Welcome from the Directors
The 3rd International Symposium Ovarian Cancer: Prevention, Detection and Treatment of the Disease and Its Recurrence was held May 10-11, 2012 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. It was a smashing success!
Over 300 people registered and attended the meeting, representing a plethora of clinical and academic disciplines, industry, policy makers, funding agencies and advocates.
Our meeting opened with a keynote address by Nelly Auersperg, MD, PhD, who provided a fascinating retrospective look at the progress made over the last 40 years in ovarian cancer biology. World leaders in ovarian cancer research provided the latest data and thoughts on molecular mechanisms and personalized medicine in ovarian cancer – from prevention, early detection and treatment to symptom management and survivorship issues. Panel discussions after each session provided a forum for the exchange of ideas and were peppered with several heated debates!
Additional up-to-date information was discussed at the oral abstract and poster sessions, highlighted by presentations from the DOD Ovarian Academy members. Top abstracts from the meeting along with a meeting summary can be accessed on-line in the International Journal of Gynecologic Cancer 22(8)s45-57.
The Integrative Approach to Cancer Care educational session was attended by over 70 people and provided a forum for women, family members and primary care clinicians to meet, share ideas and acquire the latest information on ovarian cancer care in order to empower women and their families.
The meeting closed with a highly informative discussion by a number of speakers, including Michael Seiden, David Huntsman, Anne O’Mara, David Barley, Anna Lokshin, William Zamboni, and Diane Bodurka. Challenged by comments from the audience, the speakers responded to the question posed: What are the barriers to improving ovarian cancer outcome and survival? A diverse set of recommendations for research and funding priorities emerged.
Videos of highlighted talks and the panel discussions are now available! You can also view videos from our 2005 symposium, including the talk by Dr. Karen Johnson, which Dr. Meg Gaines discussed in her plenary address.
Last but not least, we extend our gratitude to the organizations and individuals who generously provided financial support for the symposium:
National Cancer Institute – Division of Cancer Prevention
Dr. and Mrs. Joseph L. Kelly
The Fabrizio Family
Morris and Carolyn Barkon Lectureship in Gynecologic Oncology Survivorship
Jewish Healthcare Foundation
Robert P. Edwards, MD |
Francesmary Modugno, PhD, MPH |
