Celebrating Women’s History Month: A spotlight on our female ovarian cancer researchers
By Emily Usher | 5 March 2025
Dr Jessica Holien: Tackling treatment resistance
Head of Computational Biology, RMIT University
Dr Jessica Holien is a leading scientist in ovarian cancer research, dedicated to uncovering why some cancer cells become resistant to chemotherapy. This resistance is a major challenge, often rendering treatments ineffective over time. By studying the genetic changes that allow cancer cells to adapt and survive, Dr Holien aims to develop strategies that make therapies more effective and longer-lasting.
Beyond treatment resistance, she is also working to identify biomarkers that could lead to earlier diagnoses. “Ovarian cancer is often diagnosed late because symptoms are vague and can be mistaken for other conditions,” she explains. “If we can develop better diagnostic tools, we can intervene earlier and improve survival rates.”
Dr Holien’s research, funded in part by Cure Cancer, is already producing significant breakthroughs:
- New drug targets for mucinous ovarian carcinoma (MOC)
A novel bioinformatics approach has been developed to identify potential drug targets for this rare and treatment-resistant form of ovarian cancer. By mapping protein interactions in cancer cells, her team has pinpointed critical proteins that, when targeted, could slow or stop disease progression—offering hope for more effective treatments.
- Targeting KIF18A: A key to stopping cancer growth
Dr Holien’s team has identified KIF18A, a protein essential for cancer cell division, but not necessary for normal cells. Inhibiting KIF18A could provide a targeted approach to disrupt cancer growth without harming healthy tissue, paving the way for safer and more effective treatments.
Dr Holien is also passionate about diversity in medical research. Historically, drug development has been dominated by male researchers, and until 1993, women and people assigned female at birth were rarely included in clinical trials. As a result, many treatments are based on male physiology, leading to women and people assigned female at birth experiencing up to 75% more adverse effects from prescription drugs.
“In commercial drug discovery, women are still underrepresented,” she says. “Our project on MOC has been led by an all-female team. We bring a unique perspective, designing trials that consider gender differences in drug responses—something particularly crucial for diseases like ovarian cancer.”
Professor Caroline Ford: A new era of early detection and targeted treatments
Group Leader of the Gynaecological Cancer Research Group at UNSW
Professor Caroline Ford is determined to transform the outlook for women and people with ovaries diagnosed with ovarian cancer. A passionate advocate for diversity in STEM, she leads pioneering research to develop better diagnostic tools and targeted treatments.
One of her key projects focuses on identifying methylated DNA in blood to create a reliable early detection test. “Most ovarian cancer cases are diagnosed at an advanced stage, making treatment more complex,” she explains. “Our goal is to develop a highly sensitive test that can detect the disease at its earliest stages, when surgery has the best chance of success.”
Prof Ford's team is also working on innovative treatments by investigating two genes that become abnormally activated in ovarian cancer. Their studies have shown that silencing these genes in lab models can stop cancer growth. Now, they are developing new treatments and collaborating with international researchers to move these discoveries towards clinical trials.
“As a feminist, I’m deeply invested in women’s health,” she says. “Ovarian cancer has been overlooked and underfunded for far too long. While I feel privileged to lead a dedicated team, it’s heartbreaking to see how few treatment options are available for patients. Meeting incredible people affected by this disease motivates me every day to push our research forward.”
Dr Emily Colvin: Pioneering new treatments
Kolling Institute of Medical Research, Hormones and Cancer Division
Sydney-based scientist Dr Emily Colvin is working on several projects aimed at developing novel therapies for ovarian cancer. One of her key focuses is understanding how non-cancerous cells within ovarian tumours influence cancer growth. Her goal is to identify these cells as potential targets for new treatments that could be more effective than current options.
“Talking to patients about my research and hearing their experiences is incredibly rewarding,” she says. “It puts everything into perspective and reinforces why this work is so important.”
Dr Colvin emphasises that progress in ovarian cancer treatment depends on sustained research investment. “We need better treatments to improve outcomes for women, and that’s only going to happen through research. The more we focus on early detection, the better the prognosis will be.”
Looking to the future: The importance of funding and support
The work of researchers like Dr Jessica Holien, Prof Caroline Ford, and Dr Emily Colvin is crucial in transforming ovarian cancer detection and treatment. However, progress is only possible with continued funding and public support.
"Improvements in cancer can only come from research, and research can only be facilitated through funding,” says Prof Caroline Ford. “Funding is crucial. It’s absolutely key to not only enabling the research but to make sure we have a new pipeline, a new generation of cancer researchers coming through the system, and not leaving due to lack of funding."
As we celebrate the achievements of women in science this Women’s History Month, it’s essential to recognise the urgency of ovarian cancer research. By investing in these brilliant minds and their groundbreaking work, we can move closer to a future where ovarian cancer is no longer a life-threatening diagnosis.
Together, we can drive meaningful change and improve outcomes for women and people assigned female at birth.
To support ovarian cancer research and help fund the next breakthrough, you can head to the link below:
