Welcome from the Directors

We are fast approaching the start of the 3^rd International Symposium Ovarian Cancer: Prevention, Detection and Treatment of the Disease and Its Recurrence, May 10-11, 2012 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The focus of this year's symposium will be on molecular mechanisms and personalized medicine.

Our meeting will open with a keynote address by Nelly Auersperg, MD, PhD. Dr. Auersperg will provide a look at the progress made over the last 40 years with a look to the important future directions. In addition to the presentations by more than 20 of the world's leading scientists in ovarian cancer research, a special education session on integrative and complimentary therapies will provide a forum for women, family members and primary care clinicians to meet, share ideas and acquire the latest information on ovarian cancer care in order to empower women and their families.

This year we received over 70 abstracts from all over the world for our evening poster and oral session. The Organizing Committee selected 8 for oral presentation and 40 for poster presentation. Top abstracts will appear in an issue of the International Journal of Gynecologic Cancers.

We are also pleased to host the CDMRP Department of Defense Ovarian Cancer Academy. These talented investigators will share their late-breaking research and provide us with insight into the future of the field.

Finally, we are working with leaders in all areas of ovarian cancer research and clinical care to create a highly interactive final session in which session leaders and symposium participants will discuss the following “hot topic”: What are the barriers to improving ovarian cancer outcome and survival? The session will be led by Michael Sieden, MD. The goal is to provide a consensus statement of research and funding priorities in that area. We welcome suggestions for discussion during this session.

We look forward to seeing you in Pittsburgh in May!

Robert P. Edwards, MD Francesmary Modugno, PhD, MPH