In an effort to further understand disease initiation and progression, OCRA grantee Dr. Sumegha Mitra, along with colleagues at Indiana University, conducted research which revealed key changes in gene expression occurring during the initiation and early metastasis of ovarian cancer. Dr. Mitra and colleagues identified targets and pathways which can be explored in the future … Continued
(October 28, 2019) Newk’s Cares, the ovarian cancer awareness movement and national campaign founded by fast-casual restaurant Newk’s Eatery, has reached monumental heights! Celebrating its sixth year, Newk’s Cares raised more than $400,000 in September—their largest total to date to support OCRA—and has now surpassed $1.4M raised for ovarian cancer research! Newk’s Cares honors the … Continued
We need your help to strengthen critical gynecologic cancer education and awareness programs. (October 16, 2019) Recently, Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-CT)—leader of the Congressional Ovarian Cancer Caucus and an ovarian cancer survivor herself—introduced HR 4560, legislation to reauthorize Johanna’s Law, also known as The Gynecologic Cancer Education and Awareness Act. Johanna’s Law supports a variety … Continued
(October 10, 2019) On September 19, fashion and inspiration for ovarian cancer cures hit the runway at OCRA’s first annual Hope Fashion Show in Dallas. Over 150 guests gathered for a special evening featuring the latest looks, plus passed appetizers, specialty cocktails, music, swag bags and a silent auction, all to benefit ovarian cancer research … Continued
(October 7, 2019) Published recently in the New England Journal of Medicine, a group of investigators led by OCRA Scientific Advisory Committee member Dr. Robert Coleman found an innovative combination therapy to significantly increase progression-free survival (PFS). In this phase III clinical trial, patients with previously untreated advanced-stage ovarian cancer received veliparib administered simultaneously with … Continued
(September 19, 2019) While harnessing the immune system has resulted in strong responses for a subset of cancer patients, the majority of patients have remained unresponsive to this approach. In order to enable ovarian cancer patients to benefit from immunotherapy, Dr. Michael Goldberg’s research sought to understand how standard-of-care chemotherapy influences immune cells around the … Continued
It’s important for everyone to know the symptoms and risk factors for ovarian cancer. If you or someone you know are experiencing any of the symptoms listed below, take notice and take it seriously—and also know that their presence does not automatically indicate ovarian cancer. Take our ovarian cancer quiz: Want to deepen your understanding … Continued
(September 10, 2019) Ovarian clear-cell carcinoma is an aggressive form of ovarian cancer. Endometriosis is derived from the uterine endometrium and is a known risk factor for ovarian clear-cell carcinoma. Evidence supports ovarian clear-cell origins in the uterine endometrium. It has been known for years that co-occurring cellular mutations are observed in ovarian clear-cell carcinoma, … Continued
(September 5, 2019) OCRA funded investigator Dmitriy Zamarin, MD, PhD contributed to a study that provides an intriguing hypothesis that mutation in genes like SMARCA4 may improve tumor recognition by the immune system. The body’s immune system plays a major role in controlling tumor growth. Specialized immune cells called T-cells identify cancer cells as “foreign” … Continued
Every September, we come together to shine a spotlight on ovarian cancer, spread awareness, and raise critical funds for research and patient support. How you can help during Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month: Give to ovarian cancer research and support Your support has a direct impact in funding new research and programs that support survivors and … Continued
(August 22, 2019) This week, The US Preventive Services Task Force published new recommendations on risk assessment, genetic counseling, and genetic testing for BRCA mutations and BRCA-related cancers. The US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) makes recommendations about the effectiveness of specific preventive care services for patients without obvious related signs or symptoms. It bases … Continued
(August 20, 2019) A new direction for research in ovarian cancer was brought to light last month thanks to a study published in Lancet Oncology. Researchers led by Dr. Nuno R. Nené of the University College London are investigating the role of microbiota in an individual’s risk of developing cancer. “The application of vaginal suppositories … Continued
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