STEMOVA
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Characterisation of the steroid metabolome in mucinous ovarian cancer.
IRAS ID
338830
Contact name
Sudha Sundar
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Birmingham
Duration of Study in the UK
4 years, 0 months, 30 days
Research summary
Dysregulation in steroid hormones, the immune system and gene expression have been implicated in ovarian cancer progression, but their true role and underlying mechanisms remain to be elucidated. We plan to use gas chromatography – mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and other technologies to assess biomarkers that can identify early cancer from healthy and benign disease. To do so we will recruit participants with ovarian tumours and obtain urine samples from them. We will analyse a subset of recruits with confirmed mucinous histology type as well as a set of recruits with other histology types of ovarian tumours for novel markers. Previous work by Dr David Jeevan has already identified some markers that we will test, we will also attempt to identify other novel markers.
We will also investigate if these markers can identify patients with early recurrence of mucinous cancer.
To do this, participants who have undergone surgery or biopsy and confirmed as any stage mucinous ovarian cancer will be recruited to donate serial urine samples during the first two years after diagnosis.
Participants with mucinous appendiceal pseudomyxoma peritonei cancer will also be recruited to donate urine samples. This third population will determine if urinary steroid analysis can differentiate between primary mucinous ovarian cancer and mucinous appendiceal pseudomyxoma peritonei cancer – this is a common clinical conundrum and has implications for treatment and outcomes.REC name
Yorkshire & The Humber - Bradford Leeds Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
25/YH/0085
Date of REC Opinion
12 May 2025
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion