Researchers at a university are exploring how endometriosis could influence the development of ovarian cancer and lead to improved future treatments.
At the University of Northampton, scientists are studying whether the condition can affect the growth and spread of certain ovarian cancers.
The project is being led by Danielle Jex, a senior lecturer in immunology, and will investigate whether chemical signals released by endometriosis cells can help cancer cells survive and avoid the immune system.
« Endometriosis is still widely misunderstood and under-diagnosed, with many people waiting years for answers, » Jex said.
« Through our research, we’re trying to better understand not only how the disease develops, but how it may interact with other serious conditions such as ovarian cancer. »
According to the World Health Organisation, the condition affects one in 10 women in the UK, and as well as extremely heavy periods, it can cause debilitating pain and sometimes infertility.
The average waiting time for a diagnosis has now reached nine years and four months, according to a report by the charity Endometriosis UK.
Research suggests people with endometriosis are between two and four times more likely to develop ovarian cancer, although the overall risk remains low.
One sub-type, ovarian clear cell carcinoma, has a particularly strong connection to the condition.
Scientists are using laboratory-grown cell models and three-dimensional bioprinting technology to recreate the early stages of disease development.
The aim is to examine whether signals from endometriosis cells could encourage cancer cells to grow, spread or evade immune responses.
« We’re looking at whether chemical signals from endometriosis cells can essentially ‘support’ cancer cells, » Jex added.
« For example, by helping them hide from the immune system. If we can prove that link, it opens the door to new ways of targeting those interactions in future treatments. »
The research’s initial findings are expected later this year.
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