OvarCare Grants Program

OvarCare Grants Program is sponsored by Ovarcome. Provides financial, psycho-social, and informational support to ovarian cancer patients in active treatment.

Ovarcare Grant Application - Ovarcoming Cancer, Celebrating Life Survivorship & Ovarcoming Scientific Advisory Board ZEAL FOR TEAL Survivorship Empowerment Series Ovarcoming Cancer Annual Conference 2025 Ovarcare Grant Application OvarCare is a financial, psycho-social and informational support program offered by Ovarcome for ovarian cancer patients in active treatment.

At Ovarcome, we are inspired by the simple philosophy of support, love, and celebration of life. Ovarcoming cancer - celebrating life! We are here to help you Ovarcome ovarian cancer.

Our care package helps you take care of essentials and of YOU, as you undergo treatment. OvarCare celebrates the incredibly strong and resilient Ovarcomer you are. Keep inspiring.

Keep Ovarcoming! What does OvarCare offer? Psycho-Social Counseling sessions via phone by a licensed clinical social worker Genetic Counseling sessions via phone by a licensed Genetic Counselor (New addition to the program) Who is it for?

OvarCare is designed for you if you: Have a diagnosis of ovarian cancer certified by an oncology healthcare provider Are in active treatment, newly diagnosed or recurrent ovarian cancer patient Meet our financial eligibility guidelines of 265% of the Federal Poverty Limits and are able to provide income verification documentation . The first two pages of signed copy of income tax return (SSN not required) .

Copies of your most recent pay stub, unemployment check, or public assistance benefit notification, SSI . If you do not have income: Provide a letter of support from friend, family member, or your healthcare team OvarCare Application: Steps & Guidelines Please apply following the guidelines provided below: All sections of this application are required to be completed: including income verification documents & release consent forms.

We encourage you to write to us at info@ovarcome. org with any questions prior to applying. Due to the volume of applications received, we are unable to accept incomplete applications Initial consultation with a social worker at your hospital/healthcare facility to determine your eligibility to receive OvarCare based on the criteria outlined You must submit a completed application to be considered for OvarCare.

Patients will be selected based on provision of completed information. Unfortunately, we will not be able to review and process applications with incomplete information Review the application form Fill out the application form and have it verified by your Social Worker or Nurse Navigator as applicable Submit along with supporting documents to us for review We are here to help you, your patient, or your loved one Ovarcome ovarian cancer.

Please fill in the details below to complete the application. I reside and receive treatment in the United States (citizenship not required), I understand an application is not a guarantee of receiving the OvarCare Grant, and I will need to provide all supporting documents needed for the application I am applying on behalf of my patient, and I understand and accept the requirements described above.

Please note : Giving and number of grants awarded at any given time depends on availability of funds. Not all completed applications may be awarded. Due to the overwhelming number of applications received, we are unable to provide status updates on individual applications via email, phone or otherwise.

We try out best to award this grant to as many Ovarcomers as we can possibly help. We thank you for your understanding. If you wish to proceed, please complete the application.

Thank you! Name of parent or guardian * If patient is a minor (under 18): Caucasian African American Latino Asian Other PATIENT IDENTIFICATION AS WE GET TO KNOW YOU – REQUIRED STEPS: A recent picture is required for identification purposes (driver’s license picture not accepted).

Once the application is received and reviewed for accuracy and completion, we will contact you to schedule a phone call or an in-person office visit, depending on location. If you need language assistance for our phone or in-person visit, we recommend you seek assistance from friends, Family, or your healthcare team representatives. The OvarCare Grant will be disbursed directly to you.

Please upload your recent picture (driver’s license picture not accepted) * We would love to get to know you. Please provide answers to the following questions and use as much detail as you would like. 1.

How was your ovarian cancer diagnosed? What signs and symptoms did you experience? * 2.

Have you had genetic testing done? Please explain * 3. Do you have family and friends to support you as you undergo treatment?

Tell us about your support system * 4. What do clinical trials mean to you? Have you ever considered enrolling in Clinical Trials for ovarian cancer?

Tell us about it * 5. What advice and guidance would you share with your fellow Survivors and Ovarcomers? * *** THIS SECTION MUST BE COMPLETED BY YOUR ONCOLOGY NURSE, DOCTOR, OR SOCIAL WORKER ONLY *** Is patient in active treatment?

