Below are some articles of interest about ovarian cancer; click on a title to read an article.  Please contact us if you know of ovarian cancer news you would like to see posted on our website.

As Ovarian Cancer news becomes available, we will keep you updated.  Please check back often for new postings.

**Note that articles recently posted on this website will have "(NEW)" after it so you easily can find recently posted items.**

Also check-out the DOCF Facebook page for additional items of interest.

Late-Night Shifts May Raise Women's Risk For Ovarian Cancer

By Amir Khan, Everyday Health (March 14, 2013), "Night shift workers may be at a greater risk of developing ovarian cancer, according to a new study.  However, the risk may not be as pronounced in women who describe themselves as a 'night person'."     (NEW) 

Widespread Flaws Found in Ovarian Cancer Treatment

"Most women with ovarian cancer receive inadequate care and miss out on treatments that could add a year or more to their lives, a new study has found."

Don't miss the important information in this article by Denise Grady, The New York Times. 

Understanding Chemotherapy Treatment

This National Cancer Institute pamphlet includes important information about chemotherapy, including sections to track your treatment with your doctor or nurse.

    'Pap' test possible for ovarian cancer at MSNBC News, "The Pap test, which has saved tens of thousands of women from cervical cancer, might be adapted to help fight two other deadly cancers – ovarian cancer and cancer of the uterus, doctors report."

Ovarian Cancer State-by-State 'Report Cards'

 The Ovarian Cancer National Allicance (OCNA) has conducted a State-by-State study ranking all 50 states and the District of Columbia to determine how well they are providing information and healthcare services for women diagnosed with ovarian cancer.  As part of the study, state laws, regulations and programs were examined. 

Delaware was ranked at 22.

Read more on their website, click HERE.

Read important update (October 15, 2012) regarding the Doxil shortage,
click HERE.

Teal Journal - The Ovarian Cancer National Alliance Periodical of Progress

“Study Finds No Fertility Drug, Ovarian Cancer Link”, by Kerry Grens, Reuters Health (April 10, 2013), “Despite lingering concerns that using fertility drugs might raise a woman's chances for later developing ovarian cancer, new research suggests the drugs don't contribute any added risk."    (NEW)

“Two-Step Ovarian Cancer Immunotherapy Made From Patients' Own Tumor Benefits Three Quarters of Trial Patients”, ScienceDaily (April 7, 2013), “As many as three quarters of advanced ovarian cancer patients appeared to respond to a new two-step immunotherapy approach -- including one patient who achieved complete remission -- according to new research.”    (NEW)

“Engineered T Cells Kill Tumors but Spare Normal Tissue in an Animal Model”, ScienceDaily (April 7, 2013), “Researchers devised a next gen cancer immune approach in which the activation signal for T cells is physically dissociated from a second costimulatory signal for immune cells. The two CARs carry different antigen specificity -- mesothelin and a-folate receptor. Mesothelin is primarily associated with mesothelioma and ovarian cancer, and a-folate receptor with ovarian cancer.”    (NEW)

“Cisplatin-Resistant Cancer Cells Sensitive to Experimental Anticancer Drugs Called PARP Inhibitors”, ScienceDaily (April 3, 2013), “Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitors may be a novel treatment strategy for patients with cancer that has become resistant to the commonly used chemotherapy drug cisplatin, according to data from a preclinical study.”    (NEW)

“When Removing the Uterus, Leave the Ovaries:  Study”, By Kerry Grens, Reuters Health (March 22, 2013), “Though it's been common practice during hysterectomy to remove a woman's ovaries, a new study suggests there may be benefits in leaving them intact.”   (NEW)

“New DNA Sequences Home in on Breast, Ovarian Cancer Risk”, ScienceDaily (March 20, 2013), “Researchers have identified new DNA sequences associated with breast cancer -- the most common cancer among women, with an average risk of developing the disease of 10 percent -- and ovarian cancer, the most common cause of death from gynecological cancers in the U.S. The findings will help reveal the underlying causes of these diseases and help researchers build better risk models to support new prevention strategies.”    (NEW)

"Origin of Agressive Ovarian Cancer Discovered", ScienceDaily (March 6, 2013), "Researchers have discovered a likely origin of epithelial ovarian cancer (ovarian carcinoma), the fifth leading cause of cancer death among women in the United States."

