Clinical Utility of Serum Glycodelin as a Novel Marker for Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian cancer is a cancerous growth arising from different parts of the ovary. It has been called "Silent killer" because it frequently causes non-specific symptoms. CA125 was the first tumor marker available for detection of ovarian cancer but the major problem is its poor sensitivity and specificity as it is elevated in only 40-50 % of patients with stages І and ІІ ovarian cancer. Glycodelin consists of 180 amino acid and it is a glycoprotein belonging to the lipocalin family. In the present study, ELISA technique is utilized for the selective detection of Glycodelin. The detection of Glycodelin, utilizing ELISA technique, indicated a significantly high glycodelin levels in group one (ovarian cancer) as compared to either control group or benign ovarian disease group. Glycodelin was found to be highly sensitive as well as an early diagnostic marker for ovarian cancer. The utilization of the Glycodelin detection in addition to the current and standard tests available for diagnosis of an early and recurrent ovarian cancer would significantly improve the ability to identify patients who might be missed by the current diagnostic strategies and thus might provide a better therapeutic outcome. [Ibrahim H. A. Badr, Helmy M. El Sayed, Hala Abdel Al, Mohamed S. Hegab. Clinical Utility of Serum Glycodelin as a Novel Marker for Ovarian Cancer. Life Sci J 2013;10(3):664-670]. (ISSN: 1097-8135). http://www.lifesciencesite.com. 97