What We Fund
Because it is impossible to predict where the next breakthrough in ovarian cancer research will come from, OCRA funds many different areas of ovarian cancer research. The type of research study conducted is determined by the question to be answered.
Basic Science
Questions about disease at the cellular and molecular level, such as why cancer cells behave the way they do, are answered through “basic science” research. Basic science research is not done in people; it is done in laboratories with experiments involving things like tissue samples, cells, or animal models, rather than human subjects.
Translational Research
Translational research takes the findings of basic science research and “translates” them into practical medical advances that help people.
Clinical Research
Questions about how or if a treatment works, including specific drugs or devices, or perhaps if a screening test is effective, are answered through “clinical research.” Clinical research is based on the findings of basic science research, and involves people. It often includes clinical trials, which are studies where people volunteer to participate in tests for new drugs, therapies, screening methods or devices. The results of clinical research can be applied to ensure that patients are receiving the best possible care.
OCRA-Funded Trial Finds Genetic Counseling May Be Unnecessary Barrier to Genetic Testing
Research co-funded by OCRA found that foregoing genetic counseling before and after genetic testing does not negatively impact individuals who do not have a pathogenic mutation.
OCRA-Funded Study Discovers Potential Target for Overcoming Treatment Resistance
An OCRA-funded study sought to understand why certain ovarian cancer cells resist olaparib treatment, and discovered that introducing a second drug (mifepristone) while targeting certain cells (polyploid giant cancer cells) may offer a solution.
OCRA Closes Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month with Game-Changing Initiatives
OCRA will expand its mission to include related gynecologic cancers, will create the first comprehensive ovarian and endometrial cancer registry, and will initiate a groundbreaking international data commons.