ROC Inc funding turns action into hope for rare ovarian cancers

A Hudson Institute research project aiming to better understand and treat rare forms of ovarian cancer has received a big funding boost.

This two-year funding commitment from Rare Ovarian Cancer Inc (ROC Inc) provides $205,000 for the groundbreaking project New Hope for Rare Ovarian Granulosa Cell Tumours.

This research, led by Associate Professor Simon Chu, lays the foundation for the first-ever targeted treatments for GCTs, offering safer, more effective options and renewed hope for patients and families affected by this rare disease.

Granulosa Cell Tumours, or GCT, comprise around 5 per cent of ovarian cancers. They can develop at any age, even in children, and the condition has a high rate of late recurrence, meaning even if surgery is effective, women live for years in constant fear that their cancer might return.

World-leading research into rare ovarian cancer

A/Prof Chu is a world leader in studying the underlying causes of GCT and his current research focusses on combination treatments that targets two important biological pathways in the cancer cells. This presents a new, more targeted therapy for the treatment of ovarian cancers.

Now, thanks to the fundraising efforts of ROC Inc, these projects are being boosted to the tune of $205,000, with the group’s senior research assistant Trang Nguyen to be named the ROC Inc Senior Research Assistant.

CEO Tasha Armour said the mission at ROC Inc is to make sure no woman feels alone facing a rare ovarian cancer.

“Through events like the Ride for Research, and other initiatives such as Miami Masters, and Swim for Claire, the community has rallied together to raise this incredible total.” Ms Armour said.

Making a difference by funding research

“Every dollar represents the love, effort and belief that together, we can make a real difference.”

A/Prof Chu expressed his team’s gratitude to ROC Inc and their amazing community for this extraordinary support.

“These funds will directly accelerate our research into understanding the biology of granulosa cell tumours – rare ovarian cancers that often return many years after diagnosis.”

“With ROC Inc’s help, we can push forward new ways to diagnose and treat these tumours, giving women more hope for the future,” he said.

Ovarian Cancer facts

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.

Treatment depends on the type of ovarian cancer and the stage. Early stage cancer is more likely to be treated successfully. Treatment may include surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy.

Granulosa cell tumours (GCT) start from the hormone-producing cells that surround the eggs within the ovaries.

GCT account for approximately five per cent of ovarian cancers and can develop at any age, even in children.

• There are two types of GCT: adult and juvenile
• GCT are most commonly treated with surgery
• Even after an effective operation, GCT can recur between five to 20 years later, and at this point are often untreatable.
• GCT are hormone-secreting, often cause abnormally high levels of oestrogen in the body – causing either early puberty, an increase in abdomen size or abnormal bleeding depending on the woman’s age
• One particular gene mutation causes the adult type of GCT, however the exact cause of juvenile GCT is unknown.