As Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month draws to a close, the Cartherics team gathered for an afternoon dedicated to raising awareness and funds for ovarian cancer research.

Each year, around 1,800 new ovarian cancer cases are diagnosed in Australia, with over 70% of these being at advanced stages and offering limited treatment options. Cartherics is developing innovative cell therapy treatments for ovarian cancer patients, with clinical trials scheduled to begin in the near future. Without new treatment options, the incidence of ovarian cancer is expected to rise by 66% in our region over the next 25 years.

Cartherics’ Chief Executive Officer, Prof. Alan Trounson AO commented: “We are moving as fast as we can towards clinical trials and expect that our CAR-T cell and CAR-NK cell products, targeting ovarian cancer will be in the clinic late this year or early next year. We also have another CAR-NK cell product in development. We are hoping these therapies will enable control of ovarian cancer”.

During the afternoon tea, we were delighted to hear from Georgie Herbert, Donor & Partnerships Director at the Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation (OCRF). Georgie shared an update on the vital work being done by the OCRF, along with her own personal experience. She has been a dedicated advocate for the OCRF for many years, passionately fundraising for an early detection test since the late 2000s, when her mother, Mandy, was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Alongside her family, including Mandy, she founded Mands’ Mob—a growing team of fun-runners who participated in multi-charity events to raise funds for the OCRF from 2009 to 2017. After Mandy’s passing in early 2017, Georgie, along with long-time family friend and Channel 9 personality Clint Stanaway, established the Silver Lining Ride to honour both Mandy and their friend Helen Hatzis, who had also lost her battle with ovarian cancer just weeks earlier.

At the OCRF, Georgie focuses on strengthening relationships with Australia’s philanthropic and corporate communities, encouraging investments in research aimed at early detection, improved treatment and management, and ultimately the prevention of ovarian cancer.

As we reflect on the importance of Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, the Cartherics team remains committed to advancing research and developing new treatment options for ovarian cancer. The need for innovative therapies has never been more urgent, with the growing number of cases and limited treatment options available to patients.