The first ovarian cancer research projects to be supported by the Mother’s Day Classic, Australia’s most loved national fun run and walk, have been announced by the Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation. The funding supports two cutting-edge projects to advance diagnosis and treatment of the disease.
In 2024, the Mother’s Day Classic (MDC) fundraising total reached $3.3 million. Participants were given the choice to fundraise for breast cancer research, ovarian cancer research or both. In the first year of extending support to include ovarian cancer research $1.2 million was donated to the Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation, while $2.1million was donated to the longstanding beneficiary, the National Breast Cancer Foundation.
Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation grant recipients for the first Mother’s Day Classic-funded ovarian cancer research projects are:
Associate Professor Kylie Gorringe, The University of Melbourne and Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, $481,667 over three years. To examine the proteins present in mucinous ovarian cancer to identify ways to therapeutically target the disease, and also screen existing drugs to find more effective treatment approaches for this rare subtype. Mucinous ovarian cancer is a rare type of ovarian cancer that often affects younger women and tragically does not respond to chemotherapy. A/Prof Gorringe’s team is one of the only in the world with a dedicated mucinous ovarian cancer program, providing a unique opportunity significantly improve survival outcomes for these patients.
Dr Nicole Campbell, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, $892,212 over three years. To develop a new immunotherapy that targets the most common subtype, high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC), by focusing on a naturally produced protein known as interferon epsilon which can activate the immune system to help eliminate the cancer. HGSOC makes up approximately 60-70% of all ovarian cancer diagnoses in Australia.
Ms Zara Lawless, CEO Mother’s Day Classic, said, the MDC was proud to celebrate the funding of the two ovarian research projects to be funded by the MDC.
“The Mother’s Day Classic community has shown that it can and wants to do more by funding vital research that provides the gift of hope and progress to even more women across Australia. These two research projects sit alongside the 85 breast cancer projects funded by the MDC since 1998,” Ms Lawless said.
“Sadly, ovarian cancer is the most lethal gynaecological cancer, claiming over 1,000 Australian lives annually. It’s only through research where scientific gains can be possible, providing hope for lifesaving results.”
The current average five-year survival rate for women diagnosed with ovarian cancer is just 49 per cent. However, most women are diagnosed in the advance stages, where the survival ratedrops to 29 per cent.
“In 2025, our 28th Mother’s Day Classic, we will take yet another step towards the day where every woman diagnosed with either ovarian or breast cancer will be given the assurance that they can survive,” Ms Lawless said.
Ms Robin Penty, Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation CEO, said: "It's a really proud moment to be associated with the first ever ovarian cancer research projects supported by the Mother's Day Classic.
“This partnership has enabled the OCRF to continue to grow our capacity as a vital launchpad for cutting-edge ovarian cancer research projects. We know what this formidable event has achieved for people living with a breast cancer diagnosis. Ongoing research has increased the five-year survival rate and prolonged many lives.
“So, we know that in 25 years' time, we will see an improvement in health outcomes for ovarian cancer through their support.
“These two fine researchers are exemplary Australian scientists, demonstrating the innovation we need to accelerate progress for all women and girls."
