As immunotherapies have seen rising success in treating several other cancers, researchers are hard at work uncovering why immunotherapy for ovarian cancer has, so far, proven ineffective. In a study published in Nature, a research team at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center set out to identify specific factors that lead to immune evasion in high-grade … Continued
Dr. Melica Brodeur, of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, is a 2022 recipient of OCRA’s Mentored Investigator Grant. With her project, “Exploiting SMARCA4 Alterations for New Therapeutics in Ovarian Cancer,” Dr. Brodeur is investigating a genetic mutation, found in more than half of ovarian cancers, that is associated with relatively high presence of active immune … Continued
“We are truly in the Golden Age, the Renaissance, if you will, of care for people with ovarian cancer. So much is happening.” Dr. Stephanie Blank Though there is still much progress to be made when it comes to ovarian cancer therapies, breakthroughs in recent years have led to significant changes in how the disease … Continued
There are many different celebrations involving light during these dark winter days. And certainly, our community is a great source of brightness — from the hope of scientific breakthroughs on the horizon to the strength, grace and resilience shown by so many patients and survivors. And, of course, there’s the fierce dedication to our shared … Continued
Dr. Amrita Salvi, of University of Illinois at Chicago, is a 2022 recipient of OCRA’s Mentored Investigator Grant. With her project, “Investigating the Mechanism of Action of PHY34 in HGSOC,” Dr. Salvi is exploring the potential of a synthetic molecule called PHY34, which has been shown to reduce ovarian tumor growth in mice models, for … Continued
Dr. Zelei Yang, of Dana Farber Cancer Institute, is a 2022 recipient of OCRA’s Mentored Investigator Grant. With her project, “Re-engaging the Anti-tumor Immune Response Against Ovarian Cancer,” Dr. Yang is investigating a potential new immune therapy for ovarian cancer, by focusing on BRD1 protein inhibitors that hold potential to trigger a person’s immune system … Continued
Dr. Gamze Bildik Elcik, postdoctoral fellow in the Department of Experimental Therapeutics at MD Anderson Cancer Center, is a 2022 recipient of OCRA’s Mentored Investigator Grant. With her project, “DIRAS3 Inhibits KRAS and Sensitizes LGSOC Cells to Anti-autophagic Therapy,” Dr. Bildik Elcik aims to address the issue of chemotherapy resistance in a large subset of … Continued
Recent research published in JNCCN–Journal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network has shown that there are clear disparities when it comes to which ovarian cancer patients are receiving treatment in accordance with expert clinical guidelines that can significantly impact survival outcomes. And these racial disparities persist even when accounting for other factors that affect healthcare access. The … Continued
Dr. Erin Wesley, of University of Minnesota Twin Cities, is a 2022 recipient of OCRA’s Mentored Investigator Grant. With her project, “Impact of Cytomegalovirus and Inflammation on NK Cells in Ovarian Cancer,” Dr. Wesley is working to better understand why a group of patients who were previously infected with a particular virus and had low … Continued
NCCN guidelines for the management of ovarian cancer, as well as fallopian and primary peritoneal cancers, specify that patients diagnosed with those diseases should have germline and somatic testing. But what does this even mean? And how is that different from genetic or genomic testing? OCRA offers free genetic testing for those who qualify. Fill … Continued
In exciting treatment news, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted accelerated approval to mirvetuximab soravtansine-gynx (trade name Elahere, made by Immunogen, Inc.), for adults with folate receptor alpha (FRa) positive, platinum-resistant epithelial ovarian, fallopian tube, or primary peritoneal cancer, who have undergone one to three earlier systemic treatment regimens. The FDA also approved … Continued
Many ovarian cancer patients and survivors wonder what the ideal diet for ovarian cancer may be. In a nutshell – there is no simple answer. In this article, adapted from a presentation given by expert Cara Anselmo, Clinical Dietitian-Nutritionist at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center at OCRA’s 2022 Ovarian Cancer National Conference, you will learn why no … Continued
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