* If not in active treatment, indicate frequency of follow-up: * Yearly Bi-Annual Other Not Applicable Please indicate type of treatment(s) received in past twelve months (check all that apply) * Chemotherapy Radiation Surgery Palliative care Doctor/Nurse/Social Worker Name: * Doctor/Nurse/Social Worker Email: * 1. Name of patient (please print): * 2. Do you have health insurance?

* 3. Are you currently employed? * 4.

Number of people in your household: * 5. Please indicate the source of your family income (select all that apply): * Salary/compensation Pension Friend/family support Unemployment benefits Short-term disability Please upload your income verification document or letter of support * Please refer to our income eligibility criteria for the OvarCare grant as outlined in the table and review the acceptable documents for income verification. .

The first two pages of signed copy of income tax return (SSN not required) . Copies of your most recent pay stub, unemployment check, or public assistance benefit notification, SSI . If you do not have income: Provide a letter of support from friend, family member, or your healthcare team *** Annual family income information must be provided for us to process your application ** Please submit the release consent below.

This consent also validates the picture submitted by you for the OvarCare Grant application for identification purposes.

Release Permission: I , authorize Ovarcome to use my name, pictures, interviews, and likeness in their platforms and publications; including but not limited to video, print, and electronic media, in such manner as the non- profit organization may deem advisable for the purpose of sharing and promoting the work of Ovarcome in creating the OvarCare program, inspiring the Teal Community, and seeking funding from potential donors for program continuity.

I understand that I am not entitled to reimbursement for the use of my name, photograph or participation in any and all communications developed about and by Ovarcome. In signing this Consent, I understand and acknowledge that: (add check marks for all) I will not receive any remuneration for the use of my name, media coverage, or quote. I am over 18 years of age and otherwise legally competent to sign this Release.

I have read this Release in its entirety and understood it prior to executing it. Psycho-Social Counseling and Genetic Counseling Sessions: Psycho-Social Counseling Sessions by Ovarcome Licensed Clinical Social Worker , Anna approaches her work with respect, empathy and dignity throughout the therapeutic process.

Utilizing techniques from Cognitive Behavioral therapy and Dialectical Behavioral therapy, coupled with mindfulness techniques, Anna works with our Ovarcomers to help them achieve their goals. In her personal time, Anna enjoys traveling, cooking and spending time with her Dog, Po. She is here to help you as you walk this journey of Ovarcoming.

Anna Crofts, LCSW leads our OvarCare Psycho-Social Counseling Program. Genetic Counseling Sessions by Ovarcome Cathy Sullivan is a Certified Genetic Counselor. Her special interest is in Hereditary Cancer Risk Assessment.

If you have questions about genetic testing, or not sure where to begin, Cathy is happy to schedule an information session with you as part of our OvarCare Grant Program. She is here to help you in this journey of OVARCOMING. Cathy leads our OvarCare Genetic Counseling Program .

Please choose the counselling services you would like: * Anna Crofts, Psycho-Social Counseling Cathy Sullivan - Genetic Counseling Not interested at this time If you chose psycho-social counseling services, complete your request by completing the fields below.

Please add N/A in all fields if you choose to opt out: * Via OvarCare Counseling we are pleased to offer: Up to 6 sessions of support for up to 6 months Meetings by phone in any location in the U.S. Supportive services to OvarCare grant recipients Information, resources, referrals as needed and requested Our OvarCare counseling sessions are designed to provide support through the journey of Ovarcoming Ovarian Cancer and are not deemed to be psychotherapy services.

Our members are ready to provide compassionate and meaningful support via active listening, providing gentle guidance in navigating the often-challenging course of diagnosis, treatment and survivorship, and in providing effective tools and resources to Ovarcome. Please complete the fields below to register for our counseling program: We are here to Ovarcome with you. Welcome to our safe and friendly space.

This is a complimentary service as part of our OvarCare Program and is currently available in English only. Do you consent to receiving text messages from your OvarCare Support Services? : Share with us the best way to reach you: Email Phone Text Message All of the above Please indicate your time zone: Eastern Time Central Time Mountain Time Pacific Time Hawaii-Aleutian Time What do you wish to accomplish from these support sessions?

Please share your personal goal: Please carefully review the acknowledgements below: 1. OvarCare support services are designed to provide emotional and informational support and is not intended to provide any medical guidance. It is also not intended to provide psychotherapy, crisis management critical mental health issues 2.

