More trials. Less tribulations.

Treatment options for patients with borderline ovarian tumors and low-grade serous ovarian cancer are very limited, and progression can be difficult to predict and then treat.

Because these types are rare, there is a lack of scientific data and research to provide surveillance guidelines needed to monitor the progression of borderline ovarian tumors into serous ovarian cancers, predict if and how recurrence will occur, and understand the underlying genetic changes between borderline and low-grade serous ovarian cancers which could inform treatment.

To address this need, investigators in the Division of Gynecology Oncology, led by Ursula Matulonis, MD, launched an innovative research project for borderline ovarian tumors and low-grade serous ovarian cancer. The project aimed to enhance the field’s understanding of the spectrum of these diseases, introduce improved surveillance strategies to identify at-risk patients earlier, and expand treatment options and improve the quality of life for patients.

This project was generously funded by NTO board members, Patricia Farah’s estate, and various other private supporters prior to the formal incorporation of NTO. This project become the catalyst for the board members and others involved to start the charity Not These Ovaries and to fund this important research.

The goal of this research supervisor is to establish a formalized program of investigating any low-grade series of cancer (LGSOC) and borderline tumors (BOT), as well as to oversee and track active clinical trials and new affiliations for our patients’ participation. The research supervisor reports directly to Dr. Slomovitz at Mount Sinai Medical Center, based in Miami Beach, Florida.

This funding launches research initiatives and tracks the outcomes to gain a better understanding of this disease. We believe in amplifying Dr. Slomovitz's impact with additional staff for research and more patient trials to improve the outcome for LGSOC and BOT patients. This project has been funded for one year starting in the spring of 2024.

This marks the first collaboration between Not These Ovaries and STAAR Low-Grade Serous Ovarian Cancer Foundation, the two U.S.-based nonprofits focused on low-grade serous ovarian cancer.

Currently, most LGSOC patients undergo surgery, followed by chemotherapy and aromatase inhibitors. But the reality is that only about 20% of patients respond to the standard chemotherapy used for other ovarian cancers.

Dr. Wong’s team is applying cutting-edge sequencing technology to examine entire RNA transcripts — something that traditional testing methods can’t fully capture. This approach helps researchers identify hidden gene fusions and rare transcripts that may hold crucial information about treatment resistance or success.

The research team will analyze RNA samples from LGSOC patients who have previously responded — or not responded — to chemotherapy and hormone therapy. Their goal: uncover the molecular patterns that distinguish responders from non-responders.

If successful, this project could establish the foundation for clinical tools that help oncologists make more informed, personalized treatment decisions for women with LGSOC. This means more personalized treatment paths, fewer ineffective interventions, and better outcomes for people living with this slow-growing, persistent disease.