SACRAMENTO -- UC Davis researcher Gary Leiserowitz has received $900,000 from the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund to support his efforts in finding an early diagnostic marker for ovarian cancer.

Leiserowitz, professor and chief of gynecologic oncology, leads a team that is pioneering the use of glycomics analysis for cancer diagnosis. In 2006, they identified specific changes in the sugars attached to cellular proteins in blood samples of ovarian cancer patients. This outcome fueled hope that the pattern could be indicative of the disease in its earliest stages when it is most treatable.

Leiserowitz and his colleagues are now in the next phase of that research, which involves validating the glycomics outcome with additional blood comparisons and developing a highly sensitive test to identify the profile. The new funding will help advance these stages of the research.

"This generous funding will allow us to move forward more quickly with the next steps in identifying an early diagnostic marker and test for ovarian cancer," said Leiserowitz. "We are deeply appreciative of OCRF for recognizing the value of our work."

Even with recent advances in cancer care, ovarian cancer remains as a serious, life-threatening problem. For the majority of women, the disease is diagnosed in its more advanced stages and tends to recur even after aggressive treatment. As a result, finding an early detection test is a priority for Leiserowitz.

Leiserowitz's UC Davis research team on the glycomics studies includes Carlito Lebrilla, professor of chemistry; Suzanne Miyamoto, associate professor of hematology and oncology; Kit Lam, chief of hematology and oncology; and David Rocke, distinguished professor of public health sciences.

"We are excited to support the work of Dr. Leiserowitz and his research team," said Andrew Berchuck, head of the OCRF Scientific Advisory Committee. "Development of a screening test that would allow early detection of more ovarian cancers is the highest priority for OCRF and its supporters."

Designated by the National Cancer Institute, UC Davis Cancer Center cares for 9,000 adults and children each year from throughout the Central Valley and inland Northern California. The center is home to the largest program in the region for the diagnosis and treatment of gynecological cancers. The center's oncologists are pre-eminent providers of cancer treatment and top academic physicians who work as a team with radiation oncologists, nurse practitioners, dietitians, genetic counselors and pain specialists to develop individualized treatment plans for each patient. For more information, visit www.ucdmc.ucdavis.edu/cancer.