You will be offered up to 6 counseling sessions for up to 6 months as part of this program. You will be contacted via the information you provide to us. Ovarcome is not responsible to maintain privacy of information if provided outside of the channels indicated on the form 3.

You agree to indemnify, defend, release and hold harmless Ovarcome, their employees, officers, directors, agents, successors and assigns, against all liabilities, claims, causes of action, damages, judgments, costs or expenses, including attorney's fees, caused by, resulting from or which arise in connection with your participation in OvarCare Support Services Program Acknowledgement of My Consent BY CHECKING THIS CONSENT, I CERTIFY THAT: I have carefully read and consent to the terms and conditions stated herein.

We will try our best to provide you with the assistance you need but giving will depend on the availability of funds. To that extent, an application is not a guarantee of receiving OvarCare. At this time, OvarCare is administered as a one-time grant only.

Please submit the application form along with the necessary verification documents for consideration. We will review the information and contact you with further details on completion and disbursement. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

We encourage your physician/nurse/social worker to submit the application on your behalf where possible. Please allow at least 3-4 weeks for us to review your application from the date of submission. This timeline is dependent upon the volume of applications already received.

Due to the large number of applications received, we are unable to provide status updates on each individual inquiry. All applications are processed in the order they are received. If you have additional questions on the application, please contact us at info@ovarcome.

org prior to submission. We appreciate the opportunity to serve you.

All information is strictly confidential and is for Ovarcome official use only I understand an application is not a guarantee of receiving OvarCare Grant I attest all information provided is accurate and up to date Connect Ovar Coffee: Dr. Alexander Olawaiye This episode features Dr. Alexander Olawaiye, discussing major advances in ovarian cancer treatment, including the ROSELLA clinical trial. 1.

Ovarian Cancer Challenges: No reliable early screening methods Majority diagnosed at advanced stages (Stage III/IV) Early detection remains a critical unmet need 2.

ROSELLA Trial Breakthrough: Focus on platinum-resistant ovarian cancer Combines relacorilant (a glucocorticoid receptor antagonist) with nab-paclitaxel Demonstrated improved progression-free survival and overall survival No biomarker requirement, making it accessible to more patients Relacorilant blocks cortisol signaling that promotes chemotherapy resistance Enhances effectiveness of chemotherapy 4.

Safety & Tolerability: No new major toxicities identified Side effects consistent with standard chemotherapy 5. Clinical Trial Importance: Patients in trials often experience better outcomes Participation helps advance future treatments 6.

Health Equity & Access: Disparities exist in access to care and clinical trials Need to improve awareness, access, and inclusion Rapid growth in new treatments over past decade Emerging therapies include antibody-drug conjugates Continued innovation offers hope for patients Stay informed, consider clinical trials, and remain hopeful as new treatments continue to emerge.

Innovative Advances in Ovarian Cancer Care Highlights with Dr. Robert Wenham (Moffitt Cancer Center) 1) The future of gynecologic oncology: access + precision Major cancer centers can offer earlier access to high-impact clinical trials often where new therapies first show survival benefit. Operational precision matters: getting the right biomarker and genetic testing, expert coordination, and correct sequencing of therapies.

2) Antibody–Drug Conjugates (ADCs): targeted chemotherapy, evolving fast ADCs link a potent chemotherapy payload to an antibody that targets cancer-associated markers (e.g., folate receptor alpha). Wenham frames ADCs as an important evolution: improved targeting and tolerability, with benefits that may be incremental rather than universally “better than chemo.

” Key directions: moving ADCs earlier in treatment, broadening eligibility (less dependence on very high target expression), and combining with other therapies (including immunotherapy). Example discussed: mirvetuximab as proof of principle; attention to trial design and choosing the right patient niche.

3) Immunity & immunotherapy: making ovarian tumors ‘hot’ Ovarian cancers vary biologically, responses to immunotherapy differ by subtype (e.g., high-grade serous vs. endometrioid/clear cell). Core challenges: immune-suppressive tumor microenvironment and limited immune infiltration; early checkpoint inhibitor response rates were low in ovarian cancer.

Promising strategy: thoughtful combinations that change the immune environment (e.g., chemo scheduling, anti-VEGF, PARP-related antigen load). Highlighted trial concept: adding pembrolizumab (Keytruda) to weekly paclitaxel (± bevacizumab) for platinum-resistant disease showed encouraging outcomes and is being evaluated by regulators.

