A recent study conducted by a team at the National Institute of Oncology in Rabat, Morocco, has made significant progress in the treatment of ovarian cancer. The research, led by Dr. Basma Khnoussi, found that Morocco is now capable of conducting advanced molecular analyses locally, which can help guide the treatment of certain advanced cases of ovarian cancer more accurately. This development is crucial, as the cost and accessibility of such tests have been major obstacles for patients.
Ovarian cancer treatment is no longer solely dependent on the appearance of cancer cells under a microscope. Scientists now consider what happens inside the DNA of the tumor, particularly in cases of homologous recombination deficiency (HRD). HRD is a defect in the body's mechanisms for repairing DNA damage, often seen in aggressive forms of ovarian cancer. Detecting HRD helps doctors identify patients who may benefit from targeted therapies, including PARP inhibitors.
The study analyzed 215 patients with high-grade ovarian cancer at the National Institute of Oncology in Rabat between March 2024 and March 2026. The researchers used a new genetic sequencing technique to analyze tumor samples and detect HRD. The results showed that 55.1% of the patients had HRD, with 57.5% of those having BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations. Notably, 42.5% of patients with HRD did not have BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations, highlighting the complexity of ovarian cancer genetics.
The study also found a correlation between age and HRD prevalence. Women between 50 and 59 years old had a significantly higher rate of HRD (69.4%) compared to those aged 70 or older (32.1%). This finding has important implications for treatment decisions. Additionally, the study emphasized the importance of sample quality, as 26.5% of the samples did not meet the necessary quality standards for analysis.
The researchers were able to obtain results within an average of three weeks, indicating that local testing can be integrated into the treatment pathway without significant delays. However, the cost of the test remains a significant challenge. The study estimated that the cost of a single test is equivalent to 37.1% of Morocco's annual GDP per capita, making it inaccessible to many patients.
The study's findings have significant implications for the future of personalized medicine in Morocco. While the country has demonstrated its ability to conduct advanced molecular testing, the challenge lies in making these tests accessible to those who need them. The researchers suggest that decentralization and regionalization of testing may be key to expanding access to precision medicine.
The study's results are a significant step forward for ovarian cancer treatment in Morocco. The National Institute of Oncology is currently the only public laboratory in the country capable of conducting HRD testing. The study's findings may also serve as a reference for developing similar testing in other laboratories, both public and private, to expand access to precision medicine.
Key points
- Moroccan scientists have made a breakthrough in ovarian cancer treatment with local genetic testing.
- The study found that 55.1% of patients had HRD, with 57.5% of those having BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations.
- The cost of the test remains a significant challenge, equivalent to 37.1% of Morocco's annual GDP per capita.