"Protein That May Control the Spread of Cancer Discovered", ScienceDaily (February 26, 2013), "Researchers have uncovered a novel mechanism that may lead to more selective ways to stop cancer cells from spreading. Cancer biologists have identified the role of the protein RSK2 in cancer cell migration, part of the process of cancer metastasis."

"BRCA mutation carriers have little long-term survival benefit with ovarian cancer, researchers say", ScienceDaily (February 14, 2013), "Researchers studied the long-term survival of women with a BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation who were diagnosed with invasive ovarian cancer. They found that the short-term benefit to having either mutation does not lead to a long-term survival benefit."

"Common Diabetes Drug May Treat Ovarian Cancer", ScienceDaily (December 3, 2012), "Diabetic patients with ovarian cancer who took the drug metformin for their diabetes had a better survival rate than patients who did not take it, a study headed by Mayo Clinic shows. The findings, published early online in the journal Cancer, may play an important role for researchers as they study the use of existing medications to treat different or new diseases."

"Advances in Understanding of the Mechanisms of Drug Resistance to Dual-Agent Chemotherapy in Recurrent Ovarian Cancer", ScienceDaily (November 30, 2012), "More than half of all patients with ovarian cancer experience recurrent disease and will eventually fail to respond to chemotherapy. The failure of chemotherapy is usually due to the development of resistance to the two main classes of chemotherapy agents used to fight it -- platinating agents and taxanes. Now, a study reported in the open-access Journal of Ovarian Research provides novel information that further adds to clinicians' understanding of the mechanisms involved in the development of resistance to dual-agent chemotherapy."

"Novel Mechanism Through Which Normal Stromal Cells Become Cancer-Promoting Stromal Cells Identified", ScienceDaily (November 21, 2012), "New understanding of molecular changes that convert harmless cells surrounding ovarian cancer cells into cells that promote tumor growth and metastasis provides potential new therapeutic targets for this deadly disease, according to data published in Cancer Discovery, a journal of the American Association for Cancer Research."

"Squeezing Ovarian Cancer Cells to Predict Metastatic Potential: Cell Stiffness as Possible Biomarker", ScienceDaily (October 20, 2012), "New Georgia Tech research shows that cell stiffness could be a valuable clue for doctors as they search for and treat cancerous cells before they're able to spread."

"Aspirin May Help Prevent Ovarian Cancer", by Christine Kearney, Medical News Today (October 10, 2012), "Women who use aspirin on a regular basis have a lower risk of developing serous ovarian cancer...". 

"New Chemotherapy Strategy Emerges in Ovarian Cancer", by Anita T. Shaffer, on OncLive.com (September 24, 2012), "A study evaluating first-line chemotherapy dosing strategies for treating patients with advanced epithelial ovarian cancer has delivered practice-changing findings...".

"Researchers Find Possible Key to Regulation of Ovarian Cancer Stem Cells", ScienceDaily (September 27, 2012), "Evidence suggests that cancer stem cells are responsible for cancer initiation, progression, metastasis, chemoresistance and relapse."

"Ovarian Cancer Screening:  Simple Two-Minute Questionnair That Checks for Six Warning Signs May Lead to Better Early Detection", ScienceDaily (September 21, 2012), Read how this simple questionnaire could help with early detection of ovarian cancer.

"Lack of Oxygen in Cancer Cells Leads to Growth and Metastasis", ScienceDaily (September 13, 2012), "It seems as if a tumor deprived of oxygen would shrink. However, numerous studies have shown that tumor hypoxia, in which portions of the tumor have significantly low oxygen concentrations, is in fact linked with more aggressive tumor behavior and poorer prognosis."

"U.S. Panel Rejects Ovarian Cancer Screens for Low-Risk Women", HealthDay News (September 10, 2012), "A leading U.S. government panel has recommended against ovarian cancer screening for women who are not at high risk for the disease."