4) Minimum Residual Disease (MRD): a window for earlier immune benefit MRD (microscopic disease after surgery/therapy) may represent a ‘window of opportunity’ where immunotherapy could work better than in bulky disease. Approaches discussed: second-look assessment (research context only) and circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) for detecting residual disease.

Important caution: MRD strategies are investigational – patients should not pursue second-look surgery outside a trial setting. 5) Surgical innovation: fluorescence-guided detection A fluorescent dye approach (antibody + near-infrared signal) can help surgeons identify lesions not seen by standard techniques.

In trials, clinically significant additional lesions were detected in a meaningful subset of patients, potentially improving completeness of cytoreduction. Adoption barriers: technology/camera compatibility and real-world reimbursement logistics. 6) Vaccines: not prime time yet, but momentum is building Goal: train the adaptive immune system to recognize tumor antigens.

Three strategies discussed: shared-antigen vaccines, personalized neoantigen vaccines, and dendritic cell/whole-lysate vaccines. Current reality: generally tolerable with limited efficacy so far; optimism remains for future breakthroughs. 7) CAR‑T and cellular therapy: early promise, complex delivery CAR‑T involves engineering a patient’s immune cells to target cancer-specific receptors; persistence and exhaustion remain key hurdles.

Wenham described a CAR‑T trial targeting follicle-stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR), aiming for selectivity to ovarian cancer cells. Current status shared: tolerability appears favorable so far; efficacy signals are preliminary; patient selection and timing matter. Key takeaways: Ovarcoming the old narrative Consider specialty care early: a gynecologic oncology expert can ensure top-level standard-of-care testing and sequencing.

Ask about biomarker/genetic testing and whether a clinical trial is appropriate at your stage and line of therapy. Innovation is accelerating. Progress may not be ‘overnight,’ but survival and treatment options continue to improve.

“Let’s Ovarcome our historical perspective and realize that things are much better now and are only going to get better in the near future.

” Featuring Dr. Pedro Ramirez, MD Chair, Department of OB-GYN | Houston Methodist Neal Cancer Center In this episode of Connect Over Coffee , Dr. Pedro Ramirez, one of the world’s leading gynecologic oncologic surgeons, shares evidence-based insights on ovarian cancer surgery, evolving treatment strategies, and how patients can be empowered to make informed, collaborative decisions about their care.

Patient-Centered Surgical Decision-Making Dr. Ramirez emphasizes a critical principle: “A good surgeon knows how to operate. A great surgeon knows when not to operate.

” Surgery First vs. Chemotherapy First Five major randomized clinical trials—including the landmark TRUST trial —demonstrate no difference in overall survival between: Primary debulking surgery followed by chemotherapy, and Neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by interval surgery However, chemotherapy first is consistently associated with fewer complications and safer outcomes.

As a result, 80–85% of patients today receive chemotherapy first , a major shift from earlier practice. What is the likelihood all visible disease can be removed? What evidence supports this treatment sequence?

Surgical Advances & De-escalation The field is moving toward less aggressive, more precise surgery , including: Increased use of minimally invasive surgery during interval debulking Investigation of fluorescence-guided surgery to detect residual disease (still experimental) Growing exploration of whether some patients may not need surgery at all if modern therapies fully control disease Recovery & Quality of Life Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocols are now standard at leading centers.

These include: Limited IV fluids and opioids Aggressive blood clot prevention ERAS reduces recovery time from weeks to days , improving quality of life without compromising safety Heated Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy (HIPEC) is not standard of care in the U.S. It may benefit a narrow group of patients undergoing interval surgery but carries higher complication risks and should only be considered at highly experienced centers Advanced ovarian cancer typically precludes fertility preservation Early-stage or non-epithelial tumors may allow preservation of the uterus and one ovary Pregnancy is generally advised 1–2 years after treatment , once recurrence risk is better understood Looking Ahead: 2026 and Beyond Dr. Ramirez is optimistic about the future of ovarian cancer care that will likely witness: Molecular profiling as standard of care Antibody-drug conjugates and targeted therapies Higher response rates (30–40%) and durable disease control Expansion of clinical trials (30+ trials anticipated at Houston Methodist in 2026) Ovarian cancer is increasingly being managed as a chronic disease , allowing patients to live fuller lives while on treatment.

