based biomarker to detect early-stage ovarian cancers, as well as helping to potentially advance pediatric cancer research."

In this study, researchers at CHOP and UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas analyzed T-cell receptors (TCRs) in nearly 500 blood samples from pre-diagnostic patients with ovarian cancer, as well as healthy/benign controls from the Nurses' Health Study. TCRs are proteins found on T cells, a type of immune cell that recognizes and binds to foreign substances.

Study analysis revealed that in the early stages of HGOC, approximately two to four years before most cases of HGOC are currently diagnosed, a healthier immune system reacts significantly stronger, producing a measurable biomarker. Therefore, researchers deduced that tracking the disease within that specific timeframe, before a shift in the body's immune response, allowed for earlier treatment interventions.

The researchers also noted that additional research is needed to aid in the development of a diagnostic test sensitive enough to detect the novel immune biomarker. They envision the testing as a compliment to current approved HGOC screening protocols.

The research was supported by NCI R01 grants CA258524 and Q16 CA245318. Sample collection was partially supported by the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at UTSW.

Li et al. "Quantifiable TCR repertoire changes in pre-diagnostic blood specimens among patients with high-grade ovarian cancer." Cell Reports Medicine. Online June 14, 2024. DOI:10.1016/j.xcrm.2024.101612.

About Children's Hospital of Philadelphia: 
A non-profit, charitable organization, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia was founded in 1855 as the nation's first pediatric hospital. Through its long-standing commitment to providing exceptional patient care, training new generations of pediatric healthcare professionals, and pioneering major research initiatives, the hospital has fostered many discoveries that have benefited children worldwide. Its pediatric research program is among the largest in the country. The institution has a well-established history of providing advanced pediatric care close to home through its CHOP Care Network, which includes more than 50 primary care practices, specialty care and surgical centers, urgent care centers, and community hospital alliances throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey, as well as the Middleman Family Pavilion and its dedicated pediatric emergency department in King of Prussia. In addition, its unique family-centered care and public service programs have brought Children's Hospital of Philadelphia recognition as a leading advocate for children and adolescents. For more information, visit https://www.chop.edu. 

Contact: Kaila M. Revello
Children's Hospital of Philadelphia
(267) 426-6054
[email protected]

SOURCE Children's Hospital of Philadelphia