OCRA’s International Gynecologic Cancer Conference

On Demand
The On-Demand sessions below will be released on September 23rd to all registered attendees.

Gynecologic Cancer 101
Develop a better understanding of the anatomy related to gynecologic cancer, along with staging, genetics and biomarkers, and learn why there are variations in treatment.
Speaker: Nita Lee, MD

Maintenance Therapy in Advanced Ovarian Cancer
Learn more about the role of maintenance therapy for ovarian cancer — when it is offered, what treatments are commonly used, and how biomarkers or genetics play a part in the decision.
Speaker: Kathleen Moore, MD

Navigating Insurance and Benefit Options
Understanding insurance coverage can be a daunting undertaking. Between the complex needs that arise throughout cancer treatment and the world of authorizations, denials, and appeals, many struggle to navigate the maze of insurance and the resulting financial ramifications. This educational session addresses all things related to insurance, including strategies for optimizing one’s benefits.
Speakers: Sarah Handsman, LCSW and Fiona Cinquegrana, LMSW

Caregiver Journey: Balancing Family, Work and Cancer
This special session addresses the unique needs of caregivers, who often put their own needs after many other responsibilities.
Speaker: Hannah-Rose Mitchell, PhD

The Role of Palliative Care in Gynecologic Cancer Care
This session will help demystify common misconceptions and pre-conceived fears around palliative care, which is now considered a standard form of treatment across all stages of gynecologic cancer, and particularly beneficial for managing side effects of treatment.
Speaker: Carolyn Lefkowits, MD

Managing Sleep After Diagnosis
Insomnia and sleep disturbances after a cancer diagnosis can be debilitating. Please join us as Dr. Zhou shares helpful insights and strategies for navigating post-diagnosis sleep issues.
Speaker: Eric Zhou, PhD

Society of Gynecologic Oncology Bridges Program: Early Career Researchers
Please join this panel discussion about an exciting program that is training the next generation of clinical researchers who are dedicated to finding answers around diagnosis, treatment, and quality of life for those facing gynecologic cancers.
Speakers: Sarah Adams, MD, Amanda Nickles Fader, MD, and Tom Herzog, MD

Talking with your Family about Genetic Testing
Please join this special session presented by our friends at the CDC as they explain genetic testing, understanding risk, and how to talk with your family about cascade testing.
Speakers: CDC, Juan Rodriguez and Ally Moehring

Hereditary Gynecologic Cancers
Learn more about hereditary cancers, why genetic testing is important for families, and the strategies for taking proactive charge of your own health in the face of hereditary cancer risk.
Speaker: Kevin Holcomb, MD

Diagnosis as a Young Adult
Gynecologic cancer is emotionally and physically challenging at any age, but diagnosis in young adulthood can present an array of hurdles that are unique to this stage in life. Join us for a robust conversation around coping and living well after cancer as a young adult.
Speaker: Nancy Cincotta, LCSW, MPhil

11:00AM
Learn More about Sponsors, Resources, & OCRA
Check out dedicated areas to learn more about OCRA programs, trusted resources, and generous sponsors. And if at any time you want a break, visit the serenity room for a quiet, soothing space.

12:30PM
Welcome and Opening Remarks
Welcome to Uniting for Hope! Audra Moran, President & CEO of Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance, will share some exciting news that will change the face of gynecologic cancer research as we kick off three special days of learning and connection.
Speaker: Audra Moran, President & CEO of Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance

1:00PM
2024 Gynecologic Cancer Update/Welcome from SGO
Setting the stage for the rest of the conference, this session will feature an important research and treatment update from the current President of the Society of Gynecologic Oncology, Dr. Amanda Nickles Fader.
Speaker: Amanda Nickles Fader, MD

2:00PM
Trauma Approach to Cancer Care
Trauma related to diagnosis, surgery, and treatment, combined with the uncertainties that arise throughout the cancer continuum, can have a lasting impact. This presentation addresses the complex, trauma-related distress that many patients experience, while offering strategies to address it through “safety, choice, collaboration, trustworthiness, and empowerment.”
Speaker: Christina Wilson, PhD, WHNP-BC

3:00PM
Sponsored Session (with Q&A)
Talking Clinical Trial: Anixa Biosciences
Autologous T Cells Engineered to Target Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) Receptor in Recurrent Ovarian Cancer, A Phase 1 Trial

3:00PM
Sponsored Session (with Q&A)
Talking Clinical Trial: PMV Pharma
Biomarkers in Clinical Trials: Focus on TP53

3:30PM
Sponsored Session (with Q&A)
Talking Clinical Trial: Sutro Biopharma
REFRαME-O1 Phase 3 Trial: Luveltamab tazevibulin (STRO-002) for women with advanced ovarian cancer

