Ultrasound and Protein Markers in Cervico-Vaginal Fluid for Early Endometrial Cancer Detection

A recent study published in eBioMedicine has unveiled new insights into endometrial cancer detection through protein biomarkers in cervico-vaginal fluid and blood plasma, with promising results for early and advanced cancer stages. Endometrial cancer, the most common gynecological cancer in high-income countries, is on the rise, driven partly by increasing obesity rates. While the disease is treatable when detected early, advanced stages carry a poor prognosis, highlighting the need for more accessible, non-invasive diagnostic methods. Traditionally, endometrial cancer is diagnosed using invasive methods like transvaginal ultrasounds and biopsies. However, this study demonstrates that cervico-vaginal fluid—a medium connected to the uterine cavity—could serve as an effective, less invasive source of diagnostic biomarkers. Researchers collected samples from postmenopausal women with and without confirmed endometrial cancer, conducting proteomic analysis using advanced tools, such as mass spectrometry, to identify specific protein signatures associated with cancer. Machine learning models helped identify the top discriminatory proteins, leading to the development of a highly accurate diagnostic model with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.95, sensitivity of 91%, and specificity of 86%. Protein markers like LG3BP and LY6D, linked to cancer processes, were among the identified biomarkers, indicating the immune system’s response to cancer. Comparatively, plasma-derived biomarkers showed modest discrimination, suggesting cervico-vaginal fluid’s superior diagnostic potential. The study’s findings underscore the feasibility of leveraging high-throughput proteomics for detecting endometrial cancer, supporting the integration of less invasive, patient-friendly diagnostic methods into clinical practice. Researchers advocate further validation of these biomarker panels to create accessible tests for early diagnosis and improved treatment outcomes, potentially transforming endometrial cancer screening and patient care.

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