Gilda Radner Cancer Detection Program
The Gilda Radner Cancer Detection Program is a nonprofit organization dedicated to facilitating ovarian cancer research, specifically aimed at ovarian cancer screening in high risk women with the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation. Founded in 1991, the program has collected data for more than 1200 participants. The Gilda Radner Cancer Detection Program contributed valuable data to our understanding of ovarian cancer in high-risk women, particularly biomarker data, genetic and familial factors. There is still much to be learned about the various modalities to detect early-stage disease.
The purpose of the current clinical research program is to offer women with the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation an opportunity to participate in an ovarian cancer screening program, using state-of-the-art and investigational strategies aimed at early detection. Screening will involve semiannual blood tests (CA-125), investigational tumor markers, and 2D and 3D ultrasound with doppler imaging.. Additionally, samples of blood will be taken and stored for ongoing and future research studies. Questionnairres will be used to address the role of epidemiological risk factors (i.e. reproductive, hormonal, lifestyle, diet, exercise, smoking, etc.) in ovarian cancer risk, and to describe the psychological impact of continued surveillance on carriers of BRCA mutations.
Cedars-Sinai is committed to discovering an effective screening test for ovarian cancer. As medical knowledge advances, we will be able to better define who is at risk and how to prevent ovarian cancer. For more information, call the Gilda Radner Cancer Detection Program at (310) 423-9966.
