Authors' recommendations: There is a clear need to establish a diagnostic test for ovarian cancer which is able to distinguish women with early stage, asymptomatic cancer from healthy women. The tests included in this assessment are aimed at women who have symptoms suggestive of ovarian cancer. The available studies are at the 'proof of concept stage' in that sensitivity and specificity estimates have been calculated on the basis of populations with a high prevalence of disease. To determine the diagnostic accuracy of the OvPlex™ test a large, symptomatic population would need to be tested that is likely to contain women with and without disease. These initial studies should provide a basis for further research. The need and consequences of testing should be discussed between the consumer and a health professional.Based on the poor quality of evidence of studies conducted in inappropriate populations, and in light of ethical concerns and the potential to do harm associated with this direct-to-consumer test, it is recommended that this summary be disseminated to CTEPC, consumer health groups, the College of General Practitioners and the National Breast and Ovarian Cancer Centre. As the technology currently available in Australia is offered on a direct-to-consumer basis and does not impact directly on the health system. HealthPACT does not intend to further review this technology at this time.

Project Status: Completed

Year Published: 2010

URL for published report: Not Available

English language abstract: An English language summary is available

Publication Type: Not Assigned

Country: Australia

Organisation Name: Adelaide Health Technology Assessment

Contact Address: School of Public Health, Mail Drop 545, University of Adelaide, Adelaide SA 5005, AUSTRALIA, Tel: +61 8 8313 4617

Contact Name: ahta@adelaide.edu.au

Contact Email: ahta@adelaide.edu.au

Copyright: Adelaide Health Technology Assessment (AHTA)