"Ovarian Cancer Cells Hijack Surrounding Tissues to Enhance Tumor Growth, ScienceDaily (September 4, 2012), Tumor growth is dependent on interactions between cancer cells and adjacent normal tissue, or stoma. Stromal cells can stimulate the growth of tumor cells.

"Project Achilles Pinpoints Vulnerabilities in Ovarian Cancer; Genome-Scale Study of 100 Cell Lines Reveals Cancers' Dependencies", ScienceDaily (July 11, 2011), Researchers examined the cells of 100 tumors, including 25 ovarian cancer tumors to find weak spots in genes upon which cancer depends.

"Discovery May Lead to Turning Back the Clock On Ovarian Cancer", ScienceDaily (Feb. 11, 2011), "Cancer researchers have discovered that a type of regulatory RNA may be effective in fighting ovarian cancer."

"First-Of-Its-Kind Approach Nanomedicine Design Effectively Targets Cancer With Decreased Toxicity", ScienceDaily (July 10, 2012), Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital (BWH) are the first to report a new approach that integrates rational drug design with supramolecular nanochemistry in cancer treatment."

"Single Antibody Shrinks Variety of Human Tumors Transplanted into Mice, Study Shows", by Krista Conger on Stanford School of Medicine website.

"A Better Diet for Ovarian Cancer Patients", by Kristen Stewart on EverydayHealth.com.  "Ovarian cancer patients must eat to keep up their strength.  These foods and cooking methods can help."  Read more by clicking the title link.

"Is it Ovarian Cancer or IBS?", by Kristen Stewart on EverydayHealth.com.  "Ovarian cancer and irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS, share many symptoms.  Learn why the wrong diagnosis may be made."  Read more by clicking the title link.

"Endometriosis Could Raise Risk of 3 Ovarian Cancers", by Kristen Stewart on EverydayHealth.com (02/22/2012).  "Increased screening advised for women with uterine disorder, study says."  Read more by clicking the title link.

"Ovarian Cancer and Asbestos Exposure", From Pleural Mesothelioma.com.

"Ovarian Cancer Vaccine Give Patients Hope", Check out the video or read about this important breakthrough at CBS.

"ASCO:  Ovarian Ca Recurrence Yields to PARP Inhibitor", by Charles Bankhead (06/09/2011) from medpagetoday.com.

"ASCO:  Abagovomab No Help in Ovarian Cancer", by Ed Susman (06/08/2011) from medpagetoday.com

"Combining Chemotherapy with Bevacizumab Improves Outcomes for Ovarian Cancer Patients" from cancer.gov.

"Researchers Closing in on Ovarian Cancer Screening Method", by Catherine Donaldson-Evans (05/21/2010) on AOLHealth.com

"Study Suggests Adding Spices to Meat Cuts Cancer Risk", by Catherine Donaldson-Evans (05/21/2010) on AOLHealth.com 

"CA-125 Change Over Time Shows Promise as Screening Tool for Early Detection of Ovarian Cancer", MD Anderson News Release (05/20/2010) on mdanderson.org

"Curcumin Pretreatment Helps Destroy Ovarian Cancer Cells", submitted by Kathleen Blanchard RN (05/03/2010) on EmaxHealth.com

"Flaxseed-Fed Chickens Shed Light on Ovarian Cancer", Science Daily (May 11, 2010), on ScienceDaily.com

"Curcumin Induces Chemo/Radio-Sensitization in Ovarian Cancer Cells and Curcumin Nanoparticles Inhibit Ovarian Cancer Cell Growth", from the Journal of Ovarian Research (03/11/2010), Yallapu et al.

