The Ovarian Cancer Research Group uses advanced and ethically minded science to improve outcomes for those with ovarian and endometrial cancer and endometriosis.
Our goals
Our research aims to improve outcomes in ovarian cancer and endometriosis. Our projects have a patient-centred, consumer-driven focus and a dedicated team of scientists and students working to achieve their goals.
- reduce the mortality of ovarian cancer by developing an early detection test and improving precision medicine availability and accessibility.
- understand, diagnose and treat the common and debilitating disease of endometriosis.
Research strengths
- Patient-focused research: All our projects are designed with contributions from consumer partners who ensure our goals align with the desires of the community.
- Translatable outcomes: Our projects aim to have real-world impact, so we work closely with multidisciplinary teams at hospitals to ensure our research is clinically applicable.
- Ethically minded science: We conduct world-class research without involving animal models, instead working with human samples and cutting-edge synthetic models.
- Collaboration: We've cultivated national and international collaborations across our many research projects, with the aim to expand the impact that our research can have worldwide.
Our results
- To solve the high frequency of late-stage diagnosis in women with ovarian cancer, we’re working to develop a sensitive and specific early detection test.
- To address the need for better personalisation of treatment for ovarian cancer, we’re testing a ‘liquid biopsy’ using ascites fluid, and we’re developing a computational modelling platform to mimic each patient’s disease and predict their best treatment plan.
- To address the need for non-invasive, economical diagnosis of endometriosis, we’re working to develop a diagnostic blood test.
Our experts
Our projects
-
Our early detection research is focused on developing a simple blood test to detect ovarian cancer at its earliest stages, when treatment is most effective and survival outcomes are significantly improved. By identifying tiny fragments of tumour DNA circulating in the bloodstream, we hope to create a screening tool that could one day be used during routine health check-ups to detect ovarian cancer before it spreads. With the support of volunteers and donors, we are working to improve early detection and give future patients a better chance at successful treatment and survival.
-
The Elevated Risk of Ovarian Cancer (EROC) Biobank is developing a comprehensive blood and clinical database of individuals identified as having an increased risk of ovarian cancer. By collecting blood samples, matched clinical data, and epidemiological information, the project aims to create a valuable resource that supports future ovarian cancer research and advances in early detection, diagnosis, disease management, and treatment. Through collaboration between clinicians, scientists, patients, advocates, and research consumers, the EROC Biobank will help drive impactful research and improve understanding of ovarian cancer in high-risk populations.
-
Our ascites research is exploring a “liquid biopsy” approach to improve treatment for ovarian cancer, particularly in patients whose cancer becomes resistant to chemotherapy. By analysing tumour DNA found in ascites fluid, a build-up of fluid commonly drained from the abdomen in ovarian cancer patients, we can gain valuable insights into the disease and help guide more personalised treatment decisions. This innovative research aims to improve outcomes for patients with ovarian cancer and advance precision medicine for some of the most difficult-to-treat cancers.
-
Our endometriosis research is focused on improving the detection and treatment of a condition that affects millions worldwide yet remains difficult to diagnose and treat. We are developing minimally invasive approaches, including a potential blood test using circulating cell-free DNA, to help diagnose endometriosis earlier and reduce delays to care.
-
We are always looking for volunteers to donate blood to support our research. If you would like to learn more about our projects or what is involved in donating, please contact our research team at earlydetection@unsw.edu.au to speak with our research nurse about participating in a blood donation.
If you would like to make a monetary contribution to support our work, please visit the UNSW Giving page.