Dr. Ramirez’s final Message to Ovarcomers Be informed. Ask questions. Seek second opinions when needed.

Choose care teams that treat you , not just the disease. Above all, there is real hope , driven by science, collaboration, and patient empowerment. Transforming Treatment in Ovarian Cancer: Breakthroughs offering Hope Guest : Dr. Premal Thaker Director of Gynecologic Oncology at Washington University School of Medicine in St.

Louis Antibody-Drug Conjugates (ADCs) ADCs are revolutionizing treatment : There has been an “explosion” in the use of antibody-drug conjugates across gynecologic cancers. HER2-positive targeting ADCs showing promise across ovarian, cervical, and endometrial cancers. New ADCs for folate receptor alpha and NaPi2B pathways are emerging with improved tolerability.

Glucocorticoid Antagonists Relacorilant , a glucocorticoid receptor antagonist, demonstrated benefit in platinum-resistant ovarian cancer , presenting a non-chemotherapy mechanism of action. Breakthrough Clinical Trials First immunotherapy trial with positive results for platinum-resistant ovarian cancer. Combined weekly paclitaxel + bevacizumab ± pembrolizumab .

Progression-Free Survival (PFS): +1. 9 months Overall Survival (OS): +4. 2 months Notable because previous immunotherapy trials failed to meet statistical significance.

Ovation 3 Trial (under Dr. Thaker’s leadership) Investigating intraperitoneal IL-12 (an interleukin) with chemotherapy for newly diagnosed patients receiving neoadjuvant therapy. Overall Survival benefit : +13 months This trial aims to reshape the tumor microenvironment and is actively recruiting patients.

Combination & Maintenance Therapies Personalized Treatment by Biomarker PARP inhibitors + bevacizumab are effective for HRD-positive patients. Extend maintenance therapy options for HR-proficient patients. Explore novel maintenance agents and sequencing strategies.

More inclusive ADCs that don’t require strict biomarker expression (e.g. folate receptor alpha levels). Drugs like RDXD show >50% response rate with favorable side effects. Challenge: Figuring out sequencing of similar ADCs to maintain efficacy.

Importance of NGS (Next Generation Sequencing) Strong advocacy for NGS panel testing for all patients . Detection of actionable mutations (e.g., CCNE1 amplifications, folate receptor alpha expression). Eligibility for clinical trials or targeted therapy .

Claudin 6 , cadherin , and p53 among others are under investigation. Some may offer high prevalence (60–80%) in ovarian cancer, enhancing therapy reach. Disparities & Global Challenges Many global regions lack access to NGS testing , limiting treatment personalization.

Even in the U.S., disparities exist in non-academic or rural settings . Dr. Thaker emphasizes educating both patients and providers to overcome systemic gaps. Progression-Free Survival (PFS): Time until disease worsens.

Overall Survival (OS): Time until death from any cause. Both are essential clinical trial endpoints with regulatory importance. Other Scientific Highlights Low-grade ovarian cancer: Now has its own FDA-approved treatment (vemurafenib + defactinib).

Endometrial cancer is now more common than ovarian cancer and rising due to obesity . GLP-1 medications may help lower cancer risk (still under research). Research & Clinical Trials: The Future Clinical trials are now better supported with patient-friendly measures (e.g. travel support).

Patients who don’t initially respond can quickly return to standard of care. More non-ADC therapies (e.g., tyrosine kinase inhibitors, CDK2 inhibitors). Greater personalization of treatment by tumor subtype and biomarker profile.

Dr. Thaker’s Key Message: Hope Through Innovation & Access “Ovarian cancer care is entering a transformative era—where science is smarter, treatments are more targeted, and every woman deserves access to that hope.

” Dr. Thaker emphasizes that we are witnessing major progress in ovarian cancer treatment , with innovations like antibody-drug conjugates , biomarker-driven therapies , and clinical trials that are finally showing survival benefits . But she’s also clear: these advances must reach everyone.

Expanding genetic testing (NGS) to guide personalized care Ensuring equity in clinical trial access And educating both patients and providers so no one is left behind Topic : Breaking the Code: Disrupting Cellular Communication in Ovarcoming Ovarian Cancer Medical Oncologist, University of Minnesota Medical School Understanding Ovarian Cancer Challenges Ovarian cancer symptoms often go undetected or are misunderstood, leading to late-stage diagnosis.

