NCT04794322 · Massachusetts General Hospital
Developing a Test of Uterine Lavage for the Detection of Ovarian Cancer
What this study is about
The study aims to develop a test for early detection of ovarian cancer using DNA from a growth involving the ovary found in a washing of the uterus (womb), and proteins found in the blood. The samples of the wash and the blood will be taken before surgery. After surgery, doctors will determine whether the participant had ovarian cancer or a benign disease of the ovaries.
View original scientific description
The study aims to develop a test for early detection of ovarian cancer using DNA from a growth involving the ovary found in a washing of the uterus (womb), and proteins found in the blood. The samples of the wash and the blood will be taken before surgery. After surgery, doctors will determine whether the participant had ovarian cancer or a benign disease of the ovaries. The tests of the washings and the blood will be examined to see how much the participants with ovarian cancer can be separated from the participants with a benign ovarian disease by the tests. Small amounts from the washing and the blood samples will be sent to four sites for analysis. Statistical analyses of these data will compare tumor DNA found in the washing of the uterus with proteins in the blood to detect cases of ovarian cancer. The primary goal is to find tests that are mostly positive for cases of ovarian cancer and mostly negative for patients with benign disease. It is hoped that if the tests work for participants with symptoms of the disease that these tests will also work when testing women who have no symptoms. A new study would be needed to see if the tests worked in this situation. If the tests work, this could lead to increasing the number of cases detected in early stage disease and decreasing the number of cases detected in late stage disease. If this change in late stage is large, it will likely reduce deaths due to ovarian cancer.
Interventions
DIAGNOSTIC_TEST
Uterine lavage, or a wash of the womb
Uterine lavage is performed during surgery using a flexible, 3-way balloon tipped catheter. The catheter is inserted through the cervix, the balloon expanded and the uterine cavity lavaged using 10 cc of sterile saline which is collected, processed and stored for later analysis.
DIAGNOSTIC_TEST
Blood sample
Participants undergo two blood draws (one required, one optional) up to 31 days before surgery
DIAGNOSTIC_TEST
Pap smear
Participants undergo a standard Papanicolaou smear to collect cells and fluid from the cervix.
Primary outcome measures
Genomic biomarkers assessing mutations and methylation of tumor DNA, and protein biomarkers measured as the concentration of a protein in pg/mL, both types of biomarkers measured in the collected biospecimens.
Time frame: From enrollment through to pathology results post-surgery (usually same day)
Biomarkers that distinguish between ovarian cancer and benign ovarian disease
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Has intact uterus (no history of uterine ablation, tubal ligation or bilateral salpingectomy)
- Cohort 1 (n=200 participants): Women scheduled for surgery or diagnostic laparoscopy for suspected but undiagnosed ovarian/fallopian tube cancer
- Cohort 2 (n=50 participants): Known BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation carrier scheduled for risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy
Exclusion criteria
- Current tissue or cytology diagnostic procedure positive for ovary cancer or any cancer
- Inability to provide informed consent
- Age less than 30 years
- Inability to obtain the minimum amount of blood
- Inability to obtain the minimum amount of uterine lavage sample
- At risk if blood were drawn (e.g. hemophilia, serious anemia- Hb less than 8.0 gm/dL)
- Prior history of known ovarian or endometrial cancer
- Treatment less than 1 year (excluding hormonal therapy) for cancer that spread beyond its origin
- History of untreated high-grade cervical dysplasia (CIN3)
- History of treated high grade cervical dysplasia (CIN3) with a cytologically abnormal pap smear within the past year. If there is no post treatment Pap smear in the medical record, perform a Pap smear prior to the day of surgery. If this Pap smear is abnormal, the participant is ineligible.
- Currently pregnant
- Known Lynch syndrome
Where
- Little Rock, Arkansas
- San Francisco, California
- Annapolis, Maryland
- Baltimore, Maryland
- Boston, Massachusetts
- Seattle, Washington
Collaborators
Johns Hopkins University, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Anne Arundel Health System Research Institute, University of Arkansas, National Cancer Institute (NCI), Kaiser Permanente, McGill University, M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Swedish Medical Center, Early Detection Research Network
Related conditions & keywords
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Sep 16, 2025 · Source of record for eligibility and locations