During his recent visit to Auckland, Ovarian Cancer Foundation New Zealand (OCFNZ) trustees Jane Ludemann and Dr Alicia Didsbury met with renowned United Kingdom ovarian cancer researcher Professor Charlie Gourley. This was a fantastic opportunity to discuss ongoing collaborative efforts and explore future directions in ovarian cancer research.
Professor Charlie Gourley is a medical oncologist and clinical director of the Cancer Research UK Scotland Centre. He is also an experienced clinical trialist and was the UK lead for two practice-changing clinical trials for high-grade serous and low-grade serous ovarian cancer (LGSOC). His research has significantly influenced treatment approaches worldwide.
OCFNZ has built a strong relationship with Professor Gourley and his team. Last year, he and his colleague, Dr Robb Hollis, hosted our first research travel grant recipient, Sonesavanh Larnkham from Victoria University of Wellington. Sonesavanh spent a month at their laboratories at the University of Edinburgh, learning new techniques to further her research on the early detection of ovarian cancer.
Through the Low-Grade Serous Ovarian Cancer Initiative, we facilitate international fundraising for research into this rare subtype. Since 2018, we have helped raise over £100,000 for Professor Gourley’s work. His research laboratory recently identified several promising new treatments for LGSOC, which could one day benefit women around the world, including those in New Zealand.
“When I was diagnosed with LGSOC, ovarian cancer charities around the world just weren’t funding research on LGSOC, which is why we created the LGSOC Initiative.
Through this, we’ve built relationships with many of the foremost researchers in ovarian cancer around the world, which has broad benefits. We can call on authors of landmark research studies for our submissions to Pharmac (helping us fight multiple proposals to decline bevacizumab’s funding application), have our patient information reviewed by the most qualified expert, and give New Zealand researchers access to opportunities that otherwise would not be available.
Because New Zealand is so far away, it’s rare to get to meet these researchers in person. After years of emails and Zooms, it was incredible to finally hear Professor Gourley talk about his research in person and see the passion he inspires in clinicians and researchers alike.”
OCFNZ founder and trustee Jane Ludemann
Professor Gourley visited New Zealand Auckland as a guest of pharmaceutical company GSK to discuss high-grade serous ovarian cancer with NZ medical and gynae-oncologists. Whilst not busy with GSK engagements, Prof Gourley met with local researchers and OCFNZ.
