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Ovarian Cancer Research Results & Impact

Impact & Results

OCRA’s deep commitment to cutting-edge research has made it a beacon for gifted scientists from across the country and around the world.

Our Impact

Over the past several decades, OCRA has invested $137 million in ovarian and related gynecologic cancer research, making it the largest global funder of research by far in the fight against this cancer. Thanks to OCRA’s efforts, researchers have made tremendous progress in better understanding, preventing, and treating ovarian and related gynecologic cancers, leading to new hope in achieving improved patient survival, effective treatments, and higher quality standards of care.

Our Numbers Tell The Story

Invested in research
$137M
Grantees funded since inception
430+
Increase in 5-year survival rate since the 1970s
585%

Harnessing AI for Early Detection

In partnership with Microsoft AI for Health, OCRA researchers are using AI to develop a blood test with the potential to detect ovarian cancer at earlier, more treatable stages.

Outstanding Results, Lasting Impact

Here is a sampling of the most recent major breakthroughs OCRA grantees have made in the fight against ovarian cancer

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Discovered that blocking a key nutrient while also using immunotherapy could offer a promising new treatment strategy for around half of ovarian clear cell cancers.
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Developed a pioneering AI tool to better predict treatment response, a step toward earlier personalized treatment plans.
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Systematically tested existing therapies to find an effective drug combination that shows promise as a treatment for ovarian cancer.
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Found that among people diagnosed with an early ovarian cancer precursor, older patients and Black patients face worse survival, underscoring the urgent need for more tailored care and treatment strategies.
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Found that mucinous ovarian cancers with specific gene changes were associated with worse survival even at early stages, suggesting genetic testing at diagnosis may help guide care and predict outcomes.
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Uncovered key differences in immune environments between primary tumors and metastases that may explain why high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma often suppresses the immune system.

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