Research

There are a number of research groups in Australia studying everything from treatment methods to early detection tests. Below are some of the organisations involved in research into ovarian cancer in some way. Please contact these groups directly for information about each study and its progress.

Australian Ovarian Cancer Study

AOCS has supported over 60 projects in Australia, US, UK, Canada and Norway. With major insights into lifestyle, environmental and genetic risk factors for ovarian cancer, and the molecular genetic changes in ovarian cancer cells, AOCS has developed a prominent international reputation.

Initiated in 2001 by Professor David Bowtell at the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre and his colleagues at the Queensland Institute of Medical Research, Westmead Institute for Cancer Research, and University of Melbourne, AOCS is a uniquely powerful resource comprised of bio-specimens, clinical and epidemiological data. AOCS is a major contributor to OCAC, a worldwide study to identify new genes associated ovarian cancer risk, and ICGC, an international consortium to map the cancer genome.

AOCS has been made possible through the collaborative spirit of clinicians, nurses, pathologists and scientists throughout Australia and the willingness of thousands of women who participate in this vital program. 

Research Agenda:  AOCS focuses on improving prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of ovarian cancer. Learn more.

Australia New Zealand Gynaecological Oncology Group (ANZGOG)

ANZGOG is a non-profit organisation dedicated to gynaecological cancer research with multicentre institutional involvement in Australia and New Zealand, conducting national clinical trials and participating in international collaborative trials. For information about clinical trials currently open to recruitment click here.

Whilst ANZGOG governance is independent of the Univeristy of Sydney, the group continues to maintain its former collaborative and efficient relationship with the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Clinical Trial Centre (CTC) at the University of Sydney.  Thus, currently a majority of the ANZGOG clinical trial portfolio is still coordinated through the CTC.

ANZGOG is also involved with promoting public education and awareness of gynaecological cancers and their treatment.

Research Agenda: ANZGOG focuses on improving awareness, prevention, diagnosis, treatment and quality of life of all gynaecological cancers. Learn more.

Women’s Cancer Foundation

The Women’s Cancer Foundation promotes and supports education, awareness and medical research into causes, prevention, diagnosis, quality of life and treatment of gynaecological cancers with increased emphasis on improving treatment for women with ovarian, endometrial and cervical cancers.

The Foundation also supports clinical trials and research programs of leading scientists in Australia including those based at the Mercy Hospital for Women (Heidelberg), Monash University and the Queensland Institute of Medical Research.

Research Agenda: Focuses on prevention, early detection and treatment of gynaecological cancer. Learn more.

Westmead Institute for Cancer Research

The Westmead Institute for Cancer Research (WICR) conducts research into the molecular and cellular basis of human cancer. The WIRC Gynaecological Research group is focused on improving treatment outcomes and causes for women with gynaecological cancers, particularly for women with ovarian cancer.

Research Agenda: Focused on improving treatment, outcomes and risk factors for women diagnosed with gynaecological cancers, particularly for women with ovarian cancer. Learn more.

Go Research Fund

The GO Research Fund’s major allocation is its commitment to the Ovarian Cancer Project, a collaboration between the Gynaecological Cancer Centre at the Royal Hospital for Women and the Cancer Research Program at the Garvan Institute of Medical Research. This brings together an internationally renowned treatment centre and an internationally renowned research centre.

The major aim is to develop a blood-based screening test to diagnose ovarian cancer while it is still confined to the ovaries. The Go Fund is the only centre in Australia focusing on serous ovarian cancer, which is the most common ovarian cancer and the one with the worst prognosis.

Research agenda: To develop a simple blood test that will allow all women to be screened for ovarian cancer and diagnosed while the disease is in its early stages and to find more effective treatments for all gynaecological cancers. Learn more.

Queensland Institute of Medical Research

Queensland Institute of Medical Research (QIMR) conducts a range of research on many different diseases including cancer. The QIMR Cancer and Cell Biology Research Division have already and continue to conduct research on understanding the causes of ovarian cancer and improving treatment for women with ovarian cancer.

Research Agenda: Focuses on the role of genetic and environmental factors in the causation and prognosis of chronic conditions, particularly cancer. Research regarding ovarian cancer at the QIMR is aimed at developing a better understanding of who is at particular risk of ovarian cancer, and how ovarian cancer develops from normal precursor cells. Learn more.

Healthlinx

Healthlinx is a private consortium which is publically listed. Healthlinx primarily focuses on the development of novel blood based diagnostics for a range of diseases, including ovarian cancer. Healthlinx has developed a multimarker blood test for ovarian cancer called OvPlex.

Research Agenda: Focuses on the development of novel blood based diagnostics for a range of diseases, including ovarian cancer. Learn more.

Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation

The Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation is a collaboration between Prince Henry’s Institute and Monash Hospital in Melbourne. The Foundation’s research focuses on understanding the causes of ovarian cancer and its early detection.

Research Agenda: Focuses on understanding the causes of ovarian cancer and the development of an early detection program.