Written by: Jessica Lawson, PhD, Coordinator – Research & Alicia Tone, PhD, Director – Research at Ovarian Cancer Canada
Before a breakthrough can be uncovered in a research lab, it usually begins with collaboration in a conference room.
In these rooms, researchers challenge each other’s thinking. Doctors share what they’re seeing in their hospitals and clinics. People ask questions informed by their lived experience. New ideas take shape. This is exactly what happened at this year’s Canadian Conference on Ovarian Cancer Research (CCOCR).
Co-led by Ovarian Cancer Canada (OCC) and the Gynecologic Cancer Initiative, the conference brought together nearly 300 researchers, clinicians, trainees, patient partners, and people with lived experience from across Canada and around the world. Together, they shared emerging research, challenged ideas, built collaborations and discussed the next generation of research that will move the field forward.
Not only is it clear that ovarian cancer research is building real momentum – Ovarian Cancer Canada is helping drive it.
Here’s what we heard and saw at the 12th edition of the Canadian Conference on Ovarian Cancer Research.
Early detection research is gaining momentum
Detecting ovarian cancer earlier is a challenge more and more researchers are working on. At CCOCR, researchers shared exciting new ways to help detect ovarian cancer sooner.
One approach is a new imaging technology designed to examine the inside of the fallopian tubes, where many high-grade serous ovarian cancers begin. The device is small enough to capture detailed images and collect fluid. While this research is still in its early stages, it could one day help monitor individuals at high risk of ovarian cancer or detect the disease earlier.
Researchers also shared progress on mDETECTov, a blood test that looks for tiny pieces of tumour DNA in the bloodstream that may be linked to ovarian cancer. Researchers hope it could one day help detect ovarian cancer earlier than current approaches.
Fallopian imaging and lavage for early-stage tubo-ovarian cancer detection
High-grade serous cancer, the most common type of ovarian cancer, typically starts in the fallopian tube and can spread to the ovary when the primary tumour is very small and before symptoms develop. Dr. Neilson and her team are exploring whether the use of advanced imaging catheters can detect very early or otherwise undetectable high-grade serous cancers.
The earlier detection of ovarian cancer using an mDETECT liquid biopsy
Ovarian cancer often presents with non-specific symptoms that are commonly misattributed to other conditions. Dr. Mueller and his team have developed a new type of blood test (called “mDETECTov”) that analyzes modifications to DNA that are specific to ovarian cancer. They will determine if the mDETECTov blood test may allow for earlier and more accurate detection.
Although more research is needed before these technologies could become available, each represents an important step toward finding ovarian cancer earlier — when treatment has the greatest chance of success.
Treatment is becoming more personalized
No two patients are alike, and no two ovarian cancers are exactly the same. Researchers shared that treatments are becoming more personalized to better meet the needs of each patient.
- The COMPARE trial is investigating whether some patients diagnosed with both endometrial and ovarian cancers can safely receive less intensive treatment while maintaining excellent outcomes.Theon natural kill (NK) cells was highlighted by Dr. Jeanette Boudreau. Understanding how different NK cells function could help researchers develop more targeted treatments that harness the immune system against ovarian cancer.
- The Ovarian Cancer Canada-funded project on natural kill (NK) cells was highlighted by Dr. Jeanette Boudreau. Understanding how different NK cells function could help researchers develop more targeted treatments that harness the immune system against ovarian cancer.
- Researchers are studying how a tumour’s genetics, the cells and environment around it, and medical imaging could help us better understand how each tumour behaves and how it may respond to treatment.
- We learned how different populations of cancer cells can exist within the same high-grade serous ovarian cancer tumour and contribute to treatment resistance.
- Researchers are exploring whether looking at the entire genetic code of a patient’s tumour (known as whole genome sequencing) can better predict which patients may benefit from PARP inhibitors
Prevention research continues to grow
Some of the most exciting advances in ovarian cancer research focus on preventing the disease before it starts.
Researchers are strengthening the evidence that opportunistic salpingectomy, a procedure that removes the fallopian tubes during another planned surgery, can reduce the risk of high-grade serous ovarian cancer by 50-80%. New clinical trials are exploring whether this prevention surgery can be safely and effectively offered during eligible general surgery procedures, with the goal of making it more accessible to women.
Research is improving life after treatment
Research is focused on more than helping people survive ovarian cancer. It’s also helping people live well after diagnosis.
At CCOCR, researchers shared updates on the CALM trial, which is evaluating whether a structured psychotherapy intervention can reduce psychological distress and improve quality of life for people with newly diagnosed or recurrent advanced ovarian cancer.Researchers are also developing new ways to support people living with the long-term effects of treatment, including those at hereditary risk of ovarian cancer who experience early menopause after preventive surgery.
Together, these projects reflect a growing understanding that better outcomes mean more than effective treatment. They also mean helping people live healthier, fuller lives after cancer.
As Canada's national voice for ovarian cancer, Ovarian Cancer Canada is proud to help bring the country's research community together.
By fostering collaboration, investing in research and creating opportunities for researchers, clinicians and people with lived experience to learn from one another, we are helping move discoveries from research into meaningful impact for people affected by ovarian cancer.