Improving in vivo detection methods and immunotherapies for epithelial ovarian cancer

Epithelial ovarian cancers (EOCs) are the most lethal of all female reproductive-associated cancers. The immune system plays a significant role in the progression of EOC, thus therapies that can re-activate the anti-tumour immune response are promising; however, improved animal models are required in order to accurately assess new therapies effectively. We developed a new ovarian cancer mouse model that permits tracking of ovarian cancer progression non-invasively in real time. We used this model to show that a type 2 diabetes drug can restore the immune response and delay ovarian cancer progression, both alone and in combination with chemotherapy. This exciting work will hopefully lead to a new treatment for ovarian cancer.