Introduction/Background This study aims to evaluate suitability of cervix sample as a screening tool for ovarian cancer. The primary objective of this study is to discern genetic abnormalities in patients with ovarian cancer utilizing a cervix sample.

Methodology Ovarian tumor tissue, blood, and cervix fluid samples were collected from patients undergoing ovarian cancer surgery having a uterus and at least one tube, and the genomic material was preserved for analysis. The cervix sample was collected using a PAP brush and cotton swab. DNA in cells and cell-free DNA (cfDNA) was analyzed using LiquidSCAN® and CancerScan®, a targeted deep sequencing platform to examine the frequency of genetic alterations. Tumor-specific genetic abnormalities identified in the cervix sample were compared with those from patients‘ blood and tumor tissues.

Results Thirteen ovarian cancer patients provided samples for analysis. Patients were stage III or IV and underwent surgery, including hysterectomy and adnexectomy. There were three missing samples. One was plasma, another was tumor, and the other was cervix. Thirty-nine tumor-specific gene alteration was evaluated. 100% of patients‘ cervix samples showed tumor-specific mutation. Seventy-five tumor-specific gene alterations were detected in the cervix sample. 100% of patients‘ plasma samples showed tumor-specific mutation. Twenty-six tumor-specific gene mutations were detected in cervix and plasma samples. The most frequently detected alterations were ERBB2 in the cervix (8/12) and EGFR in the plasma (9/12).

Conclusion We detected tumor-specific gene mutation in all ovarian cancer patients in the cervix sample. More tumor-specific gene mutations were detected in the cervix sample than in the plasma samples. Cervix samples might be a non-invasive diagnostic method for ovarian cancer. Further research and validation are warranted to confirm these findings.

Disclosures The authors have no conflicts of interest to disclose.