Joint research finds endometrial cancer could be defeated by new blood test

An exciting advancement in the early detection of endometrial cancer (cancer of the uterus lining) has secured $600,000 to further a novel blood test to identify the disease when highly treatable.


Supported by the Cancer Institute of NSW, female reproductive health researchers from the University of Newcastle and Hunter Medical Research Institute have developed and patented a blood test for endometrial cancer able to accurately detect the early stages of the disease.

Endometrial cancer is the most common malignancy of the female reproductive tract and the fourth most common cancer in women, and its incidence is increasing. Neither chemotherapy nor radiation therapy significantly increases long-term survival.

Although surgery is effective in early-stage cancers, the median survival of women with advanced endometrial cancer is less than one year. One significant limitation has been the lack of a blood test for screening and early detection of endometrial cancer, where it can be easily treated with surgery.

Led by Dr Arnab Ghosh in collaboration with clinician Dr Ken Jaaback and Professor Pradeep Tanwar, the project will further the groundbreaking early intervention.