University of New South Wales and CAMILLA AND MARC have announced a medical breakthrough through the work of the ‘Ovaries. Talk About Them.’ initiative.
This has been the first global development of a unique 3-target signature using DNA biomarkers that detect all types of early-stage ovarian cancer. This achievement will lead to getting an early-detection blood test for clinical trials by 2026.
Dr Kristina Warton, UNSW GCRG head researcher, said that an early detection test has the scope to improve outcomes and save lives for people with ovarian cancer all over the world.
“Our goal is to make this test successful through a simple blood draw and a PCR reaction without requiring specialised imaging equipment or invasive medical procedures,” said Warton.
“Early diagnosis, before the tumour has spread, is the most accessible and equitable path to health care for people at risk of ovarian cancer and will have life-changing impacts for people diagnosed with this disease.”
Ovaries. Talk About Them. has become one of the most impactful philanthropic campaigns in the Australian fashion industry.
“The breakthroughs made with the early detection test have been extraordinary. We feel immense pride towards the team at UNSW for their tireless efforts and everyone who has continually supported our Ovaries. Talk About Them. campaign. Without this funding, we would not have reached this significant milestone,” said Creative Director Camilla Freeman-Topper.
“None of us would be here without ovaries; this disease has been silenced for too long. Millions continue to be affected yearly, yet no test remains. It is not good enough. My mother deserved better. We all deserve better.”
Marc Freeman added that this test was the only DNA-based method globally to reach this advanced stage in ovarian cancer detection.
“This innovation offers optimism for improving the prognosis of this devastating disease via an early detection test.”
The next phase will involve patients with minor or early-stage ovarian tumours, who will be tasked to test the current test on relevant clinical samples.
This year, CAMILLA AND MARC will continue to raise awareness, advocacy and as much funding as possible to facilitate the life-changing research and medical advancements of Professor Caroline Ford, Dr Kristina Warton and the team at the UNSW Gynaecological Cancer Research Group, whose trajectory of developing an early detection test to reach clinical trials by 2026 is on target.
CAMILLA AND MARC have also launched their 2024 ‘Ovaries. Talk About Them.’ unisex and children’s limited edition capsule.
With a simple yet impactful design, created with a sense of naivety through childlike handwriting, this serves as a reminder that an early detection test is crucial for future generations. All sales proceeds will continue to go directly towards the research.
