Dr. Nora Disis awarded $300K for ovarian cancer vaccine from Rivkin Center

CVI Director Dr. Nora Disis was awarded a $300,000 grant from the Rivkin Center for Ovarian Cancer Research and Andy Hill Cancer Research Endowment (CARE) Fund to advance the development of a vaccine designed to prevent ovarian cancer’s metastatic spread.

Recurrent ovarian cancer that is resistant to chemotherapy is especially difficult to treat, and patients have very few options. A vaccine that trains the immune system to recognize and destroy ovarian cancer cells will be a game-changer for patients.

This funded study will test the vaccine using an innovative vaccine delivery method that delivers a DNA vaccine on gold beads through the skin and improves mucosal immunity. Her hypothesis is that this gold bead delivery method is a better way to vaccinate and may lead to a stronger anti-cancer immune response. If successful, this research will pave the way to a clinical trial for the vaccine.

“Ovarian cancer research needs bold ideas, and Dr. Disis is a leader in the development of cancer vaccines,” said Molly O’Connor, CEO of the Rivkin Center. “Ovarian cancer patients who have received her vaccines are already living better, longer lives. This new research has the potential to bring hope for so many more.”