Exploration of DNA Methylation as a Marker for Early Detection of High Grade Serous Epithelial Ovarian Cancer

Exploration of DNA Methylation as a Marker for Early Detection of High Grade Serous Epithelial Ovarian Cancer

The purpose of this study is to determine if there are markers in plasma that can be used to develop a diagnostic panel for early detection and diagnosis of high grade serous epithelial ovarian cancer.

This study has two phases: "Discovery" cohort and "Validation" cohort.

The "Discovery" phase of this study will obtain tissue samples in a retrospective manner. The investigators will perform genome-scale DNA Methylation analysis to obtain a panel of candidate methylated DNA biomarkers. Twenty archival primary serous epithelial ovarian cancer and twenty archival normal ovarian and salpingeal tissues will be identified by running a report of diagnosis.

During the "Validation" phase of this study, blood and tissue samples will be obtained in a prospective manner. The patients will be undergoing consultation for undiagnosed pelvic mass and are being scheduled for a diagnostic laparoscopic biopsy. At the time of their consultation, patients will be recruited and consented for this phase of the study.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Female
• 18 years of age and older
• Women with an undiagnosed pelvic mass who need to undergo diagnostic laparoscopic surgery

Exclusion Criteria:

• Male
• Under 18 years of age
• Women who can not give informed consent