In October, Ovarian Cancer Canada (OCC) joined the world’s leading scientists and advocates for a global conversation on ovarian cancer research at the 15th Helene Harris Memorial Trust (HHMT) International Forum on Ovarian Cancer.

This invitation-only event brought our CEO, Tania Vrionis, and Director, Research, Alicia Tone, together with other global leaders in ovarian cancer research. During four days of discussions, they represented Canadian patients and researchers. These discussions began the global effort to change patient outcomes through ovarian cancer research.

“This was an incredible chance to share Canada’s successes in ovarian cancer research and learn from others,” says Tania. “Our unique research approach and commitment to including the patient voice has helped us make progress quickly. Sharing our learnings and hearing others at the HHMT International Forum will help us transform outcomes for women with ovarian cancer around the world.”

A Shared Vision for Change

For the first time, the Forum, hosted by Ovarian Cancer Action (UK), invited research-focused ovarian cancer charities from around the world, including Ovarian Cancer Canada, the Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance (USA), and the Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation (Australia). Along with 40 of the world’s leading scientific experts on ovarian cancer, we focused on two main goals:

1. Including patient voices in scientific conversations on early detection, prevention, treatment and survivorship (life after treatment).
2. Finding ways to work together across countries to speed up progress and improve survival rates.

A key takeaway from our conversations was that our biggest opportunity to improve patient outcomes is to encourage researchers to think beyond their individual area of study.

Researchers often specialize in their narrow areas of study. While this knowledge is important, it has more impact when it fits into a bigger vision. “We’re trying to flip the traditional research process on its head,” explains Alicia Tone, Director, Research at Ovarian Cancer Canada. “Instead of focusing on specific areas of study within a vacuum, we challenged scientists to think bigger: What is the major advancement we need to help patients? How can we harness and bring together deep knowledge across areas of science and medicine to make it happen?”

This shift in thinking is essential. As Alicia puts it: “The small advancements we make today could buy patients more time to be here for the big breakthroughs in the future.”

And it worked. “The patient videos were so meaningful and powerful to set the tone of our discussions, highlighting the need and urgency to act!” shared Ovarian Cancer Canada-funded researcher Dr. Stéphanie Lheureux (Princess Margaret Cancer Centre). Dr. David Cook, also funded by Ovarian Cancer Canada, of the Ottawa Hospital Research Institute added, “The patient voice was represented in each roundtable discussion, sparking vital conversations around critical issues, from improving clinical trial design, to developing approaches that minimize the side effects of therapy, and crucially, advancing early detection of this disease.”

Hear the Canadian patient stories shared with researchers:

We have built a collaborative and innovative research community of over 250 experts in Canada, Now, we’re sharing our successes globally to speed up progress. 

“Science often fosters a competitive culture, but here, there was an openness and humility to working together toward a common goal,” says Tania. “We’ve had this culture across Canadian research for years. Seeing it take root on a global level was inspiring because we know this is key to real change.” 

We have built a collaborative and innovative research community of over 250 experts in Canada, Now, we’re sharing our successes globally to speed up progress.

“Science often fosters a competitive culture, but here, there was an openness and humility to working together toward a common goal,” says Tania. “We’ve had this culture across Canadian research for years. Seeing it take root on a global level was inspiring because we know this is key to real change.”

From large discussions to smaller working groups, the collaboration and innovation driving ovarian cancer research globally was evident. “Every day, an inspiring group of leaders discussed cutting-edge, not-yet-published science that informed brainstorming sessions on what a global vision for ovarian cancer research could look like,” says Alicia. “It’s clear that we all share a passion to ‘go big’ for the women we serve.”

What’s Next?

The 2024 HHMT International Forum is just the start. “While we’ve all gone back to our home countries, we’re speaking on a regular basis about how we can work closely to advance outcomes for women,” says Tania. “By connecting resources, expertise and the patient voice, we will deliver real change for those living with or at risk of ovarian cancer. Together we will achieve more.”

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