News

Whole-Genome Characterization of Chemoresistant Ovarian Cancer

Whole-Genome Characterization of Chemoresistant Ovarian Cancer

May 29, 2015

(May 28, 2015) In an effort to study treatment options for high-grade serous ovarian cancer, scientists from the University of Queensland and Sydney’s Millennium Institute collected DNA from 92 patients to find out what makes those cells so resistant to chemotherapy.  OCRF Scientific Advisory Committee members Ronny Drapkin, MD, PhD, and Ernst Lengyel, MD, PhD, … Continued

Research

Chemo Before Surgery Leads to Better Outcomes

Chemo Before Surgery Leads to Better Outcomes

May 28, 2015

(May 28, 2015) A recent study performed in the UK and New Zealand revealed that having chemotherapy treatments before and after surgery is associated with a higher quality of life when compared to those who undergo surgery before chemotherapy. The study, which included 550 women with Stage III or IV ovarian cancer, concluded that shrinking … Continued

Research

Rosalind Franklin Excellence in Ovarian Cancer Research Award

Rosalind Franklin Excellence in Ovarian Cancer Research Award

May 26, 2015

Introducing the 2015 Ovarian Cancer National Conference Rosalind Franklin Excellence in Ovarian Cancer Research Award winner: Beth Karlan, MD. The Rosalind Franklin Excellence in Ovarian Cancer Research Award is named for the molecular biologist Dr. Rosalind Elsie Franklin, who played a vital role in discovering the structure of DNA. Her career was cut short in 1958 when she died of ovarian cancer at age 37. Throughout her life, she was a committed researcher; this award honors an individual who continues her legacy of excellence. Beth Karlan, MD is the Director of the Cedars-Sinai Women’s Cancer Program at the Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute, Director of the Division of Gynecologic Oncology in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, and Director of the Gilda Radner Hereditary Cancer Program. Click the plus sign to read more.

OCRA News

Cindy Melancon Spirit Award

Cindy Melancon Spirit Award

May 18, 2015

The Cindy Melancon Spirit Award commends and honors an individual for his or her commitment to the ovarian cancer community. The award is named after Cindy Melancon, a founder of the Ovarian Cancer National Alliance and creator of the CONVERSATIONS! newsletter. The award has been given to many excellent ovarian cancer leaders throughout the years. Carey Fitzmaurice, survivor since 2006, is the founder of Teal Toes, a national non-profit organization dedicated to educating women about the symptoms of ovarian cancer. Since 2007, Teal Toes has been sending out symptom cards, and promoting education and awareness through its website and social media. Click the plus sign to read more.

Community

AACR Update

AACR Update

May 18, 2015

Research Advocate Seana Roubinek attended the 2015 American Association of Cancer Research Annual Meeting in April.  Here is her report:  “As a two-time cancer ovarian cancer survivor, I have had the great opportunity to get involved in legislative advocacy as well as the Survivors Teaching Students® program through the Ovarian Cancer National Alliance. Being selected … Continued

Advocacy

New Affordable Care Act guidance says women with ovarian ca...

New Affordable Care Act guidance says women with ovarian cancer can receive free genetic counseling, testing

May 12, 2015

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 12, 2015 Contact: Lisa Mauti lmauti@ovariancancer.org (202) 517-6410 New Affordable Care Act guidance says women with ovarian cancer can receive free genetic counseling, testing WASHINGTON, DC—Yesterday, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Labor and Treasury issued new guidance to clarify services and coverage available under the Affordable Care Act. … Continued

Advocacy

ACA Update

ACA Update

May 12, 2015

New Affordable Care Act guidance says women with ovarian cancer can receive free genetic counseling, testing. On May 11, 2015, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Labor and Treasury issued new guidance to clarify services and coverage available under the Affordable Care Act. Before today, only women with a family history of ovarian and breast cancer were eligible for genetic testing and counseling free from additional out-of-pocket expense. Click the plus sign to read on...

Advocacy

OCRF’s Super Saturday Behind the Scenes: An Inside Look

OCRF’s Super Saturday Behind the Scenes: An Inside Look

May 11, 2015

OCRF’s Super Saturday NY, now heading into its 18th year, has long been the summertime event in the Hamptons. And on May 16th, guests on the West Coast will enjoy an unforgettable day of deep discounts, luxury experiences, and activities for the whole family, as OCRF’s Super Saturday LA returns for the second year to … Continued

Events

New Screening Approach Shows Promise

New Screening Approach Shows Promise

May 5, 2015

(May 5, 2015) Data from a large clinical trial shows that a personalized method for interpreting blood tests identifies more ovarian cancer cases than a generalized approach. The results from the study will be published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology. Using an algorithm to analyze changes in the level of CA-125 (a protein in … Continued

Research

Oophorectomy Increases Breast Cancer Survival in BRCA1 Muta...

Oophorectomy Increases Breast Cancer Survival in BRCA1 Mutation Carriers

April 29, 2015

(April 29, 2015) A study published in JAMA Oncology last Saturday concluded that an oophorectomy, the surgery to remove ones ovaries, has a substantial impact on survival rates for those diagnosed with stage I or II breast cancer who also tested positive for the BRCA1 mutation. Involved in the study were 676 women, 345 of whom had … Continued

Research

Partner Member Profile: Susan Poorman Blackie Ovarian Cance...

Partner Member Profile: Susan Poorman Blackie Ovarian Cancer Foundation

April 29, 2015

After Susan Poorman Blackie’s diagnosis of ovarian cancer on Valentine’s Day in 2012 left her completely blindsided, she realized that she had to do something to improve the awareness and treatment options for ovarian cancer. Susan’s remarkable journey and commitment to making a difference in the lives of those with ovarian cancer led to the … Continued

Community

Drug Recall

Drug Recall

April 27, 2015

On April 23, the drug manufacturer Mylan N.V. announced a voluntary nationwide recall of select lots of several drugs used in the treatment of ovarian cancer. The nationwide recall includes several formulations of injectable gemcitabine and cytarabine. While no adverse events have been reported with the use of these drugs, patients who may be experiencing problems related to these drugs should contact their physicians. Expand the post for more information about the recall.

Research