Screening for ovarian cancer. We now need a definitive randomised trial.

摘要: Computer simulation models predict that ovarian cancer screening could save at least three years of life per case1 and is potentially cost effective.2 Such have been developed validated on data from published reports, but until now results a randomised controlled trial not available. Jacobs et al recently described in which 21 935 average risk postmenopausal women were to annual screens or control group.3 For their protocol used the CA125 tumour marker as first line screen referred receive transvaginal sonography if concentrations above 30 U/ml. If revealed an mass, for surgery. Designed pilot study, was too small show efficacy terms mortality reduction. However, its are important two reasons. The confirmed previous evidence4 acceptable positive predictive value achieved by selecting evaluation imaging basis serum measurement. Neither nor specific enough when alone, decision rule surgical referral requires both tests 20%. Five operations …