NUCLEIC ACID-BASED METHODS AND COMPOSITIONS FOR THE DETECTION OF OVARIAN CANCER

摘要

Methods and compositions for identifying ovarian cancer in a patient sample are provided. The methods of the invention comprise detecting overexpression or underexpression of at least one nucleic acid biomarker in a body sample, wherein the biomarker is selectively overexpressed or underexpressed in ovarian cancer. The body sample may be, for example, an ovarian tissue sample. The biomarkers of the invention include any nucleic acid molecule that is selectively overexpressed in ovarian cancer, including, for example, MMP-7, PAEP, CA125, HE4, PLAUR, MUC-I, SLPI, SSPl, MSLN, SPONl, interleukin-7, folate receptor 1, claudin 3, inhibin A, inhibin BB, inhibin BA, and PAI-I. Overexpression or underexpression of a biomarker of interest is detected at the nucleic acid level using such methods as realtime PCR and various nucleic acid hybridization techniques. Kits for practicing the methods of the invention are further provided.