Can removing ovaries prevent cancer in High-Risk women? new study investigates

NCT ID NCT00043472

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study followed 40 women at high genetic risk for ovarian cancer due to BRCA mutations or strong family history. One group chose to have their ovaries and fallopian tubes removed to prevent cancer, while the other group opted for regular CA-125 blood tests every 3 months to catch cancer early. Researchers tracked cancer rates, quality of life, and decision-making to see which approach works best.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

surgical removal of ovaries and fallopian tubes (prophylactic salpingo-oophorectomy)

What this could lead to

If successful, this could confirm that preventive surgery reduces ovarian cancer risk in high-risk women, and that regular CA-125 blood tests can catch cancers early in those who avoid surgery.

What could go wrong

This is an observational study, not a treatment trial, so it won't prove cause and effect. Results may not apply to all women, and surgery carries risks like menopause and surgical complications.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

breast cancer breast neoplasm neoplasm ovarian cancer prevention target

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • National Institutes of Health Clinical Center

    Bethesda, Maryland, 20892, United States