“New Type of Experimental Drug Active in Platinum-Resistant Ovarian Cancers”, ScienceDaily (April 7, 2013), “The antibody-drug conjugate DMUC5754A, a novel member of a relatively new class of drugs, showed activity in women with ovarian cancer, even those with hard-to-treat, platinum-resistant disease, in a phase I trial.” (NEW)

“Targeted Toxin Active in Platinum-Resistant Ovarian Cancers”, ScienceDaily (April 7, 2013), ”Researchers have found that a novel antibody-guided drug achieves responses in platinum drug-resistant ovarian cancer.” (NEW)

“Experimental Vaccine Shows Promise for Ovarian Cancer”, HealthDay News (April 6, 2013), “A novel but preliminary new treatment for ovarian cancer has apparently produced complete remission for one patient with an advanced form of the disease, researchers are reporting.” (NEW)

“Five Genetic Variations Increase Risk of Ovarian Cancer”, ScienceDaily (March 27, 2013), “Scientists have found five new regions of the human genome that are linked to increased risks for developing ovarian cancer.” (NEW)

“Functional Ovarian Tissue Engineered in Lab”, ScienceDaily (March 26, 2013), “Proof-of-concept study suggests the possibility of engineering artificial ovaries in the lab to provide a more natural option for hormone replacement therapy for women.” (NEW)

“Many Ovarian Cancer Patients Denied by-the-Book Care, Study Says”, HealthDay News (March 11, 2013), “Nearly two-thirds of ovarian cancer patients don't receive recommended treatment that could extend their lives, U.S. researchers have found. Result: They're 30 percent more likely to die over five-year span, researchers find.” (NEW)

"Bathing Abdomen in Chemotherapy Gives Ovarian Cancer Patients Better Chance of Survival", ScieneDaily (March 9, 2013), "A recent study suggests that patients with advanced ovarian cancer who undergo intensive treatment with chemotherapy that bathes the abdomen are significantly more likely to live longer than those who receive standard intravenous (IV) chemotherapy."

"Gene Mutation's Benefit for Ovarian Cancer Patients May Not Last: Study", Medline Plus (February 19, 2013), "Women with BRCA variant found to have better 3-year survival, but advantage fades by 10-year mark".

"Breakthrough in ovarian cancer: Selumetinib", ScienceDaily (February 14, 2013), "Researchers have discovered that many women with low-grade serous carcinoma of the ovary or peritoneum have seen their tumors stabilize or shrink after taking a regular dose of the compound selumetinib."

"Nanotech'ed RNA drug reduces ovarian cancer tumors by 83 percent", ScienceDaily (February 12, 2013), "By loading fragile RNA into silicon nanoparticles, researchers have found a new drug delivery system can reduce the size of ovarian tumors by as much as 83 percent -- and stop tumor growth in chemotherapy-resistant ovarian cancer tissue."

"DNA-repairing protein may be key to preventing recurrence of some cancers", ScienceDaily (January 28, 2013), "Just as the body can become resistant to antibiotics, certain methods of killing cancer tumors can end up creating resistant tumor cells. But a professor has found a protein present in several types of cancer, including breast and ovarian cancer, which could be helpful in preventing tumors from coming back."

"High blood calcium levels may indicate ovarian cancer", ScienceDaily (January 23, 2013), "A new study reports that high blood calcium levels might predict of ovarian cancer, the most fatal of the gynecologic cancers."

"Study shows promise of molecular screening for gynecologic cancers, commentary writers state", ScienceDaily (January 9, 2013), "A new study that proposes a three-in-one test for gynecologic cancers underscores the promise of molecular screening for early detection of endometrial and ovarian cancers, but also suggests that such tests are not yet ready for clinical use. Andrea Myers, MD, PhD, of Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, a co-author of the commentary on the study, says the test is an important step in that direction." 

"Fluid from Pap test used to detect ovarian, endometrial cancers", by Julie Steenhuysen, (January 9, 2013) - CHICAGO (Reuters) - "Using cervical fluid collected from routine Pap smears, U.S. researchers were able to spot genetic changes caused by both ovarian and endometrial cancers, offering promise for a new kind of screening test for these deadly cancers.  Experts say that although the test has tremendous potential, it is still years from widespread use. But if proven effective with more testing, it would fill a significant void."

"Natalie Cosman, 8-Year Old Diagnosed With Ovarian Cancer, Is Now Cancer-Free", by Sara Gates, from The Huffington Post (September 17, 2012), read this heartwarming story about a little girl's ovarian cancer diagnosis and fight to beat ovarian cancer.  It is notable that the statement, "Now, more and more cases are coming up with little girls." is made in this article.  Parents and health care providers need to keep that in mind.

