CanToo funding boost for ovarian cancer research

One of the most exciting developments in ovarian cancer treatment in decades will form the basis of a new two-year research project at Hudson Institute, thanks to the generosity of the CanToo Foundation.

Dr Laura Moffitt has received a $200,000 research grant to build on the discovery by her supervisor, Dr Maree Bilandzic of leader cells, which are the main drivers of ovarian cancer spread and resistance to chemotherapy.

This project will tackle two of the biggest challenges in ovarian cancer: firstly, the fact that it is prone to spread to other parts of the body (metastasis) and secondly, that it often returns after initial treatment and no longer responds to the available cancer drugs (chemoresistance).

Understanding & beating ovarian cancer – thanks to CanToo

This project will focus on understanding the way that leader cells work and identifying new drug targets that specifically disrupt leader cells’ aggressive behaviour. Ultimately, Dr Moffitt aims to develop therapies that slow ovarian cancer progression and improve the effectiveness of existing treatments.

“This funding will be invaluable in advancing my research – to better understand how ovarian cancer spreads and how we can prevent it,” she said. “The goal is to find new treatment strategies that give patients better options and improve survival rates for this devastating disease.”

CanToo’s mission is twofold: to inspire individuals to achieve personal health and wellbeing goals and to fund innovative early-career cancer research. By combining physical fitness with a cause that matters, CanToo empowers ordinary people to make a significant impact in the fight against cancer.

Making an impact in ovarian cancer fight

CEO Lisa Hresc said: “We are thrilled to support the funding of Dr Laura Moffitt’s research. We see real potential and value in it, to transform our understanding of ovarian cancer. Advancing this knowledge could be a crucial step towards developing more effective treatments.”

“Investing in innovative researchers and projects like this are ultimately all about making a real difference in people’s lives – to give people healthier, happier and longer lives. I’m also so grateful to our CanToo community for supporting us to make projects like this happen,” she said.

Dr Moffitt said it’s a huge milestone in her career, and a big step forward in cancer research.

“I am deeply grateful to the Can Too Foundation for this grant, which enables me to advance this critical work and contribute to the future of ovarian cancer treatment. As an early career researcher, this funding supports my development towards becoming an independent researcher, allowing me to explore new ideas and make an impact in ovarian cancer research.”

What is ovarian cancer?

Ovarian cancers are malignant tumours, or the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells, in one or both ovaries. Ovaries are the female reproductive organs that produce eggs and make the hormones oestrogen and progesterone.

There are three different types

1. Epithelial tumours are the most common, accounting for 90 per cent of cases, and start on the surface of the ovaries.
2. Stromal tumours start from the cells that surround the eggs within the ovaries. The majority are Granulosa cell tumours (GCT), which account for approximately five per cent of ovarian cancers and can develop at any age, even in children.
3. Germ cell tumours. These are the rarest tumours, accounting for about two per cent of ovarian cancers. They develop from the cells that become the eggs in the ovaries.