Knowledge about the etiology of ovarian cancer may help in the detection of this disease in women at an earlier stage, when it is more easily treated. In addition, an animal model can be utilized for the design and testing of more optimal treatments, including prevention, which may decrease the lethality of this cancer.
impact statement issue
The main cause of the lethality of human ovarian cancer is that it is usually diagnosed at an advanced stage. The availability of an animal model that spontaneously develops ovarian cancer (unlike most other animal models) would enhance the ability to identify factors involved in the etiology of the disease. Previous studies, as well as our own data, show that hens develop ovarian cancer with a striking similarity to that found in humans.
impact statement response
The overall goal is to further understand basic, biological factors involved in development of ovarian cancer in the hen, with the aim of identifying a potential preventive approach for women. This work is innovative because we are investigating early factors contributing to ovarian cancer. We have extensive previous knowledge of the biology of the hen and have utilized this to study factors involved in development of ovarian tumors.
impact statement summary
Previous studies, as well as our own data, show that hens develop ovarian cancer with a striking similarity to that found in humans. Our project on ovarian cancer in the hen is important because the hen spontaneously develops ovarian cancer, unlike other animal models, so questions related to etiology (i.e., the cause of a disease or disorder) can be examined.
