Basic Translational Research

• Detecting Ovarian Cancer Early
• Developing New Therapeutic Agents
• Generating Anti-tumor T Cells
• Uncovering Biomarker HE4

Clinical Translational Research

• New Methods for Treating Gynecological Cancers
• Understanding the Pathogenesis of Ovarian Cancer
• Clinical and Translational Ovarian Cancer Studies
• Risk Factors for Endometrial Cancer

SPORE: Specialized Program in Research Excellence

To promote translational research – collaborative research with basic and clinical research investigators – in 1992, the National Cancer Institute (NCI) created this research grant funding mechanism.  The goal of the SPORE is to bring novel ideas that have the potential to reduce cancer incidence and mortality, improve survival, and to improve the quality of life.

SPORE in Ovarian Cancer: Awarded in 2004, the Dana-Farber/Harvard SPORE in Ovarian Cancer (Ovarian SPORE) is conducting a full range of studies on prevention, early detection, and treatment strategies for ovarian cancer. The proposed research seeks to identify modifiable environmental risk factors associated with ovarian cancer and their interaction with the genotype, to identify the molecular basis of carcinogenesis in ovarian cancer, and to design novel immunotherapies. For detailed information, please go to:

http://www.dfhcc.harvard.edu/spores/ovarian/. 

Donor-Funded Research 

The Women's Cancers Program Executive Committee has vowed to raise funds for research to improve early detection and Treatment of ovarian and breast cancer.

WCP Executive Council targets breast, ovarian cancer and caregivers in cancer fight

Recognizing the need to advance the progress of research, three initiatives are underway:

• Expanding the Core Infrastructure = Real-time Impact: Access to tissue, serum and patient data matched to their respective samples is vital for genetic research and analysis.


• Advancing "Genetic Fingerprinting" Research: In order to develop individualized tailored therapies, specific molecular pathways or 'genetic fingerprints' have to be identified and understood. Through genetic analysis, researchers can discover the differences between the varying types of cancers, why some tumors are more responsive to treatment, and which genetic targets influence cancer growth or drug resistance.


• Funding Innovative Collaborative Projects: This Initiative provides the necessary 'seed capital' that is necessary to produce preliminary results that become the foundation for future peer-reviewed grant proposals.

For more information about the WCP Executive Council, please go to: http://www.dana-farber.org/how/wcp-executive-council/. 

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