Celebrating 25 years of progress and hope in ovarian cancer research
January 28, 2025
2025 marks 25 years since the Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation (OCRF) was founded by Professor Tom Jobling and Liz Heliotis, with the aim of filling a critical gap and providing ovarian cancer researchers with access to funding that simply wasn't available elsewhere.
The goal was to attract more researchers to focus on ovarian cancer and to investigate early detection targets as a primary method to improve survivability.
Since that time, thanks to dedicated community and corporate partners and generous individuals, the OCRF has expanded its research remit, and become the largest independent funder of ovarian cancer research in Australia; a leading advocate for change, and a key voice for raising awareness of this insidious disease.
Vital ovarian cancer research supported
Several significant discoveries have been made by OCRF-funded researchers over the past 25 years. These include the discovery of potential biomarkers such as the hormone inhibin and the CXCL10 protein; validation of the ROR1 protein as a potential drug target; a multi-marker exosome panel for the early detection of ovarian cancer; as well as determining that a population of cells called ‘leader cells’ are the key drivers of high grade serous ovarian cancer metastasis and resistance. In addition, OCRF funds have supported talented Australian researchers to remain focused on ovarian cancer, enabling by the gift of time and collaboration to pursue long term ideas and potential.
These, and many other discoveries, are critical contributions to the accumulating scientific knowledge that will ultimately lead to improving, prolonging and saving lives impacted by ovarian cancer.
Looking ahead to the next 25 years
Our goal now is to turn on the tap and accelerate the pace of development - to use our voice to catalyse change and accelerate progress by increasing awareness, advocating for greater investment and equity, increasing collaboration nationally and internationally, and continuing to strategically fund promising medical research.
Of course, all of this has only been made possible thanks to the belief, commitment and contributions of the OCRF donor, partner and supporter community who fuel our work with their time, energy, and financial generosity.
Over this silver anniversary year, we will celebrate the significant progress made so far, pay tribute to those who have been part of the OCRF story – our unsung heroes, including those we have sadly lost on the way - and set the stage for the next chapter as we strive to achieve our vision: a healthy vital future for all those impacted by ovarian cancer.
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