In a new collaboration, the American Cancer Society and Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance have joined forces to fund multidisciplinary research projects to explore new ways of detecting, treating, and preventing ovarian cancer relapse and for improving quality of life among those diagnosed with ovarian cancer. The two organizations are committing to a total investment of $8 million to sustain four research teams over four years.
Ovarian cancer accounts for more deaths than any other cancer of the female reproductive system and is the fifth leading cause of cancer death overall among women. The American Cancer Society estimates that in 2019, about 22,530 women in the United States will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer and about 13,980 women will die from the disease.
Four out of five women diagnosed with ovarian cancer have advanced disease, which is associated with an increased risk of persistent and recurrent cancer following initial treatment. While advanced ovarian cancer can be treatable, it is rarely curable. There is currently no way to predict which women in remission will experience short-term versus long-term survival from ovarian cancer, or which women are at risk for high symptom burden during survivorship.
This joint initiative seeks to raise funds to support four multidisciplinary research teams to investigate biological, clinical, and psychosocial factors associated with ovarian cancer outcomes. A better understanding of these factors will lead to new avenues for detecting, treating, and preventing ovarian cancer relapse, and for improving quality of life. Once initial funding is acquired, a request for proposal/critical peer review process will select the four research teams.
"More and more, scientists and organizations are recognizing the need to break down barriers and work together to find answers," said William Phelps, Ph.D., senior vice president of Extramural Research, American Cancer Society. "This approach is particularly important in ovarian cancer, a disease for which new innovative treatments are urgently needed."
"We are excited to accelerate breakthroughs in the fight against high grade serous ovarian carcinoma--the deadliest form of the disease-- by collaborating with American Cancer Society," said Audra Moran, president and CEO, Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance. "Together our two organizations have supported over $135 million in ovarian cancer research since the 1990s, but this new partnership will allow us to multiply our impact."
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About the American Cancer Society
The American Cancer Society is a global grassroots force of 1.5 million volunteers dedicated to saving lives, celebrating lives, and leading the fight for a world without cancer. From breakthrough research, to free lodging near treatment, a 24/7/365 live helpline, free rides to treatment, and convening powerful activists to create awareness and impact, the Society is the only organization attacking cancer from every angle. For more information go to http://www.cancer.org.
About Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance
Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance (OCRA) is the largest non-government funder of ovarian cancer research and has invested over $85 million in research since 1998. OCRA fights ovarian cancer from all fronts, including in the lab and on Capitol Hill, and through innovative programs to support survivors and their families. OCRA's ongoing investments in the most promising scientific research is funding discoveries, creating new treatments, and hastening desperately needed breakthroughs. OCRA is the voice for the ovarian cancer community, working with legislators to ensure federal ovarian cancer research and education, patient safety, and access to high-quality care are protected on Capitol Hill. OCRA's programs help women navigate their diagnosis and support patients and their families when and where they need it most. Visit ocrahope.org to learn more.