The reality of an ovarian cancer diagnosis is complex, with patients experiencing a variety of challenges at every stage of their journey. If we are to help women live freely, fully, and uninhibited by ovarian cancer we need our government and industry partners to make the necessary change.
Message from the CEO and Chair of the Board
Years of our unwavering focus and strategic investment have taken Ovarian Cancer Canada’s progress against the disease to unprecedented heights.
New research discoveries, upcoming clinical trials of experimental treatments and a growing understanding of patient needs by policy makers have put us on track to make more progress than ever – faster than ever.
Our 5-year, $14.6 million OvCAN research initiative redefined the landscape of ovarian cancer treatment, uncovering groundbreaking innovations that will transform lives. From making sure the disease is accurately tested in laboratories to identifying new treatments for those who have run out of options, at Ovarian Cancer Canada we have launched a new era in the work to change patient outcomes, for good.
By boldly placing patients at the heart of our research, we revolutionized how progress is made. Our Patient Partners in Research didn’t just inform; they led the way. They contributed to our priorities, reviewed which projects received our funding, and shared their experiences and insights with scientists. Their stories are how we drove 64% of researchers to believe that patients improve the quality of their work, while also increasing their willingness to include patients in the research process.
We refuse to slow down. With our foot firmly on the gas pedal, Ovarian Cancer Canada is accelerating toward real change.
With your support and $4 million in new investments from the Government of Canada’s Strategic Science Fund and the Government of Saskatchewan, we’re targeting “high risk, high reward” research to deliver breakthroughs at a rapid pace. We’re innovating how research is done by expanding our collaboration with patients. Together, we will plan a For Patients, By Patients research funding competition and invest in projects that reflect patient priorities for life after treatment. We will do this while nurturing the next generation of ovarian cancer researchers to ensure the disease has talented scientists focused on it for decades to come.
All of this takes time so we’re investing in what we know will save lives today – preventing ovarian cancer in those with the highest risk.
After 60 years without real change, your contributions have ignited this transformation. Together, we’re building a future where women live free of ovarian cancer. This momentum was made possible by you – our donors, fundraisers, volunteers, patients and partners.
Thank you for demanding – and driving – the change that will save countless lives. With your unwavering support, our journey has only just begun.
Tania Vrionis, Chief Executive Officer
Karen Greve Young, Chair of the Board
A New Era in Ovarian Cancer Research Begins
Over the past five years, Ovarian Cancer Canada has invested $14.6 million into 48 groundbreaking research projects, resulting in the successful completion of our OvCAN research initiative. This nationwide program has not only accelerated the discovery and testing of novel treatments but has also set a new standard for Canadian ovarian cancer research, launching an era of lasting progress. We achieved this by focusing on three inter-connected research priorities.
01
Develop better ovarian cancer research models
Bridging the gap between discovery of new treatments and confirming that they work is crucial in ovarian cancer research.
02
Test innovative treatments in pre-clinical studies
We need to identify new, effective treatment strategies for all women diagnosed with ovarian cancer – especially for those diagnosed with less common types and those who are resistant to available treatments.
03
Run early phase clinical trials
Early-phase clinical trials that include patients in the process of testing experimental treatments are key to increasing the number of options available.
48
Projects
48 Research projects focused on innovative treatments
13
New treatments
13 New treatments in the pipeline
114
Patients involved
114 Patients involved in early-phase clinical trials
60
Research models
60 New research models developed
350+
PPiR engagements
350+ Engagements of Patient Partners in Research
12
Research papers
12 Research papers published on OCC-funded projects
Priority 1: Develop better ovarian cancer research models
By developing 60 new research models that accurately represent the different types of ovarian cancer, we have given researchers the tools they need to understand the disease’s complexity and how it appears in real patients.
These research models, which are available to researchers across Canada, are set to improve our knowledge of how the disease starts, how it progresses, and how it can be stopped.
Priority 2: Test innovative treatments in pre-clinical studies
The journey to bring treatments from the lab to the patient is filled with challenges, but our commitment to innovation keeps us pushing boundaries. By investing in 13 pre-clinical studies in collaboration with IRICoR and the Cancer Research Society, we are on our way to finding ovarian cancer treatments for those with few options.
