Extended government funding announced for TRACKFORWARD project

Ovarian Cancer Australia (OCA) is thrilled by today’s announcement from the Honourable Ged Kearney, Assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care, of an additional $386,000 in funding for the next phase of the TRACKFORWARD project, a collaboration between OCA and the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre. 

The TRACKFORWARD study examines genetic changes in ovarian cancer tumours over time, aiming to better understand factors that may increase treatment resistance. This research will enable clinicians to make more informed decisions when selecting treatments for patients with progressive disease, ultimately improving patient outcomes. 

Currently, genetic testing rates in women living with ovarian cancer in Australia are high because women with BRCA1/2 mutations are eligible to receive PARP inhibitors (PARPi) through the PBS to prevent or delay the disease returning. However, treatments can induce resistance known as ‘reversion mutations.’ TRACKFORWARD will monitor the emergence of these reversions in ovarian cancer patients who carry a BRCA1/2 mutation and use this information to better understand the impact on treatment. 

Importantly, understanding the patterns of resistance and associated treatment responses will better inform clinicians on choosing effective therapies for patients with progressive disease. This additional funding will arm doctors and medical researchers with a better understanding of why reversion mutations happen and will help find ways to limit their incidence as well as identify patients most at risk. 

The announcement follows advocacy efforts during Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, including our Parliamentary Breakfast, where Assistant Health Minister Ged Kearney spoke about the inequities in medical research and treatment and the opportunity to ensure better outcomes for women’s health issues. 

This funding provides hope for more women with ovarian cancer recognising the continued Australian Government support for groundbreaking research. Research is a focus of the National Women’s Health Council, which provides strategic advice and recommendations to improve Australia’s health system, offering better, more targeted, and effective healthcare for women and girls across the country.  

Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care, Ged Kearney MP: 

“Ovarian cancer is a devastating disease. Only half of the women who receive a diagnosis survive five years. This study will pave the way for women to have a greater chance at surviving ovarian cancer."

“There is no screening program for ovarian cancer, and because symptoms can often be confused with other health conditions, many women are diagnosed when the cancer has spread, and it can be difficult to treat."

“Ovarian cancer is killing Australian women. It’s heartbreaking to hear the stories of lives lost and families torn apart, but this announcement gives hope around the country.” 

“Australia has some of the best medical researchers in the world. This additional funding for Ovarian Cancer Australia, in partnership with Peter Mac, will make sure the TRACKFORWARD project stays the course to help more women and their families now and in the future.” 

As Ovarian Cancer Australia’s Chief of Advocacy and Support explains: 

“Research investment brings much needed hope to our community. We hear time and time again from those we support, many of whom have advanced disease, that there is significant worry of what happens when they run out of treatment options. We know that many women can respond well to initial therapy, but that unfortunately some go on to develop treatment resistance. A greater understanding of the disease can support a more personalised approach to care, ultimately improving outcomes.” 

OCA specialist advocacy team works directly with government, advisory bodies and other changemakers in the ovarian cancer space to update policies and procedures to ensure access to optimal care and redirect funding to create better outcomes for our community. Learn more on our four priority areas here. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

What is a reversion mutation? 

A Reversion mutation can restore the function of BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, which may have been previously mutated, and lead to a resistance to treatments that may have previously targeted these variants in genes.  

What happens in treatment resistance? 

When a patients cancer becomes resistant to treatment, this means that cells resist the effects of certain chemotherapy agents or medications, which can cause the cancer to grow and develop further.  

What is the TRACKFORWARD study? 

The TRACKFORWARD study is a collaboration between OCA and Peter Mac, which looks at genetic changes in ovarian cancer tumours over time, in which tumours can be susceptible to reversion mutations causing treatment resistance. The TRACKFOWARD project aims to better understand this process, what causes it and to enable more informed treatment decision making by clinicians.     

What role to we see genomics and personalised medicine playing the future of ovarian cancer? 

The role of genomics and personalised medicine is playing a significant role in the evolving landscape of ovarian cancer care here in Australia and globally. As we learn more about an individual's unique tumour, their genomic profile, we are able to better tailor treatments. 

How important is collaboration between research organisations and patient community organisations? 

Collaboration is an essential component of all research projects. We are grateful at Ovarian Cancer Australia, to be able to amplify the voices of our community to support funding and implementation of initiatives designed to address unmet need. We can share with funding bodies the value that a particular initiative might provide to the ovarian cancer community, emphasising where gaps exist, and potential opportunities lie.  

We’re so thankful to the many community members who engage with and support ovarian cancer research across the country, to the sector who continue to advocate for increased research funding and to the hardworking researchers working to improve the outcomes of those impacted by ovarian cancer every day.  

Is this study recruiting? 

This study is not openly recruiting currently, as it is looking at samples already collected. We recommend speaking with your treatment team for any opportunities for participation in clinical trials or research that may be open to you based on your individual situation.  

If you require any additional support or information, please contact our Ovarian Cancer Nurses via our Helpline on 1300 660 334 (9 am – 5 pm AEDT).