Gynecologic Cancer Funded

Dr. Esha Madden
Virginia Commonwealth University

Donated by competitive grant application to support Dr. Madden’s research on a novel blood test for detecting ovarian cancer at its earliest origin in STIC lesions which occur in the fallopian tubes.

Heather Whitney, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Radiology
University of Chicago

Deep-learning enhanced computer-aided diagnosis for comprehensive early detection of ovarian cancer from ultrasound images.

The goal of Dr. Whitney’s research is to leverage artificial intelligence to expand existing AI-based ultrasound imaging capacity and improve accurate pre-operative triage of ovarian mases.

TUBA-WISP II Study

Karen Lu, MD
MD Anderson, Houston, TX

The TUBA-WISP II Study is a world-wide prevention study in high-risk women with multiple centers in the United States. This trial is designed to determine whether removing the fallopian tubes and delaying ovarian removal by 5 years is effective for reducing hereditary ovarian cancer risk, which would allow women to keep their ovarian function intact for a longer period of time. Women self-select whether they want to undergo a standard removal of ovaries and fallopian tubes in one surgery or a new option to remove only the fallopian tubes and some years later remove the ovaries. Any Mountain funds will be used to finalize data forms, set up the national database, assist sites with IRB submissions and begin patient enrollment. Data from similar studies being done in other countries around the world will be pooled together to determine how safe and effective the new prevention option is for high risk women. Data from this trial could change the standard care for women at high risk of ovarian cancer.

Understanding Decision Making For Risk Reducing Surgery

Kara Long Roche, MD
Memorial Sloan Kettering, NYC

This study will identify common themes and influential factors in the decision to undergo risk-reducing removal of the tubes and ovaries in young women at high genetic risk of developing ovarian cancer. The researchers will determine sociodemographic, medical, and psychosocial factors that contribute to the decision-making process. Data from this study will help us better counsel women about options for managing an increased risk of ovarian cancer.

Predictor Of Completion Of Genetic Testing: An Ancillary Analysis Of The Magenta Study

Barbara Norquist, MD
University of Washington, Seattle

THE MAGENTA study was a large trial that evaluated how much genetic counseling was needed to deliver testing for cancer genetic risk to women in their homes. This ancillary analysis of the MAGENTA study will help us better understand why some people start the process, but then do not complete genetic testing at home by interviewing women who did and did not complete the testing process. Results from this study will help us identify concerns and barriers to genetic testing for cancer risk and inform future interventions to bring risk assessment to more people.