We often speak about our focus on funding research to find an early detection test, however this is not the only research that we support. Alongside a screening test, we are also focussing our efforts to fund research to improve treatment for women diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer.
A diagnosis of Ovarian Cancer is generally followed by a common treatment routine. The patient will undergo surgery, debulking (surgically removing) the cancer. This is followed by a generic form of chemotherapy, and in the first instance, this is usually effective in treating the cancer cells left after the debulking.
The problem with this protocol is that treatment for Ovarian Cancer has barely changed in 30 years, and more than 80% of women experience a recurrence of their Ovarian Cancer after a period of remission.
The development of more directed, personalised treatment is needed to increase the chances of patient survival, and this is the objective of the research that we are funding.
The project, located at the University of South Australia, is looking to improve first line chemotherapy treatment, using existing available and approved drugs for the individual patient.
Researchers and Scientists are constantly looking for better treatment options for Ovarian Cancer, however limited funding has slowed research breakthroughs. By providing funding to this project, we hope to support improved treatment, to reduce the likelihood of relapse and improve the long term prognosis for women with Ovarian Cancer.
Author: Madelyn Duckmanton
Madelyn is the Chair of the Letitia Linke research foundation. After losing her daughter, Letitia Linke, to Ovarian Cancer, she has continued Letitia’s work to raise awareness of Ovarian Cancer and generate funds to support research into an early detection test.