Hope for ovarian cancer – thanks to OCRF funding

Two unique Hudson Institute research projects have been chosen among eight nationally to share in the largest-ever funding distribution from the Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation (OCRF), offering hope to women everywhere.

Our researchers whose projects will share in the $3.5M dedicated to cutting-edge ovarian cancer research are Associate Professor Simon Chu and Dr Nicole Campbell.

Dr Campbell’s research focusses on a new immunotherapy that targets high-grade serous ovarian cancer by focusing on a naturally-produced protein known as interferon epsilon, which can help activate the immune system to protect against the cancer and prevent its spread.

A/Prof Chu studies a rare type of ovarian cancer called granulosa cell tumours (GCT); he has found that nearly all women with this cancer carry a mutation in the FOXL2 gene, which interacts with a key family of proteins to drive tumour growth, so he aims to block this interaction using cutting-edge technology, with the goal of developing a targeted treatment.

Hope for targeted ovarian cancer treatments

Their work is among several of the successful projects which examine treatment options for more rare subtypes of ovarian cancer.

One of the most challenging aspects of ovarian cancer is the diversity and complexity of the disease, so it’s vital to support research into the rarer types, to ensure better outcomes for everyone who receives an ovarian cancer diagnosis.

The 2025 OCRF National Research Grant Program has provided $724,293 over three years to A/Prof Chu, and it’s funding that he says is crucial to finding new treatments.

“This allows us to use cutting-edge techniques like cryo-electron microscopy to map out the molecular structure of how GCT develops. Once we understand it, we’ll screen over 300,000 drug compounds to find one that could stop tumour progression—and potentially lead to a targeted treatment for all patients with the FOXL2 mutation,” he said.

“Right now, there are no long-term, effective treatments for granulosa cell tumours, and recurrence can happen 10, 20, even 30 years after the first diagnosis. Because it’s a rare ovarian cancer, it has been historically underfunded, leaving patients with limited options beyond surgery.”

Dr Campbell receives $892,212 over three years, from the OCRFsupported by Mother’s Day Classic Foundation in association with the OCRF, to help her search for the first immune-based treatment for ovarian cancer.

The first immune-based treatment targeting recurrent cancer

“We know that ovarian cancer carries a poor prognosis compared to other cancers, and that the available treatments haven’t changed much for decades – so we need new, more effective treatments, especially for cancers that return after initial treatment,” she said.

“Immune-based therapies have been really successful in treating other types of cancer, but not so effective against ovarian cancer. Our data shows that interferon epsilon primarily works through activation of the immune system, and it’s most effective against metastatic tumour cells.”

“I believe we are on the cusp of change for ovarian cancer. For too long the statistics have been stubborn and progress toward effective methods of early detection, and development of enduring successful treatments, has been too slow,” said Robin Penty, OCRF’s Chief Executive Officer.

“Momentum, however, is building. This new funding is critical, and these funded projects hold great promise. There’s still a long way to go, but, combined with strong advocacy to government and vital research collaborations in Australia, and overseas, there is reason for renewed hope in the effort to overcome this feared disease.”

Both Hudson Institute projects offer enormous hope to the many women whose lives are touched by ovarian cancer, and our researchers are immensely grateful to have their projects selected for funding.

A/Prof Chu summed it up best, in a message to all OCRF’s donors and volunteers: “Thanks to you, we come to work every day knowing there’s an entire community backing us, helping to drive new discoveries in ovarian cancer research. Breakthroughs take a team, and we are incredibly grateful to have you on ours. Thank you!”