Dr. Lou emphasizes the need for better education in medical training and encourages mainstreaming ovarian cancer in curricula. A core message is that we must listen to the voice of the patients. Many patients feel dismissed when reporting symptoms.

This needs to change. 1. Personalized Medicine & Genomics Focus: Using genomic testing to understand mutations (e.g. BRCA1/2, HRD status) that guide treatment decisions.

Goal: Deliver precision therapy , matching patients with treatments based on genetic tumor profiles. Example: PARP inhibitors are used for patients with BRCA mutations, showing how genetics can inform targeted care. 2.

Immunotherapy and Tumor Microenvironment Insight: Unlike other cancers, ovarian tumors often have a “cold” immune microenvironment , meaning they don’t elicit strong immune responses. Scientific Priority: Researchers are working to “heat up” the tumor environment to make immunotherapies more effective . Future Direction: Combining immune-based therapies with other treatments to make the cancer more visible to the immune system.

Clinical Trials & Underrepresentation Need for More Inclusive Research Lou stresses the urgency of increasing access to clinical trials , especially for underserved communities.

Greater participation diversity Earlier intervention trials Better funding support for rare cancers like ovarian cancer Biological Complexity of Ovarian Cancer Heterogeneity of the Disease Fact: Ovarian cancer is not one disease—it includes multiple subtypes (e.g., high-grade serous, endometrioid, mucinous). Challenge: Different subtypes respond differently to treatments.

Scientific Need: Tailored research for each subtype , rather than lumping all under a generic treatment model. Barriers in Science and Medicine Lack of Education in Medical Training Lou criticizes how little time ovarian cancer gets in traditional medical school curricula. This knowledge gap contributes to missed diagnoses and inadequate patient education.

He advocates for mainstreaming ovarian cancer education in both public health and professional settings. Dr. Lou shares deeply emotional reflections on the psychological and spiritual resilience he sees in his patients. He draws strength from their courage and celebrates organizations like Ovarcome for creating empowering spaces.

Final Message from Dr. Lou – To patients: You are seen, heard, and valued. Never doubt your voice. – To doctors & researchers: Let empathy and listening guide your science.

– To the public: Support ovarian cancer education and advocacy. It can save lives. “Ovarian cancer is not just a disease.

It’s a deeply human experience that deserves more attention, research, and heart. ” Topic : Latest Advances in Gynecologic Cancers Guest : Dr. Brian Slomovitz, Director of Gynecologic Oncology, Mount Sinai Medical Center of Florida 1. Genetic & Molecular Overlap Between Ovarian and Endometrial Cancers Shared genetic risks involve BRCA mutations and Lynch syndrome.

Synchronous cancers are possible and require careful molecular and histological analysis to distinguish from metastasis. Clinical trials require precise tissue origin identification. 2.

Endometriosis and Ovarian Cancer Risk Endometriosis increases ovarian cancer risk 2–4x, especially for clear cell and endometrioid types. Surgical ablation, hormone therapy, and conservative management are effective. Aggressive removal must be balanced with safety (e.g., bladder or bowel involvement).

3. Biomarkers and Testing CA-125 remains the primary biomarker, despite limitations. Signatera is under study for early detection of recurrence via blood tests.

Tumor profiling (HER2, KRAS, alpha folate receptor) supports personalized treatment planning and recommndations. 4. HRD Testing and PARP Inhibitors HRD and BRCA+ patients respond best to PARP inhibitors.

HRP patients show no proven overall survival benefit—FDA re-evaluation ongoing. HRD testing is essential for personalized treatment planning. 5.

ROSELLA Trial – for Platinum-Resistant Ovarian Cancer Relacorilant (non-chemo) showed a 30% lower recurrence risk and 31% lower death risk. FDA approval pending – trial completed. Well tolerated and may expand treatment options.

6. Global Access Challenges US access faster than global rollout. Patients should explore global clinical trials for earlier access.

Sponsors are urged to accelerate global availability. 7. Immunotherapy: Ovarian vs. Endometrial Cancer Endometrial cancer responds well to immunotherapy—even for microsatellite-stable cases.

Ovarian cancer is less responsive due to being a ‘cold tumor’ with low immune visibility. 8. Metabolism, Inflammation, and Cancer Obesity, diabetes, and inflammation raise cancer risk.

