Overview of the Canadian Conference on Ovarian Cancer Research

Jessica Lawson, PhD & Alicia Tone, PhD, Ovarian Cancer Canada

The 12th Canadian Conference on Ovarian Cancer Research (CCOCR) was held in Vancouver, Canada from May 29-June 1, 2026. Co-led by the Gynecologic Cancer Initiative and Ovarian Cancer Canada (OCC), the conference brought together nearly 300 researchers, clinicians, trainees, patient partners, and people with lived experience to share the latest advances in ovarian and endometrial cancer research and care. The program featured seven plenary sessions, 16 breakout sessions, and more than 100 scientific posters, covering topics across the cancer continuum – from prevention and early detection to precision treatment and survivorship. A key highlight of this year’s conference was the increased integration of lived experience into the scientific program, with 11 members of OCC’s Patient Partners in Research program serving as invited speakers, panelists, or co-moderators throughout the conference.

Key Conference Highlights

New technologies are advancing early detection research

Researchers highlighted the urgent need for more accurate tools to detect ovarian cancer earlier. One approach is a new imaging technology designed to examine the inside of the fallopian tubes, where many high-grade serous ovarian cancers begin. The device is small enough to capture detailed images and collect fluid samples from inside the fallopian tubes. While this research is still in its early stages, it represents an innovative step toward developing new tools that could one day help monitor individuals at high risk of ovarian cancer or support earlier diagnosis.

Advances in blood-based testing using circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA) – small fragments of tumour DNA that can be found in the bloodstream, were also presented. Researchers are evaluating whether mDETECTov, a blood test that analyzes tumour-specific DNA methylation patterns associated with ovarian cancer, can distinguish cancer from benign ovarian conditions, and potentially detect ovarian cancer earlier than current approaches. Although further validation is needed before it can become part of routine care, this research represents another promising step toward improving early detection and patient outcomes.

Understanding tumour biology to guide more personalized care

Researchers highlighted how precision medicine is evolving beyond single biomarkers to better capture the complexity of high-grade serous ovarian cancer. By combining information from tumour genetics, the tumour microenvironment, and medical imaging, scientists are working to better understand how individual tumours behave and predict treatment response. Whole genome sequencing is being explored to determine whether patterns of DNA repair can better predict which patients may benefit from PARP inhibitors. Researchers also discussed how high-grade serous ovarian cancer evolves over time. Single-cell approaches are revealing how different populations of cancer cells can exist within the same tumour and contribute to treatment resistance, providing insights that may help guide future treatment strategies.

In endometrial cancer, ProMisE (Proactive Molecular Risk Classifier for Endometrial Cancer) has transformed our understanding of the disease by establishing a molecular framework for classifying endometrial cancers. Researchers highlighted the COMPARE (Co-existent Endometrial and Ovarian Carcinoma: Optimization of Treatment through Molecular and Pathological Refinement) trial, which is using molecular and pathological features to better understand co-existent endometrial and ovarian cancers and identify patients who may safely receive less intensive treatment.

The immune system and tumour microenvironment are opening new treatment possibilities

Researchers highlighted how the tumour microenvironment – the complex community of cells and signals surrounding a tumour – plays an important role in how ovarian cancers develop and respond to treatment.

One emerging area of research is the role of natural killer (NK) cells, a type of immune cell involved in recognizing and attacking cancer cells. Researchers are exploring how different NK cell populations within high-grade serous ovarian cancer can have distinct abilities to respond to tumours, with some maintaining anti-tumour activity while others become suppressed by the tumour microenvironment. This diversity may represent an underutilized opportunity for immunotherapy, as understanding how different NK cells function could help researchers develop more targeted strategies to harness the immune system against ovarian cancer.

Clinical trials are accelerating new treatment and prevention approaches

Platinum-resistant high-grade serous ovarian cancer is particularly challenging to treat, and current treatment options remain limited. Researchers highlighted innovative trial designs that allow multiple therapies to be evaluated more efficiently, helping bring potential new treatments to patients faster. The IPROC (Immunotherapy Platform Study in Platinum-Resistant High-Grade Serous Ovarian Cancer) trial uses an adaptive platform design that allows researchers to evaluate multiple immunotherapy combinations while identifying which patients are most likely to benefit from these approaches.

Researchers discussed efforts to expand ovarian cancer prevention through opportunistic salpingectomy – the removal of the fallopian tubes during another planned surgery when they are no longer needed. Previous studies have shown that this approach can reduce the risk of high-grade serous ovarian cancer by 50-80%. Building on this evidence, new clinical trials are exploring whether opportunistic salpingectomy can be safely and effectively offered during eligible general surgery procedures, with the goal of expanding access to this prevention strategy for more people.

Survivorship is becoming a greater research priority

Researchers and clinicians emphasized that survivorship care must address the many challenges people may experience after diagnosis of a gynecologic cancer. Discussions highlighted the importance of recognizing and supporting mental health concerns, including anxiety, depression, and fear of recurrence, which can have a significant impact on quality of life. Researchers shared updates on the CALM trial, which is evaluating whether a structured psychotherapy intervention can reduce psychological distress and improve quality of life for people with newly diagnosed or recurrent advanced ovarian cancer.

Researchers also discussed the often-overlooked effects of treatment and menopause transitions, including changes in cognitive function, bone and cardiovascular health, fertility, sexuality, and overall well-being. Ongoing research continues to explore approaches that can improve quality of life while maintaining effective cancer prevention and treatment. One initiative aims to improve support for people at hereditary risk of ovarian cancer through the development of patient education resources and healthcare provider training on surgical menopause and hormone replacement therapy.

Photos: Members of Ovarian Cancer Canada’s Patient Partners in Research (PPiR) team at CCOCR 2026.

Gynecologic Cancer Initiative  https://gynecancerinitiative.ca/

Ovarian Cancer Canada (OCC) https://ovariancanada.org/