The Overview: June 2023
Update to Clinical Guidelines: Special Circumstance Chemotherapy Approvals
Last month, we reported news of an ongoing shortage of chemotherapy drugs essential to ovarian cancer treatment. Though the shortage continues, patients affected now have more options. In early June, the National Comprehensive Care Network’s (NCCN) Clinical Practice Guidelines were updated to approve oxaliplatin-based regimens like docetaxel / oxaliplatin / bevacizumab for clinical use in special circumstances, including the national carboplatin shortage. We encourage patients to speak with their healthcare providers for details relevant to their own individual treatment plans. We will continue to provide updates and resources as they become available.
Support for Loved Ones and Caregivers
When a loved one is diagnosed with cancer, many people find themselves grappling with emotions, questions and challenges that can feel overwhelming. It’s important to know that you are not alone. OCRA’s Staying Connected: Loved Ones weekly support sessions, held Wednesdays at 3PM ET, are open to partners, spouses, parents, children, and friends of those with any gynecologic cancer. Advance registration is required — join us.
Sharing Reasons for Hope
Meet Marsha Biven, a 72-year-old ballet enthusiast, former healthcare professional, and ovarian cancer survivor who turned her own experience with the disease into an opportunity to help others. Diagnosed in 2022, she’s since become involved in several OCRA programs — offering a listening ear as a Woman to Woman Mentor, participating in Staying Connected virtual support sessions, and educating future healthcare professionals through Survivors Teaching Students. Read what inspires her hopeful outlook, and her advice for those newly diagnosed.
Ovarian Fitness Events
Ready to get active for the cause? Ovarian Fitness fundraisers are coming to Jackson, Orlando, Rio Grande Valley, Tampa, and Virginia Beach this fall, with more cities added soon. They’re a fun and inspiring way to make a difference. Join an event near you, or learn how to bring Ovarian Fitness to your community!
New Support Sessions in July
We’re bringing two new virtual support opportunities to our community next month, and we hope you can join us. On July 5th, participate in an interactive discussion on Navigating Difficult Treatment Options, part of our Summer Roundtables series which is open to everyone who wants to participate. And, patients and survivors of Rare Gynecologic Cancers are invited to join us on Mondays at 3PM in July, for our special focus, weekly Summer Series sessions.
OCRA Offers New Health Equity Grant, Made Possible by GSK
OCRA will begin accepting Letters of Intent (LOIs) this summer for a new health equity research grant funded by GSK. The purpose of this program will be to fund ovarian cancer research that deepens our collective understanding of disparities in care, with the aim of reducing healthcare disparities.
Don’t Miss These Updates
- OCRA is proud to announce that we have been awarded the 2023 Candid Gold Seal on GuideStar, reflecting our commitment to transparency and accountability in all aspects of our work.
- Remember to send us your spring and summer photos! We may feature your special snapshots in our communications.
- What role might multi-cancer detection tests have in detecting ovarian cancer? We asked OCRA’s Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC) for their insights on detecting ovarian cancer with blood tests that claim to screen for a variety of cancers.
OCRA’s research, patient support and advocacy programs are made possible thanks to the generous support of our community. Donate today to make a difference.