We are 100% committed to funding cutting edge research.
Through its dedication to the development, organization and successful implementation of numerous charitable fundraising programs, educational seminars, and events held throughout the Mid-Atlantic region, The Barbara T. Ferraro Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation delivers on its core principle of generating greater awareness of the threat of ovarian cancer and promoting the need for more investment in ovarian cancer research.
Today, ovarian cancer is practically a death sentence. Survival rates over the last five years remain low and unchanged at 35%. Not enough is being done to advance an agenda on behalf of ovarian cancer patients, families and those who have gone before. We’re working to change that!
The Barbara T. Ferraro Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation sees its role in the fight against ovarian cancer as an urgent agent of change to turn the tide against this tragic, horrible disease. We are an army of volunteer advocates, experts and medical professionals who give of our time so that every penny of our funding goes into preventing, detecting and curing ovarian cancer.
That’s why we’re all in when it comes to our work in her name. By focusing 100% of our time and resources on the prevention, detection and cure of ovarian cancer, we are funding the most urgent pathways to a breakthrough. We do so while driving strategic advocacy in service to fast-tracking increased survival rates and a cure. We are also 100% practical. We seek to advance solutions that stem the tide today while advancing to a cure as soon possible.
In all of it, we are committed to directing 100% of donations to those doing the work. To that end, we are a 100%-volunteer organization.
The Barbara T. Ferraro Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation focuses its funding across several areas: detection, prevention and a cure for ovarian cancer.
MD Anderson Cancer Center at Cooper, with significant funding from the Barbara T. Ferraro Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation, is conducting crucial research into the NRF2 and KEAP1 genes and their role in ovarian cancer.
Here’s a breakdown of what this research aims to achieve:
- Understanding Chemoresistance: The core focus of this research is to understand how ovarian cancer cells develop resistance to chemotherapy and immunotherapy. This resistance is a major challenge in treating ovarian cancer, often leading to poor outcomes for patients.
- The Role of NRF2 and KEAP1:
- NRF2 (Nuclear Factor Erythroid 2-Related Factor 2) and KEAP1 (Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1) are key proteins involved in the cellular defense system.
- Normally, KEAP1 acts as a negative regulator, keeping NRF2 levels low. However, when cells are under stress (like oxidative stress caused by cancer or chemotherapy), KEAP1 releases NRF2.
- Activated NRF2 then moves to the nucleus and turns on genes that produce protective substances. In cancer cells, an overactive NRF2 pathway can become problematic, as these protective substances can shield cancer cells from the effects of chemotherapy and immunotherapy, making them resistant to treatment.
- Targeting These Genes: Researchers at MD Anderson at Cooper, led by Dr. David P. Warshal, Head of the Division of Gynecologic Oncology, are investigating how to target these NRF2 and KEAP1 genes. The goal is to find ways to permeate the cell barrier that NRF2 creates, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of existing cancer treatments.
- Developing Next-Generation Treatments: By understanding and disrupting the NRF2/KEAP1 pathway in cancer cells, the research aims to develop next-generation innovative ovarian cancer treatments. This could involve therapies that make chemotherapy and immunotherapy more potent, ultimately leading to better outcomes for patients.
The Barbara T. Ferraro Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation’s commitment to this specific research is deeply personal, stemming from Barbara T. Ferraro’s own battle with ovarian cancer. Their continued support highlights the dedication to eliminating this disease by funding groundbreaking research that holds the potential for new therapies.
We are also considering future funding directions at MD Anderson that include, but are not limited to:
- The Blanton-Davis Ovarian Cancer Research Program that leverages a multi-disciplinary integration of research, patient care, education and prevention initiatives focused on ovarian cancer.
- SPOR (Specialized Programs of Research Excellence)
- The Low-Grade Serous Ovarian Cancer Program that focuses on cutting-edge laboratory and clinical investigations leading to novel therapies, with the goal of improving outcomes for women with this rare ovarian cancer subtype.
- The Early Detection & Prevention Effort that focuses developing novel strategies to detect ovarian cancer in its earliest stages. Innovative prevention efforts, especially for high-risk women, are also being tested.
PLEASE, if you have a heart for Ovarian Cancer, PLEASE DONATE NOW!