Analysis of fluid flushed through a fallopian tube holds promise for providing insights into molecular changes linked to early ovarian cancer development, new research has revealed.

The University of Manchester analysis revealed molecular signals that in one case prompted re-examination of archived fallopian tube tissue and led to the retrospective identification of a pre-invasive or very early cancerous lesion. 

Dr Christine Schmidt is senior lecturer at the University of Manchester’s Division of Cancer Sciences.

She said: “This is important as it is now known most ovarian cancers don’t start in the ovary itself. 

“Instead, they start from pre-cancer lesions which develop in the fallopian tube before spreading to the ovary and beyond.”

The findings from the  study could in the longer term  form the basis for future approaches aimed at informing ovarian cancer risk assessment and  contributing to less invasive interventions for some high-risk women.

Surgery to remove the tubes and ovaries is often currently used to reduce risk for high-risk women.

However, the study raises the prospect of delaying  risk-reducing surgery for some women, preserving their fertility.

This could be particularly beneficial for the 1 in 250 women in the UK who are at high genetic risk of ovarian cancer because they carry a BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation.

Though uncommon in women with an average risk, existing research shows that roughly half to three-quarters of women with a high genetic risk of ovarian cancer currently choose surgical removal of the ovaries.

Despite evidence suggesting a prolonged window between pre-cancer lesions inside the fallopian tube and more serious cancer in the ovaries and other tissues, there are currently no clinical tests available to help detect these early pre-cancer changes without invasive surgery.

However, the team in Manchester have shown that fluid washed through the inside of the fallopian tube could be used to test for broad patterns of molecular changes associated with early tumour development using a technique known as proteomic analysis.

The researchers used the approach in an exploratory study of the fallopian tubes of 27 women who had had them surgically removed.

The women were divided into different groups. The first group were either high-risk BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutation carriers or they had an abnormal ovarian growth. A second group had other gynaecological conditions unrelated to ovarian cancer.

The researchers took the samples from the soft, frilly, finger-like edge at the open end of the tube next to the ovary known as the fimbriae.

They were able to detect different patterns of proteins in the washes from high-risk fallopian tubes and tubes associated with ovarian cancer compared to normal.

Some of these proteins overlap with previously proposed biomarkers for advanced disease stages and some may form the basis for future exploratory studies to identify potential targets for ovarian cancer prevention.

Dr Schmidt added: “While further exploration and validation in larger cohorts is needed, our findings point to a promising direction for less invasive ovarian cancer risk management strategies that could – in the longer term –  help reduce reliance on invasive prophylactic surgeries while preserving fertility in some high-risk women.

“We look forward to taking this novel approach forwards and hope that one day the findings can contribute to the development of an approach that might eventually be used in the clinic.”

Gut health solutions company Bactolife has successfully raised over €30 million in its Series B investment round.

The funding will enable the company to commercialise its innovative Binding Proteins, a new food, feed and dietary supplement ingredient, and execute its human study programme, aimed at transforming human and animal health for proactive health management.

This significant financing round was led by Cross Border Impact Ventures (CBIV) and EIFO (Danish Export and Investment Fund), alongside continued support from existing investors Novo Holdings and Athos.

With the backing of cornerstone investors, Bactolife is now poised to launch its first Binding Protein products under the ingredient brand, Helm for human health in the United States in 2026.

The company plans to expand into Asia and Europe in the years that follow, with a strong commitment to ensuring the technology is accessible to women and children in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).

Sebastian Søderberg, CEO of Bactolife, said: “Today’s successful close of our Series B round sets the stage for exciting years ahead as we prepare to launch our innovative products in 2026.

“This funding will enable us to clinically validate, scale, and commercialise our Binding Proteins, taking Bactolife’s solutions to a broad audience.

“We are excited to welcome new investors to the Bactolife family and are deeply grateful to our existing investors, whose continued support reflects their confidence in our mission.

“We are ready to transform gut health with novel Binding Proteins.”

The proceeds from this round will be directed toward several key areas of growth for Bactolife, including the execution of its human study program across the US, EU, Asia, and LMICs.

