‘Underinvestment in gynae cancer has left critical gaps,’ says ANZGOG Chair

Ovarian cancer is the deadliest women’s cancer, with the latest statistics revealing a five-year survival rate of just 49%. Alarmingly, two-thirds (67%) of cases are diagnosed at an advanced stage, where survival drops to just 29%.

Pharmaceutical breakthroughs have delivered some progress. In September 2022, GSK’s Zejula (niraparib) was listed on the PBS for advanced ovarian cancer treatment in BRCA mutation carriers. In January 2024, AstraZeneca’s Lynparza (Olaparib) became the first PARP inhibitor listed on the PBS for homologous recombination deficiency (HRD). This was followed in April 2024 by the expanded listing of Zejula for first-line maintenance treatment, making it the second PARP inhibitor available for HRD patients.

This month, during Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, the Australia New Zealand Gynaecological Oncology Group (ANZGOG) is calling for urgent action to improve outcomes for women diagnosed with ovarian cancer.

“The statistics are stark. Ovarian cancer is a group of complex and rare cancers that are often diagnosed too late, when treatment options are limited, and survival rates are devastatingly low,” said ANZGOG Chair, Professor Clare Scott AM.

“For too long, women’s symptoms have been dismissed or misdiagnosed. Gender bias in healthcare means many women don’t receive a diagnosis until their cancer is advanced. These are our mothers, sisters, daughters, wives, and friends… we must do better,” she added.

In 2025, more than 1,800 Australian women are expected to be diagnosed with the disease, and nearly 1,100 will lose their lives.

Professor Scott underscored the impact of chronic underfunding, saying “Underinvestment in women generally and in gynaecological cancer research specifically has left critical gaps in understanding the molecular make-up of rare and less common gynaecological cancers, including ovarian cancer.

“This can limit treatment options, with only a limited range of treatments for known genomic variants being funded for ovarian cancer, despite such treatments being funded by the PBS for other cancer types, causing premature death.”

ANZGOG leads clinical trials to bring cutting-edge therapies to women with ovarian and other gynaecological cancers.

“Research-driven advancements in molecular profiling and precision medicine offer new hope, yet more than 90% of women diagnosed today do not have access to these life-saving innovations,” Professor Scott said. “We know that molecular profiling, precision medicine and expanded access to clinical trials can significantly extend and improve lives. ANZGOG’s research is already changing the way we diagnose and treat ovarian cancer, but we must accelerate progress to ensure no woman is left behind.”

ANZGOG is urging the Australian Government, the medical community, and the public to prioritise investment in ovarian cancer research and treatment.

“Women cannot wait. With more than 28,500 women projected to lose their life from a gynaecological cancer over the next decade, we need action now. Research is the key to better survival rates,” emphasised Professor Scott.

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