Chlamydia infections associated with more than a doubling of ovarian cancer risk

Pelvic inflammatory disease caused by chlamydia appears to significantly increase the risk of ovarian cancer, according to research to be presented at the annual meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research.

The finding, replicated in two large databases, suggests that promptly treating the infection might reduce the lifetime risk of developing ovarian cancer, Britton Trabert, PhD, said during a press briefing held in advance of the meeting.

“Although these findings need to be replicated, they suggest potential ovarian cancer risk reduction through targeted treatment of chlamydia infections,” said Dr. Trabert, the Earl Stadtman Investigator at the National Cancer Institute.

The study portends both promise and challenge, according to Elaine R. Mardis, PhD, who comoderated the session.