About OvPlex™
In simple language, OvPlex™ is a blood test, which measures the levels of five different proteins released into the blood by tumour cells as they grow.
The blood is analysed and the values of those five proteins ('biomarkers') are calculated using a special algorithm (mathematical program) to generate a single OvPlex™ Value, between 0 and 1, which represents the likelihood that a woman has ovarian cancer.
Taking the OvPlex™ test is no different from any other blood test. You would visit a clinic, have a small sample taken and then leave. The result will be sent to your Doctor approximately 10-15 days later.
One of the proteins is called CA125, which has been used for several years for the detection and monitoring of ovarian cancer. However, when CA125 is measured together with the four additional proteins that make up OvPlex™ 'multi-marker panel', [C-Reactive Protein (CRP), Serum Amyloid A (SAA); Interleukin 6 (IL-6) and Interleukin 8 (IL-8)], the OvPlex™ test provides better accuracy in detecting ovarian cancer at all stages, including early stages of the disease.
- OvPlex™ is a new multi-marker blood test designed to detect ovarian cancer.
- OvPlex™ measures five blood-borne biomarkers associated with ovarian cancer, instead of just one, as is the case with the current CA125 test.
- OvPlex™ is a superior performing alternative to the CA125 blood test alone.
- The traditional CA125 value is also included with the OvPlex™ result for reference.
- OvPlex™ can only be purchased privately, as it is not yet available on the NHS and may not be for some time.
- OvPlex™ is a diagnostic test, not intended to be used as a general population 'screening tool'.
How accurate is the test?
Independent statistical analysis has determined that OvPlex™ displays superior sensitivity (94%) and specificity (94%) at the OvPlex™ threshold of 0.45 compared with CA125 alone.
OvPlex™ is likely to reduce the false negative rate of CA125 by up to 19% and the false positive rate by up to 42%.
This is currently superior to any other method of diagnosing ovarian cancer currently available.* (*See the Clinical Data for a full explanation)
Who developed OvPlex™?
OvPlex™ was first launched in Australia by a company called HealthLinx Ltd, where it has been available since October 2008. HealthLinx is listed on the Australian Stock Exchange and developed OvPlex™ over the last few years with a group of HealthLinx scientists who formed the core development team involved in bringing the OvPlex™ diagnostic to market.
Their research work discovered which biomarkers provided the best combination for outperforming CA125 for the detection of all ovarian cancers (including early stage ovarian cancer) in their recently completed Phase 2 Biomarker Trial.
The team continues to test other biomarkers with the aim of further refining the accuracy of the OvPlex™ test.
For more in depth detail see information under Clinical Data.
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