4th Biennial Ovarian Cancer Research Symposium: Integration of Research & Treatment

Dr. Gustavo Rodriguez at the 4th Biennial Symposium

The Marsha Rivkin Center hosted its 4th Biennial Ovarian Cancer Research Symposium: Integration of Research & Treatment on September 19-20, 2002. Co-chaired by Dr. Saul Rivkin (Swedish Medical Center) and Dr. Nora Disis (Univ. of Washington), this year's symposium brought together clinicians and researchers from across many disciplines to encourage the integration of research and clinical care in ovarian cancer. According to Dr. Disis, "this symposium focused on the integration of research and treatment because the field has progressed tremendously in recent years and we can now say that basic science research and clinical care are truly effecting one another."

Symposium Wine Reception, Sept 20, 2002

Special emphasis was paid to the wave of new research techniques including proteomic technology and novel and targeted therapies. Dr. Emanuel Petriocoin of the Food & Drug Administration was on-hand to present new proteomic research that may be useful in detecting ovarian cancer early. This technique provides a map of proteins in the blood that can be compared to those with and without ovarian cancer and classifies the patient into the appropriate category, thereby improving detection. In addition, Dr. Tyler Curiel of Tulane University discussed novel therapies including the blocking of regulatory T cells, the immune basis for angiogenesis, and the possibility of treating cancers as a chronic disease such as HIV, diabetes and coronary heart disease.

The final session focused on the potential of early detection to reduce mortality rates, featuring a number of highly respected panelists including Dr. Nita Maihle, Dr. Nicole Urban, Dr. Emanuel Petricoin, Usha Menon and Sheryl Eisenbarth. The need for improved early detection of ovarian cancer is great, as the majority of cases will be diagnosed in stage III and IV with poor 5-year survival rates. In contrast, when detected early, the 5-year survival increases to 90%. However, it is unknown if screening will in fact reduce the mortality rate of ovarian cancer. According to panelist Usha Menon, "two ongoing randomized controlled trials (PLCO and UKCTOCS) in the will definitively answer the question." While the results of these studies will not be known for at least 10 years, she adds, "in the meanwhile their very existence supports the contention that screening will reduce the mortality rates in ovarian cancer." Representing patient advocates, panelist Sheryl Eisenbarth encouraged screening stating, "the emotional scars of not being diagnosed in time well out weigh the physical scars of a surgery in which no cancer is found."

The 4th Biennial Ovarian Cancer Research Symposium saw tremendous growth from 2000 with increased participation and the development of breakout sessions for nurses and patient advocates. Dr. Saul Rivkin, Founder of the Marsha Rivkin Center, was quick to thank everyone participating, reminding them "we have already begun planning for the 5th symposium building on this year's excitement and we are looking forward to 2004 with great anticipation."