Familial Cancer Guidelines

BRCA mutation status has a major influence on survival in ovarian cancer patients and genetic testing for BRCA1/2 mutation status has the potential to offer multiple benefits. AOCS Researcher Kath Alsop’s PhD work led to a recommendation that germ-line BRCA1/2 testing should be offered to all women diagnosed with non-mucinous ovarian carcinoma, regardless of family history.
This research was reported in the Herald Sun and mentioned here
Chemoresistance in Ovarian Cancer

AOCS Scientists have been key in new research into the interaction between genes and chemotherapy will help maximise the effect of treatment in the future.
The study was led by Professor Bowtell, in collaboration with Professors Sean Grimmond, Anna deFazio, and researchers and clinicians throughout Australia, the US and UK. The work was published in Nature, and reveals new insights into the genetic mechanisms ovarian cancer employs to evade chemotherapy drugs. Researchers and clinicians now have a better understanding of why high grade serous ovarian cancer so often returns after chemotherapy treatment. This knowledge can now be used to inform the development of new treatments aimed at improving the survival rates of women with this cancer.
"Each of our findings suggest a refined approach to drug selection in recurrent ovarian cancer, which could include bypassing drugs that are unlikely to be effective." said Professor Bowtell.
"This particular view of such a complex disease has never been seen before, and we believe it will lead to more women receiving treatment better suited to their particular cancer, all over the world." said Professor deFazio.
"The research team is incredibly appreciative of the many women who allowed their samples to be collected so that we can find out what happens to the cancer cells after treatment and will allow us to work towards better treatments for women in the future." said Dr Patch, co-first author of the Nature paper.
Interested in exploring this more? Try University of Queensland's article, or the ABC's radio transcript or news article
You can watch the news story on YouTube
Social Media