$400K awarded to ovarian cancer researchers

Which endometriosis patients are at risk for ovarian cancer?

Fred Hutch Epidemiologist Harris has been studying endometriosis for more than a decade, trying to identify its various causes and working to find ways to reduce the pain caused by the disease and painful methods.

The disease, which affects about 200 million women worldwide, is linked to ovarian cancer, but so far no prospective studies have been conducted to determine which people with endometriosis are more likely to go on to develop it. cancer.

Harris will use her Rifkin Center/Andy Hill Cares Fund grant to achieve this goal by conducting the first large-scale analysis of endometriosis patients to identify the characteristics most critical to the development of ovarian cancer.

A common condition that usually affects women in their 20s and 30s, endometriosis starts when tissue similar to the tissue that lines the uterus, starts growing outside of that area, attaching itself to the ovaries, fallopian tubes, bowel, bladder or other parts of the Body.

Over time, excess tissue can build up, forming cysts, scar tissue, and adhesions, which can lead to chronic pain, excessive bleeding, painful intercourse, painful urination or bowel movements, and infertility in up to half of patients.

There is also a risk of ovarian cancer.

“We know endometriosis increases the risk of ovarian cancer, but we don’t know how to determine which people with endometriosis will develop ovarian cancer,” Harris said. For this project, we plan to combine data from 10 previous endometriosis studies, some of which followed patients for 35 years.

Harris aims to identify subsets of people at higher risk who would benefit from closer monitoring or more aggressive endometriosis treatment based on risk factors such as medication use, prior surgeries, personal factors and other health factors. To prevent the occurrence of ovarian cancer.

Harris noted that ovarian cancer and endometriosis are underfunded and therefore the health conditions are underresearched.

She says there’s still a lot we don’t know about why endometriosis lesions progress to ovarian cancer. We are delighted to have received this funding.

Rifkin Center CEO Molly O’Connor was quick to congratulate both scientists.

“Through our partnership with the CARE Fund, we are making unprecedented investments in ovarian cancer research in Washington state to help get the answers we need to save more lives,” she said. Our state is so lucky to have such dedicated leaders in ovarian cancer research.

The gift is a piece of history, said Fred Hutch surgical oncologist David R. Byrd, MD, chairman of the Andy Hill CARE Foundation Board of Directors sexual investment.

“Both the Rifkin Center and Andy Hill Cares have a strong record of advancing cancer research,” he said. “By having these two organizations partnering to invest in cancer research in Washington state, we are making history. We look forward to the results.” Will improve the health of your family, friends, neighbors and community.

Since 1999, the Rifkin Center has invested $16.4 million in global ovarian cancer research, helping to develop new studies and new researchers. With an average return of $17.30 for every $1 invested by the Rifkin Center, these early funds have helped researchers secure nearly another $280 million in funding to continue their work.

The Rivkin Center/Andy Hill CARE Fund will announce an additional $600,000 in grants in 2025.