Trial will test a tampon for ovarian cancer detection

A UK clinical trial will test whether a tampon can detect early signs of ovarian cancer by analysing vaginal fluid, recruiting 250 women with BRCA gene changes.

Researchers in the UK have launched a clinical trial to test whether a specially developed tampon can detect early signs of ovarian cancer. The Violet study is led from University Hospital Southampton and will recruit 250 women who carry BRCA gene changes associated with higher breast and ovarian cancer risk. The trial will compare vaginal fluid collected by the tampon with tissue samples from participants' ovaries and fallopian tubes. The tampon was developed by biotechnology company Daye and the study received funding support from The Eve Appeal. Key facts: - The trial plans to recruit 250 women with BRCA gene changes tied to increased cancer risk. - Samples will include vaginal fluid harvested by the tampon and tissue taken from ovaries and fallopian tubes. - Participants will include people diagnosed with ovarian cancer undergoing surgery and those opting for preventive removal of reproductive organs. - If researchers find detectable biological signals, they plan a larger follow-up trial to validate the approach. Summary: The study aims to determine whether vaginal fluid sampled by a tampon can reveal biological markers linked to ovarian cancer, a disease often detected at a late stage. Results are pending, and researchers have said a larger trial would follow if initial findings show promising signals.