University researchers have endeavoured to curb breast and ovarian cancer, exploring the possibilities technology has to offer.
The University of the Free State (UFS) and Stellenbosch University in the Western Cape are looking into a new diagnostic technology test for familial breast and ovarian cancer. Research entails the use of technology based on rapid point-of-care (POC) testing.
The two institutions announced the collaborative research on 9 November. The UFS group is led by Dr Nerina van der Merwe, a principal medical scientist in the Division of Human Genetics within the Faculty of Health Sciences and the National Health Laboratory Service, as well as Jaco Oosthuizen; while Prof. Maritha Kotze leads the group from Stellenbosch.
Van der Merwe explained that the research was undertaken after she had been approached by Kotze, who is also very passionate about cancer research.
“She and her team have been collaborating with a company in the United Kingdom on designing a POC assay (test) for this new technology based on our research results. We became involved, as we are currently the state referral centre for familial breast and ovarian cancer in the country,” she said.
“With the use of our research results and access to positive controls, we are in a position to assist with the validation and potential implementation of this technology in the future.”
According to Van der Merwe, this new technology has great potential in curbing familial breast and ovarian cancer.
“Once it is validated as a diagnostic genetic test, it will be the future of familial breast and ovarian cancer testing in South Africa, when performed in conjunction with genetic counselling.
“The robustness of the assay and the user-friendly practical method makes it extremely suitable for use in rural clinics, eliminating the need for expensive laboratory equipment. By performing the test at the community clinic, patients no longer have to be transported to tertiary hospitals for genetic testing, and more patients and family members who are unaware that they have inherited high-risk cancer genes such as BRCA1 or BRCA2, will be reached.”
Van der Merwe said they have screened more than 3 000 patients diagnostically thus far.
“The majority of the patients we are testing are affected. Should a patient test positive, it might assist in their cancer treatment. We however need to screen the family members to identify who is at an increased risk.
“I think taking the test to the patients is where the benefit would be, as patients are often accompanied by their family members when visiting clinics.
“This will provide an opportunity to inform them, as patients often do not discuss their diagnosis and test results with family members. This is evident in patients receiving a positive test result for an inherited disease, but not even being aware of a family history of these cancer types,” said Van der Merwe.
