Genetic mutation may cause ovarian cancer

OPORTO, Portugal, Sept. 26 (UPI) -- Portuguese medical scientists have determined a specific mutation of the COX2 gene might increase a woman's susceptibility to developing ovarian cancer.

Researchers led by Dr. Ana Carina Pereira of the Portuguese Institute of Oncology said the discovery raises the possibility of using non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin and ibuprofen to prevent ovarian cancer developing in women with the COX2 mutation.

"Although the causes of ovarian cancer are not fully understood yet, inflammation is known to play an important role in the onset of both ovarian and invasive cervical cancer," said Pereira. "COX-2 has an important role in the inflammatory process, as well as in key steps in tumor development."

Pereira presented the study Tuesday in Barcelona, Spain, during the 14th European Cancer Conference.

Copyright 2007 by United Press International

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