 "Discovery Leads to New Hope Against Ovarian Cancer", ScienceDaily (October 3, 2012), "Scientists at USC have discovered a new type of drug for the treatment of ovarian cancer that works in a way that should not only decrease the number of doses that patients need to take, but also may make it effective for patients whose cancer has become drug-resistant."

"Treating Ovarian Cancer:  New Pathways Through Genetics", ScienceDaily (September 24, 2012), "A new discovery that sheds light on the genetic make up of ovarian cancer cells could explain why some women survive longer than others with this deadly disease."

"Study Reveals Genomic Similarities Between Breast Cancer and Ovarian Cancer", NIH News (September 23, 2012), "One subtype of breast cancer shares many genetic features with high-grade serous ovarian cancer, a cancer that is very difficult to treat, according to researchers supported by the National Institutes of Health."

"PARP Inhibitors May Have Clinical Utillity in HER2-Positive Breast Cancers", ScienceDaily (September 17, 2012), "Poly (ADP-Ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitors, shown to have clinical activity when used alone in women with familial breast and ovarian cancers linked to BRCA mutations, may be a novel treatment strategy in women with HER2-positive breast cancers."

"Mechanisms of Acquired Chemoresistance in Ovarian Cancer Identified", ScienceDaily (April 15, 2012), Multiple ovarian cancer genomes in an individual patient and the absence or downregulation of the gene LRP1B associated with development of chemoresistance in women with the high-grade serous cancer subtype of ovarian cancer whose disease recurs after primary treatment.

"New Treatment Option to Reduce Metastasis in Ovarian Cancer", ScienceDaily (January 26, 2011), "A paper published January issue of the journal Nanomedicine could provide the foundation for a new ovarian cancer treatment option -- one that would use an outside-the-body filtration device to remove a large portion of the free-rotating cancer cells that often create secondary tumors."

"Glow-in-the-Dark Cells Help Find Ovarian Cancer", New study sheds light on how doctors can look at ovarian tumors.  (click title to watch this video on CBS.com)

"Awareness Effort Raises Profile of Ovarian Cancer", Local ovarian cancer story on CNN Health Minute
By Val Willingham, CNN Medical Producer 

Watch the ABC News video, "Cancer Breakthrough".

Read the CBS News article, "Ovarian Cancer Tied to Fertility Treatments: Cause for Alarm?", by Ryan Jaslow.

"Screening Does Not Reduce Deaths from Ovarian Cancer for the General Population", from cancer.net (05/18/2011).

"Long-Term Treatment with Olaparib May Help Treat Recurrent Ovarian Cancer", from cancer.net.

"Cabozantinib Helps Manage Several Advanced Cancers and Shrink Bone Metastases "(05/18/2011), from cancer.net.

"Genetic Variations Identify Patients Sensitive to Nerve Damage from Chemotherapy"(05/18/2011), from cancer.net.

"OCRF Researchers Identify 5 Gene Variants Linked to Ovarian Cancer", Duke University Medical Center News Release (09/19/2010) on OCRF.org

"OCRF Research Finds microRNA Regulates Cancer Stem Cells", (11/08/2010) on OCRF.org

"OCRF Funded Research Finds Protein Boosts Creation of Ovarian Cancer Blood Vessels", adapted from the MD Anderson Press Release (11/04/2010), on OCRF.org

"OCRF Research Identifies Potential New Target for Ovarian Cancer", adapted from the MD Anderson Press Release (11/02/2010), on OCRF.org

"OCRF Researcher Suggests Caution During Estrogen Replacement Therapy", UC Denver Press Release (10/25/2010) on OCRF.org

"OCRF Researcher Uses Nanoparticles to Target Tumor Vessels", (10/28/2010) on OCRF.org

"Research News:  Researchers Find Genes Linked to Clear-Cell Ovarian Cancer", adapted from Reuters (09/09/2010) on OCRF.org