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A new global roadmap for ovarian cancer is published in Nature

We’re proud to share that a major international paper, shaped by discussions at Ovarian Cancer Action’s 2024 Helene Harris Memorial Trust (HHMT) International Forum, has been published in Nature Reviews Cancer.

This paper brings together leading researchers and lived experience voices from around the world to set out the next decade of priorities for tackling ovarian cancer, with a focus on the most common and aggressive form, high-grade serous carcinoma (HGSC).

Why this matters

Around 80% of ovarian cancer deaths are caused by HGSC. Despite progress in surgery and targeted treatments, survival remains too low, especially for women diagnosed at a later stage.

This new publication highlights both the scale of the challenge and the opportunity ahead. While outcomes have improved slowly, our understanding of ovarian cancer has advanced rapidly. Scientists now know much more about how it starts, how it evolves, and why treatments stop working.

That knowledge is the foundation for change.

What the research shows

The paper sets out what needs to happen next, building a roadmap for ovarian cancer research. It highlights the following takeaways:

Ovarian cancer is complex and solving it requires teamwork

There is now a scientific basis for prevention and early detection, meaning these are in reach

The tumour’s environment shapes treatment response

Stopping relapse (the cancer coming back) is a central challenge

Powerful new tools like artificial intelligence (AI) can speed up progress, but only with the right infrastructure and global collaboration.

What success could look like

The roadmap sets out a clear vision for the future:

  • Faster progress from lab discoveries to clinical trials
  • Treatments tailored to the right patients
  • Smarter, more flexible clinical trials that reflect real-world care
  • Less duplication in research, with stronger global alignment
  • More women surviving ovarian cancer

What happens next

Previous HHMT Forum roadmaps have helped shape ovarian cancer research worldwide, with thousands of citations in scientific literature. This new roadmap builds on that impact, with stronger global collaboration and patient input at its core.

Without better coordination, progress will remain slow. But with it, we can accelerate research, improve treatments, and change outcomes for women.

Find the full paper on Nature Reviews Cancer or take a look at our easy-to-read summary of the paper in more detail by downloading the pdf via the button below:

Downloads

About the collaboration

This work was developed through the 15th HHMT International Forum, hosted by Ovarian Cancer Action in October 2024, bringing together global experts and research organisations.

Authors:
Faye Hobbs (Ovarian Cancer Action, UK)
Jessica Lawson (Ovarian Cancer Canada)
Amy Wilson (Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation, Australia)

Contributors:

Sarah DeFeo (Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance, USA)

David Hunt (Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation, Australia)

Kristin McGowan (Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance, USA)

Marie-Claire Platt (Ovarian Cancer Action, UK)

Alicia Tone (Ovarian Cancer Canada

With thanks to lived experience contributors and HHMT Co-Chairs Professor Fran Balkwill and Professor David Bowtell.