In addition, the company plans to scale its manufacturing and supply operations to meet global demand with a strong emphasis on commercialisation of both human and animal health ingredients for dietary supplements, functional food and beverages, and feed additives.

Donna Parr, Managing Partner at Cross Border Impact Ventures, said: “We are thrilled to lead Bactolife’s Series B. Bactolife’s Binding Proteins have the potential to strengthen gut resilience for mothers and children in low- and middle-income countries by providing a scalable, food-grade solution that can be integrated into everyday nutrition.

“At the same time, we are excited about the significant growth opportunity across North America, Europe, and Asia where the market opportunity is massive.

“This investment reflects our conviction that evidence-based technologies can reach massive high-growth markets, inclusive of people who need them most, and we look forward to partnering with Bactolife to accelerate clinical validation, scale manufacturing, and expand equitable access globally.”

The hashtag #TurkeyTeeth often showcases extreme transformations on social media, but behind the viral content lies a more nuanced reality particularly relevant to women’s health and autonomy. 

Dent Ordu, a dental clinic in Turkey, represents a new generation of healthcare facilities where advanced technology is reshaping the patient experience and empowering women to take control of their wellness decisions.

Addressing women’s healthcare anxiety through technology

Medical anxiety disproportionately affects women, who often report concerns about pain management, being dismissed by healthcare providers, and lack of agency in treatment decisions.

Dent Ordu’s technology-driven approach directly addresses these barriers, creating a care model that prioritises patient involvement and comfort.

The clinic has moved away from traditional methods that often left women feeling passive in their care. 

By replacing uncomfortable impression molds with fully digital workflows, including 3D Intraoral Scanners and Digital Smile Design (DSD) technology, patients become active participants in their treatment planning. 

This visual, collaborative approach allows women to see and approve their results before any procedure begins, restoring decision-making power that is often lacking in traditional medical settings.

Efficiency that respects women’s time

One of the clinic’s distinguishing features is its use of CAD/CAM (Computer-Aided Design and Manufacturing) technology for creating veneers and implants on-site. 

This system carves dental restorations from high-grade porcelain blocks with microscopic accuracy, often completing the process in minutes rather than weeks.

For women juggling careers, caregiving responsibilities, and personal commitments, this efficiency represents more than convenience. It’s a recognition that their time has value. 

The immediate turnaround eliminates extended waiting periods with temporary prosthetics and multiple appointments that can disrupt work and family schedules.

Dental health as women’s wellness

Dent Ordu positions dental care within the broader context of women’s overall health and wellness. 

The clinic’s advanced imaging technology can identify issues that conventional X-rays might overlook, enabling preventive interventions that address problems before they escalate.

This preventive approach is particularly significant for women, who are more susceptible to certain oral health conditions due to hormonal fluctuations during pregnancy, menopause and monthly cycles. 

Comprehensive dental imaging can also detect early signs of osteoporosis and other systemic conditions that disproportionately affect women, making oral health screening an important component of overall wellness monitoring.

Empowerment through medical tourism

As technology advances in international healthcare hubs, more women are reclaiming agency over their healthcare choices. 

Facilities like Dent Ordu demonstrate that cutting-edge equipment and expertise are not confined to traditional medical capitals, giving women alternatives when local options are unaffordable, inaccessible or unsatisfactory.

This shift in medical tourism represents a form of healthcare feminism – women refusing to accept limited options and instead researching, travelling, and investing in care that meets their standards. 

The decision to seek treatment abroad reflects informed consumer choice rather than desperation, particularly as these facilities often provide more transparent pricing and personalized attention than overcrowded domestic systems.

Looking Forward

Dent Ordu represents a snapshot of how digital technology is transforming dental healthcare while simultaneously addressing systemic issues in women’s medical experiences: lack of agency, dismissal of concerns and time constraints. 

As these innovations become standard practice, they’re reshaping expectations about what quality, patient-centred care looks like and empowering women to make informed decisions about where and how to access it.

For women considering treatment abroad, thorough research into a facility’s technological capabilities and patient-centred approach can reveal options that not only match or exceed domestic standards but also restore the control and respect that should be fundamental to all healthcare experiences.

Discover more and explore real patient experiences by following Dent Ordu on:

• Instagram
• YouTube
• Trustpilot