Metformin had mixed results; GLP-1 drugs (Ozempic etc.) are promising for prevention and risk reduction. Metabolic health management may aid treatment and prevention. 9.

Low-Grade Serous Ovarian Cancer Distinct disease from high-grade – hormone-sensitive, chemo-resistant. FDA approval for MEK inhibitors and CDK4/6 inhibitors shows promise. Specialist consultation is critical for accurate diagnosis and treatment.

10. Endometrial Cancer: A Growing Crisis Now deadliest gynecologic cancer, surpassing ovarian. Advances include ADCs (e.g., Trastuzumab Deruxtecan), hormonal agents, and PARP inhibitors.

More trials are underway to identify patient-specific responses. Final Messages from Dr. Slomovitz Seek second opinions and the best possible care early. The timing of enrolment in Clinical Trials matters.

Do not delay in seeking options available to you. Hope is growing. Keep Ovarcoming!

Dr. Lorenzo Cohen & Alison Jefferies Topic: MIF of SIX in Ovarcoming Ovarian Cancer Guest: Dr. Lorenzo Cohen, Director of Integrative Medicine at MD Anderson Cancer Center & Alison Jefferies, Board-Certified Wellness Coach, Educator, and Author The Mix of Six: A Holistic Lifestyle Prescription Foundation for all behavior change. Enhances biological resilience and reduces stress.

Guests encouraged to seek support from Ovarcome, hospitals, online networks, and non-family members. Chronic stress fuels cancer progression. Tools include yoga, CBT, meditation, tai chi, breathwork.

Daily and consistent practice is essential. Adequate sleep improves immune function, metabolism, and cognition. Guests emphasize sleep routines, reducing light exposure, and managing caffeine/alcohol intake.

Reduces treatment side effects, enhances mood, boosts immunity. Cardio, resistance training, stretching, and reduced sedentary behavior are key. Guests highlight a plant-centered Mediterranean diet, combining animal protein in moderation and plant protein in abundance.

Focus is on fiber and gut health, reduced processed foods and over-reliance on probiotics. Limit exposure to toxins and digital overstimulation. Use tools like EWG.

org to identify safe personal and household products.

Real-Life Applications & Recommendations Wake after 7+ hours of sleep Start with water or green tea Morning or evening exercise (walk, yoga, etc.) Eat plant-rich meals (beans, greens, whole grains) Use a standing desk and walk after meals Practice daily mindfulness (morning/evening) Monitor hydration via urine color (light yellow = optimal) Avoid excessive probiotic supplements – please speak with your physician Emphasize plant-based fiber (30–50g/day) Reduce sugar intake and processed foods Stay hydrated and especially monitor water intake while increasing fiber You’re already doing a lot – focus on progress over perfection Anchor changes in core values and create meaningful goals The Mix of Six will help you enhance quality of life and long-term health You may not control your diagnosis, but you can influence your journey forward Topic : Granulosa Cell Tumors, What You Should Know Guest : Dr. Tyler Hillman, Associate Professor, University of California, San Diego Key Highlights: Research & Clinical Insights GCT as a Rare Cancer : Affects ~0.

5 to 1 in 100,000 women. Characterized by hormone (estrogen) overproduction. Research Innovation : Dr. Hillman’s lab creates tumoroid and organoid models for drug testing.

Key discovery: Glucocorticoids promote GCT growth; blocking these hormones may be a treatment strategy. Repurposing Drugs : Exploring drugs from breast cancer and hormonal disorders (e.g., aromatase inhibitors, Lupron, ketoconazole). Treatment & Clinical Management Limited Chemotherapy Efficacy : ~40% response rate.

Carefully balanced use to maintain quality of life. Surgery as a Mainstay : Often repeated (3–4 times per patient). Recommended minimum 1-year interval between surgeries.

Hormonal Therapy Post-Surgery : Use of aromatase inhibitors and Lupron. Side effects include estrogen deprivation symptoms and bone density loss. Classification based on pathology, not age.

Adults can have juvenile GCT and vice versa. Juvenile type is ~5% of all GCTs. No open GCT-specific trials currently.

Endocrine and immunotherapy trials are promising. Emphasis on collaborative care models with remote expert consultations. Challenges in Rare Cancer Research Funding gaps, especially for surgical and non-patented drug studies.

Industry funding supports drug development but overlooks survivorship studies. Patient Empowerment & Advocacy Ask care teams : “How many GCT cases have you treated this year? ”