The impact from our investment in these projects will unfold in the following years, with clinical trials soon completed, groundbreaking research published, and new discoveries that expand treatment options.
Priority 3: Run early phase clinical trials
Through our OvCAN initiative, we have invested in 6 cutting-edge trials that study PARP inhibitors (PARPi).
By involving patients in these trials, we can better adapt treatments, allowing us to predict who will benefit most while sparing others from unnecessary negative side effects.
The trials are progressing quickly, with one already completing recruitment and the others following closely. The discoveries made in these trials will shape the future of ovarian cancer treatment.
Re-VOLVE trial: using genomics to make treatment decisions after PARPi
Using detailed cancer information at the molecular level can help direct treatment when cancer has returned.
Read more
Patient Preferences for Precision Medicine; Determining Optimal Quality of
In this patient-centred clinical trial, patients with a certain type of HGSOC tumour (verified by a molecular test) will be given a resource to help them decide if a PARP inhibitor is best for them.
Read more
NEOCATS trial: Targeting the targets with a combination of three treatments
Testing an innovative approach that uses a combination of three treatments on HCSOC patients before surgery. This approach doesn’t include chemotherapy, potentially offering new hope to patients.
Read more
Phase II clinical trial of CX5461 at the time of disease progression
Testing a new drug that may help kill cancer cells should it return after treatment with a PARP inhibitor.
Read more
At the center of our ovarian cancer research: patients
Historically, patient voices have been excluded from research, but we know that meaningful progress requires their involvement at every stage of the process. Over the past four years, we have increased Canadian scientists’ willingness to include patients in their work* by actively connecting them to our Patient Partners in Research. As a result, today, more researchers than ever recognize the value of engaging patients.
Our efforts have led to a remarkable shift in attitudes:
Data from a 2024 survey of Canadian ovarian cancer research community, including scientists, clinicians and trainees.
64%
of researchers believe that patients improved the quality of research design. Compared to 0% in 2020.
84%
of researchers believe engaging patients provides a better understanding and insights into research gaps and priorities. Compared to only 50% in 2020.
84%
of researchers believe patients brought questions and insights the research team hadn’t considered. Compared to only 50% in 2020.
I recently had the opportunity to participate in a workshop with Ovarian Cancer Canada’s Patient Partners in Research to help design the direction of our research moving forward. It was a humbling reminder that the voices of those with lived experience can be more illuminating than statistics in scientific papers.
The 2023 Peggy Truscott Award of Hope
In 2002, three years after her ovarian cancer diagnosis, Peggy Truscott organized the first ever Ovarian Cancer Canada Walk of Hope. Her goal was to bring women living with ovarian cancer together with a community who understood their experiences and supported them. In her honour, we created the Peggy Truscott Award to recognize volunteers who are positively impacting people affected by ovarian cancer, just like Peggy.
Last year’s recipients have educated Canadians about the importance of genetic testing, fundraised while undergoing treatment, and relentlessly pursued better care and outcomes for those affected by ovarian cancer.
What’s next in ovarian cancer research
We are advancing patient-informed research across all stages of the ovarian cancer journey – from prevention and early detection to treatment and survivorship (life after treatment). Our investments will cover the entire research pathway, including building research capacity, discovery, pre-clinical studies and clinical trials.
Early Detection Pilot Award Competition
We will fund two innovative “high-risk, high reward” research projects aimed at detecting high-grade serous ovarian cancer early enough to significantly impact survival rates.
Open Call for Ovarian Cancer Research Models
We will continue developing research models for rare types of ovarian cancer and invest in tools that help healthcare providers make more informed decisions for their patients.
Pragmatic Clinical Trials
In collaboration with our Patient Partners in Research, we will prioritize and design clinical trials that address real world challenges.
For Patients, By Patients Competition on Survivorship
We will invest in projects based on the priorities of the patient community for life after treatment. Patients from across Canada, including members of our Patient Partners in Research group, will play a key role in deciding which projects receive Ovarian Cancer Canada funding.
A life-changing investment in ovarian cancer research
The Rybkin Family Fund, a $1 million donation to Ovarian Cancer Canada, will fundamentally transform the ovarian cancer research landscape and improve thousands of lives.
