Winter 2009



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Wellington Regional
Is Now a Primary
Stroke Center
Be a Step Ahead
of Diabetes
Retinopathy: A
Common Complication of Premature Birth
Novalis Creates
Positive Outlook for Lung Cancer Patient
Major Advance
in Ovarian Cancer Biomarker
Osteoporosis -- Prevention Saves Lives
Bariatric Surgery
Life-Changing for
Patient with Diabetes
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Major Advance in Ovarian Cancer Biomarker

Illustration of a DNA strand
Biomarkers are specific substances, such as proteins, that are expressed by certain types of cancers. Doctors use tests to measure the level of these biomarkers in the blood. Patients whose biomarker levels are abnormally high may need further testing to determine whether they have cancer.

Researchers have recently discovered the HE4 biomarker, potentially the most sensitive indicator for ovarian cancer. Detecting abnormal HE4 levels in the bloodstream at an earlier stage may give more women a fighting chance against this deadly disease.

"Until now, the CA125 marker has been the most widely used serum biomarker for ovarian cancer, but it isn't always accurate," says Fernando O. Recio, MD, a gynecologic oncologist on staff at Wellington Regional Medical Center who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of gynecologic malignancies. "Studies on HE4 are very promising, and researchers have found that combining CA125 and HE4 tests may give us even more precise results."

Photo of Fernando O. Recio, MD
Fernando O. Recio, MD
Board-Certified Gynecologic Oncologist

Dr. Recio's practice, the South Florida Center for Gynecologic Oncology, is located in Boca Raton. His areas of expertise include laparoscopic oncology and the surgical treatment of female disease processes. He now offers patients testing for both HE4 and CA125.

To learn more, please call 561-997-8991.

Doctors can use biomarker tests to:

  • Classify the risk of women who have masses on the ovaries and make treatment decisions based on this risk.
  • Detect ovarian cancers at earlier, more treatable stages. Women with small ovarian masses who have negative CA125 results may get positive results with the more sensitive HE4 test.
  • Help women who are at high genetic risk for ovarian cancer make informed decisions about their health.
  • Monitor patients for ovarian cancer recurrence.
"This is a major breakthrough for women," Dr. Recio says. "We still don't have a definitive test, like mammograms for breast cancer, to screen all women for ovarian cancer. But combining these biomarkers is a huge step forward."

Be Aware of Ovarian Cancer Symptoms
Women may not notice symptoms until ovarian cancer is in its advanced stages. These symptoms can include:

  • Weight gain or loss
  • Pain in the pelvis, abdomen or lower back
  • Vaginal bleeding or abnormal menstrual periods
  • Gas, nausea or vomiting
  • Loss of appetite
  • Excessive fatigue
  • Changes in bladder habits

Wellington Regional Medical Center,
10101 Forest Hill Blvd.
Wellington, FL 33414
(561) 798-8500