Gynaecology experts from the University of Leicester have announced plans to create a pioneering new blood test designed to help diagnose a rare form of womb cancer.
Uterine Sarcomas, which make up three in 100 cancers in the womb or uterus, can be difficult to diagnose because they have many of the same symptoms and look similar on scans to fibroids (which are non-cancerous growths in the womb.)
Researches at Leicester University have now been awarded funding from gynae cancer charity the Eve Appeal, to develop a blood test which can diagnose uterine sarcomas with much greater accuracy.
Further funding has also been granted by Sarcoma UK to explore the journeys of a large number of uterine sarcoma patients to understand what common factors are contributing to late diagnosis.
While womb cancer is generally diagnosed through biopsies taken from the womb lining, these only pick up one in three uterine sarcomas, because most develop in the muscle, rather than the lining, of the womb. This can lead to a delayed or incorrect diagnosis.
The blood test aims to help medical professionals distinguish fibroids from uterine sarcomas, assisting with much earlier diagnosis.
Dr Esther Moss, associate professor in gynaecological oncology, who will be involved in development of the blood test, said that the research team aim to pilot a blood test based on circulating tumour DNA which will offer a clearer diagnosis, enabling more informed treatment decisions.
Circulating tumour DNA is small fragments of genetic material released into the bloodstream by cancer cells.
“The team will look for circulating tumour DNA that fits the unique genetic profile of uterine sarcomas, creating a test which can distinguish if someone has a sarcoma, fibroid or other womb cancer,” said Dr Moss. “This novel study will look at samples from women who have been diagnosed with a uterine sarcoma or are scheduled for surgery for a suspected sarcoma.
“We will analyse their blood and tissue samples to look for patterns in the genetic profile and circulating tumour DNA that is specific to uterine sarcoma.”
Dr Natalie Darko, associate professor health equity and director of inclusion, who is also working on the project, said that the blood test would additionally help to reduce the health inequities that women of Black ethnicity currently face in the diagnosis and treatment of womb cancer.
This is because Black women in particular have a higher risk of both fibroids and uterine sarcomas.
The research will follow the journeys of 234 sarcoma patients, from seeing their GP to hospital referrals and diagnosis, with the aim of collating insights into patients’ experiences and factors that could delay referral.
The experts will also be able to identify common symptoms patients with sarcoma present at their GP surgery and find out whether the current national referral guidelines for endometrial cancers are able to detect cases.
Dr Moss said that her team’s investigations will look at whether changes to the referral criteria could pick up more uterine sarcoma patients, and if this could also help with earlier diagnosis.