Following her own ovarian cancer diagnosis and the challenges that followed, Tamara Rybkin committed to delivering real change to as many ovarian cancer patients as possible. In pursuit of this goal, she established the Rybkin Family Fund. This donation will be invested in research on understanding and eradicating high grade serous ovarian cancer – the disease type that affects more than 75% of women diagnosed.
“My ovarian cancer was diagnosed at a late stage, due to a lack of knowledge and awareness on my part. I was blindsided by the fact that such a deadly disease could have advanced so far in my body without depicting any symptoms. Truly a silent killer,” says Tamara.
“Conventional chemotherapy did not slow down the progress of my cancer and after two years of treatments the only option that was available to me was one clinical trial at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre. Unfortunately, I have now run out of treatment options. Research on ovarian cancer has been underfunded for decades. I deserved better. All women deserve better. I will not benefit from the life-changing outcomes of future research, but I am hopeful that, with my Family Fund, Ovarian Cancer Canada will create a future where women live freely, fully and uninhibited by this disease.”
With this donation, the largest individual gift Ovarian Cancer Canada has received to date, Tamara Rybkin has entrusted us with delivering lasting impact in honour of her family. “Thank you, Tamara, for trusting us with your family’s legacy,” says Tania Vrionis. “Your generosity and vision are a beacon of hope to the thousands of women facing ovarian cancer today, and for years to come.”
Preventing ovarian cancer is the best way to save lives
Although researchers are working hard on effective screening tools that detect ovarian cancer earlier, the best way to save lives today is to prevent the disease. The pathway to prevention is clear but our research has found that it is not being consistently used across Canada.
Ovarian Cancer Prevention Task Force
We assembled patients, previvors, gynecologic oncologists, genetic counsellors, family doctors, and researchers to improve the prevention pathway for all Canadians at high risk of ovarian cancer.
Learn more
Every Woman Study, Canadian Edition
68% of patients who had a family history of the disease were not offered genetic testing until after their diagnosis, and 13% were never offered testing. These are missed prevention opportunities.
Learn more
Understand Your Risk of Ovarian Cancer
It’s important that Canadians as young as 25 years old are educated about their ovarian cancer risk so they can make informed healthcare and life decisions.
Learn more
Advocating for Our Community
$4 million made possible with your voice
When women affected by ovarian cancer join our advocacy efforts and share their personal stories, they help our government partners understand the urgent need for investment in ovarian cancer research. After years of work, we have started to see success.
$3 million – Government of Canada’s Strategic Science Fund
The Strategic Science Fund invests in organizations that enhance the quality of internationally competitive research in areas critical to Canadians’ health while accelerating the process of turning information into action. At Ovarian Cancer Canada, we do just that. With this 2-year, multi-million-dollar investment from the Government of Canada we will invest in research to address the biggest gaps in ovarian cancer care, cultivate the next generation of scientists, and continue to produce gold-standard research models, tissue banks and the rare tumours database.
$1 million – Government of Saskatchewan
With ovarian cancer survival rates unchanged for 60 years, we are investing in research with the potential to make the greatest impact in the shortest amount of time. The Government of Saskatchewan has committed $1 million to support Saskatchewan-based projects with this potential.
Highlighting the needs of those affected by ovarian cancer
The House of Commons Standing Committee on Health (HESA) studies and reports on all matters relating to the mandate, management and operation of Health Canada. As they complete their first-ever Women’s Health Study, our CEO, Tania Vrionis, was invited to provide testimony on the challenges faced by ovarian cancer patients and highlight potential solutions. The Committee’s report on the Women’s Health Study could shape government priorities and policy decisions.
Watch the HESA meeting highlights
Improving access to treatments through advocacy
Women receiving ovarian cancer treatment in Canada deserve access to the most effective options available. To achieve this, we bring the views of ovarian cancer patients to government, supporting the process to approve and fund effective treatments in Canada.
Elahere (MIRV)
Currently available in the United States, clinical trials have shown that Elahere offers significant survival benefits for patients with platinum resistant ovarian cancer. We are urging Elahere’s manufacturer to initiate the application process to Health Canada, so this treatment is on the path to becoming accessible to Canadian patients.