3:30PM
Sponsored Session (with Q&A)
Talking Clinical Trial: Genelux
The Patient Experience: OnPrime Phase 3 Clinical Trial in PRROC

4:00PM
Chemo Brain
Chemo brain can be a difficult complication of treatment. Join us to learn more about what causes this phenomenon and gain strategies to improve your neuro-cognitive functioning.
Speakers: Nicole Alston, MSW and Tamara Fisher, BSN, RN

5:00PM
The Importance of Clinical Trials
Not only do clinical trials serve as a means for advancing science, but they can also allow patients to access the most cutting-edge care. At the same time, it’s normal for patients and family members to have questions about clinical trials—how they work, when to consider trials, and pros and cons. Dr. Shannon Westin will answer all your questions live.
Speaker: Shannon Westin, MD, MPH, FASCO

6:00PM
Community Connections
OCRA Oncology Social Workers will host this interactive session at the close of each day. Please join them for an opportunity to participate in fun group activities while building new, lasting connections.
Leaders: OCRA Patient Support Team

10:00AM
Reflections: Memorial Service
Please join us in remembering those who have died, those we have lost touch with, and those to whom we want to send support. This will be an interactive session honoring our friends and community, facilitated by Tracy Moore, LCSW, and Nancy Cincotta, LCSW, MPhil.

10:30AM
Learn More About Sponsors, Resources, & OCRA
Check out dedicated areas to learn more about OCRA programs, trusted resources, and generous sponsors. And if at any time you want a break, visit the serenity room for a quiet, soothing space.

11:00AM
Strategies for Healthy Living
Learn more about healthy diets and the importance of exercise throughout life and after a cancer diagnosis. This session will provide tools to enhance your daily routines and improve your quality of life.
Speaker: Shannon Armbruster, MD, MPH

12:00PM
Advances in Cervical Cancer
This session will provide an overview of the prevention of cervical cancer, along with the standard and newer therapies available.
Speaker: Bradley J. Monk, MD, FACS, FACOG

12:00PM
Treatment for Rare Gynecologic Cancers
Ovarian cancer is a rare diagnosis in and of itself, and having a rare form of ovarian cancer can be daunting when seeking out critical information on your pathology and treatment options. Please join us for an informative session addressing your questions.
Speaker: Jubilee Brown, MD

12:00PM
New Treatments for Endometrial and Uterine Cancer
This session will provide an overview of endometrial and uterine cancer, along with the standard and newer therapies available.
Speaker: Emily Ko, MD MSCR

1:00PM
Ask the Experts Part 1
Our live panel of experts answer your most pressing questions on ovarian and gynecologic cancer research, treatment, and survivorship.
Speaker: Anil Sood, MD, Premal Thaker, MD, MS, and Karen McLean, MD, PhD, FACOG

2:00PM
Ask the Experts Part 2
Our live panel of experts will return to answer your most pressing questions on ovarian and gynecologic cancer research, treatment, and survivorship.
Speakers: Anil Sood, MD, Premal Thaker, MD, MS, and Karen McLean, MD, PhD, FACOG

3:00PM
Sponsored Session (with Q&A)
Talking Clinical Trial: AstraZeneca
Key Updates in GYN for Durvalumab (Imfinzi) and (TDX-d) Enhertu

3:00PM
Sponsored Session (with Q&A)
Talking Clinical Trial: ImmunoGen, now part of AbbVie
Clinical Trials in Ovarian Cancer – Update from ImmunoGen (now part of AbbVie)

3:30PM
Sponsored Session (with Q&A)
Talking Clinical Trial: Corcept Therapeutics
Cortisol Modulation: The Relacorilant Story

3:30PM
Sponsored Session (with Q&A)
Talking Clinical Trial: Verastem Oncology
A Phase 3 Study of Combination Therapy in Patients with Recurrent Low-Grade Serous Ovarian Cancer (LGSOC)

4:00PM
Long-Term Survivorship
This presentation will provide an update on NCI supported research in the area of survivorship including what is being investigated with regards to fatigue, cardiotoxicity, and other side effects from treatment.
Speaker: Emily Tonorezos, MD, MPH

5:00PM
After Ringing the Bell: Survivorship
Life after cancer has its own unique — and at times, lonely — path forward, often evoking a series of overwhelming questions: Who am I now? How can I make meaning of my experience? How do I maintain a sense of hope in the face of uncertainty? Please join us for an intimate discussion between 8 survivors who share their experiences as they move past diagnosis to “living well after the bell.”
Speakers: Erin Wright, Kim Lamke, Marsha Biven, Carolyn Kardos, Louise O’Farrell, Helen Palmquist, Rachel Putman, and Kay Ertmanis. Facilitated by: Tracy Moore, LCSW and Fiona Cinquegrana, LMSW

6:00PM
Community Connections
OCRA Oncology Social Workers will host this interactive session at the close of each day. Please join them for an opportunity to participate in fun group activities while building new, lasting connections.
Leaders: OCRA Patient Support Team

10:00AM
Learn More About Sponsors, Resources & OCRA
Check out dedicated areas to learn more about OCRA programs, trusted resources, and generous sponsors. And if at any time you want a break, visit the serenity room for a quiet, soothing space.

