​At the STAAR Ovarian Cancer Foundation, we are committed to addressing the urgent gaps in treatment and research for low-grade serous ovarian cancer (LGSOC). Our 2025 Funding Priorities are designed to advance the most promising scientific breakthroughs that will directly improve patient outcomes, expand treatment options, and bring us closer to finding a cure. We invite researchers to explore these priorities and apply for funding to contribute to the future of ovarian cancer care.

2025 Funding Priorities

1. Innovative Therapeutics
  • Immunotherapy Approaches: Invest in early-stage studies exploring the role of immunotherapy in LGSOC, including how to overcome its current limitations in this cancer subtype.
  • Novel Drug Development: Encourage research into new targeted therapies and small molecules that specifically address the unique biology of LGSOC.
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2. Collaborative and Multicenter Studies
  • Large-Scale Clinical Trials: Fund multicenter collaborations to accelerate clinical trials testing new treatment modalities for LGSOC.
  • International Collaborations: Support partnerships that leverage global research expertise, fostering cross-institutional learning and innovative approaches to treatment.
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3. Development of Combination Therapies
  • Combination Drug Trials: Prioritize studies that explore the efficacy of combining MEK inhibitors, hormonal therapies (e.g., Fulvestrant), or chemotherapy to improve treatment responses.
  • Synergistic Drug Interactions: Investigate how combining targeted therapies with immune checkpoint inhibitors or other novel agents could enhance efficacy and reduce resistance.

4. Personalized Medicine 
  • Personalized Medicine: Support studies focused on stratifying LGSOC patients based on molecular profiles to tailor treatment approaches more effectively.

5. Hormonal Therapy Research
  • Understanding Hormonal Drivers: Given the hormone sensitivity of LGSOC, fund research on the role of hormonal therapies (such as aromatase inhibitors) and how they can be better utilized or combined with other treatments.
  • Role of Estrogen Receptor Modulation: Research into how estrogen receptor modulation impacts tumor progression and resistance, with the goal of finding better hormonal therapy options.
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6. Understanding Resistance Mechanisms
  • Targeted Therapy Resistance: Continue investigating why patients with LGSOC develop resistance to therapies like Trametinib (MEK inhibitors) and other targeted treatments.
  • Drug Resistance Biomarkers: Identifying predictive biomarkers that signal resistance early, which can help guide personalized treatment approaches.​ 
Interested in contributing to these vital areas of research?

​​Success Story: Advancing Hormonal Therapy for LGSOC

Thanks to STAAR’s funding, groundbreaking research led by Dr. KK Wong at MD Anderson Cancer Center has advanced our understanding of estrogen signaling in low-grade serous ovarian cancer (LGSOC). Published in the British Journal of Cancer, the study highlights key pathways that could improve endocrine therapy, offering new hope to LGSOC patients. By identifying predictive markers for hormone therapy response, this research is paving the way for more personalized treatments and better outcomes.
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