General Information

Ovarian Cancer Research Program (OvCaRe) is a multi-disciplinary, multi-institutional research program involving clinicians and research scientists in gynecology, pathology, and medical oncology. OvCaRe is a unique collaboration between the BC Cancer Agency, Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute, and the University of British Columbia. Funding is provided through donations to VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation and the BC Cancer Foundation, who, in a joint partnership created a campaign to raise funds to make OvCaRe possible. The team is considered a leader in ovarian cancer research, breaking new ground in better identifying, understanding, and treating this disease.

OvCaRe was inspired in part by ovarian cancer patient, Cheryl Brown, and the Cheryl Brown Outcomes Unit at BC Cancer Agency plays an important role in collecting and providing records of patient treatment and outcomes and ovarian cancer tissue samples. This data can then be analyzed using micro-array technology in the Genetic Pathology Evaluation Centre (GPEC) lab at the VCH Research Institute. With this technology, researchers can discover new ovarian cancer biomarkers and determine how they perform in predicting response to different treatments.

PARTNERS

BC Cancer Agency
The BC Cancer Agency, an agency of the Provincial Health Services Authority, is committed to reducing the incidence of cancer, reducing the mortality from cancer, and improving the quality of life of those living with cancer. It provides a comprehensive cancer control program for the people of British Columbia by working with community partners to deliver a range of oncology services, including prevention, early detection, diagnosis and treatment, research, education, supportive care, rehabilitation and palliative care.

VCHRI
Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute is the research body of the Vancouver Coastal Health Authority and health partner of the University of British Columbia. Headquartered at Vancouver General Hospital, the Institute supports and advances research activity and innovation aimed at helping the patient population get well and stay healthy.

UBC
The Faculty of Medicine at UBC provides innovative programs in the health and life sciences, teaching students at the undergraduate, graduate and postgraduate levels, and generates more than $200 million in research funding each year.

BC Cancer Foundation
The BC Cancer Foundation, established in 1935, raises funds to support research and enhancements to patient care at the BC Cancer Agency throughout British Columbia.

VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation is a registered charity that raises funds for the latest, most sophisticated medical equipment, world-class research and improvements to patient care for Vancouver General Hospital, UBC Hospital, GF Strong Rehab Centre and Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute. For more than 25 years, the Foundation and its donors have been a bridge between the essential health care governments provide and the most advanced health care possible.