Spectroscopy in Ovarian Cancer

Molecular Spectroscopy in Identification and Assessment of Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian cancer is the eighth most common cause of cancer death in the world. Advanced stage at diagnosis is associated with lower survival rates, thus early detection appears to have an important role.

Raman Spectroscopy is a non-invasive technique that uses the interaction of light to identify the composition of the sample tested.

The aim of the project is to explore the use of spectroscopic techniques in the detection of ovarian cancer. There are two different assessments within the project:

1. Identify ovarian cancer in blood - Raman spectroscopic analysis will be performed on blood plasma taken from patients with suspected ovarian cancer.
2. Detect active cancer within post chemotherapy fibrotic tissue - Ex vivo Raman spectroscopic analysis of peritoneal, omental or ovarian tissues collected from patients undergoing surgical treatment for ovarian cancer.

The results of the spectroscopy will be correlated to clinical outcome and histological diagnosis respectively.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Female
• Symptoms suggestive of ovarian cancer
• Patients undergoing treatment of Ovarian Cancer

Exclusion Criteria:

• Less than 18 years of age
• Unable to consent to the study due to communication difficulties
• Unable to consent to the study due to lack of capacity