Particle.news

Download on the App Store

UCLH Becomes First NHS Trust to Offer ROCA Surveillance for BRCA-Linked Ovarian Cancer

Four-monthly CA125 trend monitoring gives high-risk women a structured alternative to immediate ovary removal.

Overview

  • UCLH is now offering the ROCA surveillance service to women with BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations, with other hospitals expected to follow.
  • The algorithm assesses individual CA125 patterns over time to detect rising risk even when results remain below standard lab thresholds.
  • Rising trends prompt imaging and clinical review, and exploratory surgery is considered if elevations persist despite normal scans.
  • Clinicians cite studies reporting that ROCA-based monitoring halves diagnoses at the most advanced stages of ovarian cancer.
  • The trust is partnering with the North Central London Cancer Alliance and GENinCode for rollout and is urging national commissioning to prevent a postcode lottery, including the option of central lab processing.