Groundbreaking Treatment Hope for Ovarian Cancer: ‘We’ll be able to actually make a vaccine to help fight that disease’

By 9News Staff, 12:22am Mar 22, 2024

When 24-year-old Tora Murphy quit her job to see the world, she never expected her travels would be cut short after just seven weeks. Murphy’s life took an unexpected turn when she was diagnosed with stage three ovarian cancer after noticing physical changes during her travels. Ovarian cancer, a disease claiming the lives of 1000 Australian women every year with a five-year survival rate of 49%, has been a daunting reality for many.

Murphy’s journey led to surgery to remove an 18-centimeter tumor and a full hysterectomy. Reflecting on her experience, she expressed disbelief at the diagnosis, stating, ‘I didn’t even know that people like me could get cancer.’ The emotional toll of the disease is evident as she shared her concerns about the potential of recurrence, acknowledging that it may forever loom over her.

However, there is new hope on the horizon. Mater Research scientists have embarked on groundbreaking work, targeting molecules on a key immune system trigger, dendritic cells. Professor Kristen Radford from Mater Research expressed optimism about the potential of their work, stating, ‘We think that by focusing on that cell type in particular, that we’ll be able to actually make a vaccine to help fight that disease and to eventually help prevent recurrence.’

The development of this vaccine is made possible by $670,000 in funding raised by the Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation, part of a larger $2.4 million in grants. Georgie Herbert from the foundation highlighted the community’s contribution, emphasizing that the funds were raised through various activities such as walking, running, baking, and shaving heads.

Murphy’s story has also inspired fundraising efforts, with her partner and friends planning a 100-kilometer walk in May to support the cause. She expressed gratitude, emphasizing the impact of such initiatives, stating, ‘Their money goes to such a good place.’

The groundbreaking research and fundraising efforts offer a glimmer of hope for those affected by ovarian cancer. The potential of a vaccine to combat the disease and prevent recurrence signifies a significant stride in the battle against this formidable illness.

For more news and updates, visit leximural.com