Each year we highlight individual scientists who have made a lasting impact in the field of ovarian cancer research through funding from the Marsha Rivkin Center. Their hard work and dedication to understanding and overcoming ovarian cancer serves as an inspiration in the research community.

Researchers in the Field

Dr. Ingegerd Hellstrom, MD, PhD

Dr. Ingegerd Hellstrom, MD, PhD

University of Washington

There is a great need to develop specific and sensitive tools for early detection of ovarian cancer because survival rates for patients are highest when tumors are detected at an early stage (I/II) as compared to low survival rates for patients with advanced stage tumors. In addition, similar tools would be useful for monitoring patients undergoing ovarian cancer treatment in order to detect and treat relapses sooner. One such diagnostic measuring tool, or assay, which has attracted much attention because it is non-invasive, quick, and relatively inexpensive involves measuring protein biomarkers released by tumor cells into blood, urine, and other bodily fluids.

 		Dr. Patricia Kruk, PhD

Dr. Patricia Kruk, PhD

University of South Florida and Moffitt Cancer Center

Most cells in our body go through a natural cycle of growth, division, maintenance and programmed cell death, also called apoptosis. While this ongoing cycle helps to maintain a balance of healthy cells in our bodies, alterations that result in uncontrolled cell growth are associated with the development of many diseases including cancer. The Bcl-2 family of proteins consists of both pro- and anti-apoptotic proteins. By controlling the integrity of the mitochondrial membrane, these proteins maintain a homeostatic balance between cell growth and death. However, overexpression of the Bcl-2 protein is seen in many cancers and because it supports reduced cellular apoptosis, high levels of Bcl-2 are thought to promote therapeutic resistance that can contribute to poor prognosis.