11:00AM
What I Wish I Knew
Eight remarkable survivors share their experiences of diagnosis and treatment, offering candid insights and strategies for navigating the gynecologic cancer journey.
Speakers: Erin Wright, Kim Lamke, Marsha Biven, Carolyn Kardos, Louise O’Farrell, Helen Palmquist, Rachel Putman, and Kay Ertmanis.
Facilitated by: Tracy Moore, LCSW and Fiona Cinquegrana, LMSW

12:00PM
Sexual Health after Cancer
Please join us for an open conversation around sexual health and finding ways to regain intimacy after cancer. Our expert panel will address your concerns and answer your questions about strategies to improve your physical, emotional, and sexual well-being.
Speakers: Kristin E. Rojas, MD, FACS, FACOG, Teresa Neira, LCSW, PhD, and Andrea Wood, PT, DPP

1:00PM
PTSD After Cancer
Fatigue, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder may occur after diagnosis. This presentation identifies the emotional complexities that may occur after cancer, along with coping strategies to improve life into survivorship.
Speaker: Stephanie Tung, MD

2:00PM
Managing Recurrence
Fear of recurrence can be prevalent and overwhelming. Join us for a presentation on the management of recurrent ovarian cancer, including an opportunity to ask your questions about the changing treatment landscape.
Speaker: Sarah Adams, MD

3:00PM
Sponsored Session (with Q&A)
Talking Clinical Trial: Adaptimmune
Adaptimmune: SURPASS 3 Cell Therapy Clinical Trial

3:00PM
Sponsored Session (with Q&A)
Talking Clinical Trial: Natera Oncology
Circulating Tumor DNA (ctDNA) and Personalized Testing

3:30PM
About OCRA: Ways to Get Support and Give Back to Your Gynecologic Cancer Community (with Q&A)
Ready to take the next step and get more involved in this growing community? Join us to learn about all the ways OCRA is here to support you- and how you can join in. This is also a great opportunity to meet many of the OCRA team.
Leaders: OCRA Staff

4:00PM
Advocacy Update
OCRA is THE voice for the gynecologic cancer community, engaging with policymakers to help deliver critical research funding and to ensure equitable access to care. In this session you’ll hear from OCRA’s own Vice President of Policy, Chad Ramsey, on the action we are taking to improve access to testing and diagnostics for the gynecologic cancer community.
Speakers: Chad Ramsey, MPH, and Julia Thayer, MPH

4:30PM
Closing Session
Please join Audra Moran, OCRA’s President & CEO, as she shares some final thoughts to close the conference. And please remember, although our time together at Uniting for Hope 2024 is ending, OCRA is always here for you and your family.

(directly following closing remarks)
Community Connections
OCRA Oncology Social Workers will host this interactive session at the close of each day. Please join them for an opportunity to participate in fun group activities while building new, lasting connections.
Leaders: OCRA Patient Support Team

OCRA’s International Gynecologic Cancer Conference: Uniting for Hope is the largest and longest running conference focused on ovarian cancer, now with expanded sessions for those affected by related gynecologic cancers. The conference brings together patients, caregivers, survivors, advocates and friends to learn about the latest developments in research, diagnosis, treatment and quality of life. All members of the ovarian and gynecologic cancer community are welcome. Opportunities are also available for sponsorship.

Yes, this is the same annual conference. We have updated the conference name to reflect all the sessions, support and resources offered for those facing ovarian cancer, as well as the broader gynecologic cancer community.

The 2024 International Conference is held online, so anyone from anywhere can join.

Registration for OCRA’s International Gynecologic Cancer Conference is $75.

The 2024 agenda is now available. Click here to check out the schedule and session descriptions.

All registered attendees will be provided a link for viewing the conference presentations.

Since transitioning to a fully virtual program, we have discontinued scholarships, which were previously associated with travel expenses.

We understand things come up and plans change. We are happy to honor full refunds for the 2024 International Conference up until September 20, 2024.

Please view our sponsorship prospectus to discover opportunities for your company/organization to support the International Conference. For questions or more information on sponsorship opportunities, please contact jhughson-andrade@ocrahope.org.

We are happy to answer any questions you have. Just email conference@ocrahope.org or call (707) 829-9484 and our conference team will assist you.