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The DETECT Study: Testing for Endometrial and Ovarian Cancer in Tampons

This observational study, called DETECT, is looking for better ways to find endometrial cancer (cancer of the uterus lining) and ovarian cancer, especially in a diverse group of women. Researchers want to see if samples collected from tampons can help detect these cancers early. Early detection is important because endometrial cancer can be cured more often when found soon, but early stages often have no symptoms. This study aims to enroll 1500 women aged 18 to 99 who are scheduled for a hysterectomy (removal of the uterus) or bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (removal of both ovaries and fallopian tubes). The study will measure if endometrial cancer, its precursors (changes that can lead to cancer), or a healthy uterus are present at the time of enrollment or surgery.

Study design
This is an observational study with a planned enrollment of 1500 participants. It is not a treatment study, but rather aims to understand how well tampon samples can detect cancer.
What's involved
Not specified in the trial record.
Compensation
Not stated in the trial record.
Follow-up
The study measures outcomes at enrollment or at the time of surgery.

AI-generated from the public study record. Only the study team can confirm whether you're eligible — confirm details with them before making decisions.

NCT03538665

The DETECT Study: Discovery and Evaluation of Testing for Endometrial and Ovarian Cancer in Tampons

Recruiting
Not specifiedAges 18–99Observational
University of Alabama at Birmingham
~1,700 participants
Updated 2026-07-29 on ClinicalTrials.gov

At a glance

Recruiting sites
1 of 1 listed site is recruiting right now
RecruitingSuspended, closed, or not yet open
What they're measuring
Endometrial Cancer
Measured over Enrollment or at time of surgery
+2 more outcomes measured

Conditions

Endometrial Cancer
Endometrial Cancer Precursors
Ovarian Cancer
Complex Atypical Endometrial Hyperplasia

Explore related trials

Complex atypical endometrial hyperplasiaEndometrial CarcinomaMalignant Ovarian Neoplasm

Where it's being run

1 sites across 1 states
Alabama1

Study leadership

  • Rebecca C Arend, MD, MSPH · PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR · University of Alabama at Birmingham

Who to contact

Rebecca C Arend, MD, MSPH
[email protected]
(205) 934-5370
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Do you actually qualify for this trial?

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Eligibility criteria

Inclusion

Individuals born with female sex organs (uterus, ovaries, including cis-gender female and transmasculine individuals, hereafter referred to as "women") scheduled for hysterectomy or bilateral salpingo-oopherectomy at the University of Alabama Birmingham's Division of Gynecologic Oncology or Department of Gynecology
Age \>18 years. We have chosen this age range to include both peri- and postmenopausal women, who are at greatest risk for endometrial cancer.
Ability of study participant to understand and the willingness to sign a written informed consent document. Women who do not meet this criterion include potential participants who do not speak English or Spanish, or have physical, mental, or emotional problems that prevent them from comprehending the nature of the study. If the potential participant has trouble reading the document, the designated study staff person may read the document to the patient, to include the basic elements of the informed consent document, per 45 CFR §46.116 (a).

Exclusion

Women who are pregnant are excluded from gynecologic surgery and are therefore not eligible to participate.
Individuals who were not born with female sex organs at birth (i.e., cis-gender males and transfeminine individuals) are not eligible for this study as they are not at risk for developing endometrial and ovarian cancer.

What this trial measures

  • Endometrial CancerEnrollment or at time of surgery

    Women with histologically confirmed diagnosis of endometrial or ovarian cancer

  • Endometrial cancer precursorsEnrollment or at time of surgery

    Women with histologically confirmed diagnosis of precursors (e.g., atypical hyperplasia)

  • Non-malignant uterusEnrollment or at time of surgery

    Women with fibroids, polyps, endometrial hyperplasia without atypia, adenomyosis, normal endometrium, or other benign conditions determined by histology and/or clinical imaging.