Keytruda (pembrolizumab)
Keytruda treats certain ovarian cancer patients that have a higher prevalence of MSI-H/dMMR . The manufacturer has applied to Health Canada initiating the drug approval process. We contributed to the patient submission to ensure the patient perspective is considered as the safety and effectiveness is being evaluated by the Canadian government.
Supporting patients in their journey
Our research investments and advocacy efforts will transform ovarian cancer care, but these changes take time. While we work toward future breakthroughs, we are committed to supporting women today. From patient support groups to online resources where everyone affected by this disease – whether patients, their family, friends or healthcare providers – can find the support and answers they need, we stand together with our community.
Empowering patients with information
To best support patients through their ovarian cancer journey, we provide reliable, evidence-based, up-to-date, and easy to understand information. Our new resource, Understanding ovarian cancer: A comprehensive patient guide, offers information in a clear and compassionate way.
This book covers everything from prevention through to life after treatment. You will also learn about recurrence monitoring, clinical trials, treatment for recurrence, and more. It is available to patients for free in cancer centres and clinics across Canada, or you can order a digital and/or print version directly.
We act together
None of this work would have been possible without our community members, fundraisers, donors and partners. Ovarian cancer is a complex disease requiring complex solutions to eradicate it. We are in the best position to find these solutions because of the unwavering support of our community. Thousands of people have fundraised and raised awareness helping us making more progress than ever.
The Walk of Hope
The Walk of Hope is the largest, most powerful event of its kind in the country, raising $1.4 million in 2023 and 2024. Every year, thousands of Canadians, like the family and friends of Jenna, fundraise for ovarian cancer research so we can transform the lives of those affected by the disease.
The Walk of Hope
The Walk of Hope is a powerful reminder of how much we can achieve when we work together. Thank you to each participant, donor and Pattern Energy, National Sponsor of the Walk of Hope, for their continued support of Canadians facing ovarian cancer.
The Lady Ball
The Lady Ball is our most glamourous and entertaining way of celebrating women living with ovarian cancer, honouring those we’ve lost and raising money to eradicate this disease. In 2023, 660 people attended Lady Ball Halifax and Charlottetown, and raised over $200,000. In 2024, we grew Lady Ball to include a new event in St. John’s, Newfoundland and raised $425,000.
“In 2019, my mom and I attended The Lady Ball together, thinking she was in remission. It was a night of celebration for us, surrounded by her fellow Teal Sisters. We were both uplifted by the community we found, one that introduced us to the ovarian cancer world outside of the hospital. After my mom passed away, I knew I had to get involved. This year, I joined the Lady Ball Committee, and being part of this team has helped me on my grief journey. The event isn’t just another fundraiser; it’s a powerful evening that puts ovarian cancer front and centre and celebrates the courage of women facing the disease in a fun and entertaining way. The Lady Ball is the perfect combination of female camaraderie and empowerment.” – April, Lady Ball Halifax Committee Member
Ignite for OCC
Everyone has the power to make a difference and with our new do-it-yourself fundraising platform, Ignite for OCC, you can create your own event – big or small, in-person or online, to eradicate ovarian cancer your way.
The Ovarian Cancer Canada Golf Tournament: Determined to create real change for women facing ovarian cancer, the Ovarian Cancer Canada Golf Tournament was created by Emily in honour of her mother, Eleanor. “In planning the inaugural event, we quickly learned the vast connections so many in our community had to this disease, and the unfortunate reality that while the stories and experiences we heard about spanned decades, they were all very similar – symptoms that were not taken seriously, difficulty diagnosing, late-stage discovery, and strong women who were taken too soon.” To date, the tournament has raised $55,000 and ignited family, friends, and supporters’ fight for a future without ovarian cancer.
The Impact of Your Investment
Your fundraising and donations made a significant impact in the work to eradicate ovarian cancer. With your commitment we invested in research, advocacy and support programs while ensuring we can continue this work for years to come.
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Research 52.5%
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Improve Care 19.9%
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Fundraising 17.9%
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Administration 9.5%
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By supporting OCC research, you are creating a future where ovarian cancer is preventable, curable, and ultimately eradicated.