Researchers at the University of Iowa receive a $10 million grant to combat ovarian cancer

Cedar Rapids, Iowa – Thanks to a $10 million grant, researchers at the University of Iowa may be on the verge of a significant breakthrough in the treatment of ovarian cancer.

Dr. Jill Kolesar, the dean of the university’s pharmacy college, is in charge of this project. The objective is to create a therapy that effectively activates cells to combat the illness.

Kolesar stated, “We’re trying to bring us into the 21st century with regard to the treatment of ovarian cancer.”

They must expedite the minor operation that is required in the lab, which is comparable to donating platelets. Kolesar believes that during the next seven years, the goal is to get this medication on drugstore shelves.

“We’re hopeful that we can have a significant impact on ovarian cancer if we can develop this drug and it’s as effective in people as it is in the lab,” Kolesar stated. “The project’s ultimate goal is to cure ovarian cancer.”

According to the American Cancer Society, there are over 20,000 new cases of ovarian cancer each year, and over 12,000 people are predicted to lose their lives to the disease.

Since her tenure at the University of Kentucky, Kolesar has been working toward this goal for years, and her team is hopeful about the future.

That must be the goal of every researcher, don’t you think? to take action that genuinely makes a difference in the world. Therefore, we’re certain that we can accomplish it, and we’ll make a concerted effort,” Kolesar stated.

She also wants to increase awareness of ovarian cancer since, while being less common than other types of cancer, two-thirds of women who receive chemotherapy have to fight the disease again after it has gone into remission.

“The voices are really amplified with breast cancer, and I really feel like ovarian cancer should have its time because we’ve made some incredible advancements in treating breast cancer, and now it’s ovarian cancer’s turn to have some impressive advancements,” Kolesar told the audience.

Since only 20% of ovarian cancer cases are detected early and there are sometimes no symptoms early in the disease, the American Cancer Society advises seeking medical attention if there are any concerns.