Special Symposium: Bridging the Gap in Ovarian Cancer
On September 16, 2014, the Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research at MIT hosted Bridging the Gap in Ovarian Cancer, a special symposium for ovarian cancer patients, survivors, family members, advocates, researchers, and other interested members of the public.
This free public event was organized by the Koch Institute to share and discuss advances in science and technology to fight ovarian cancer and highlighted the power of bringing bioengineering, advanced cancer science, and clinical oncology together to solve today’s most challenging problems in ovarian cancer through collaborative, interdisciplinary research. This symposium was chaired by David H. Koch Professor in Engineering Paula Hammond, a recipient of the Department of Defense's Ovarian Cancer Teal Innovator Award in 2013, in association with the Massachusetts Chapter of the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition.
With introductory remarks by Margaret Foti, CEO of the American Association for Cancer Research, the program provided a clinician's perspective on the challenges of ovarian cancer and featured presentations by MIT faculty performing cutting-edge research in the Koch Institute to develop novel approaches and technologies for its detection and treatment. Advocacy showcases (see below) and tours provided opportunities to visit display tables with useful information and resources from patient and community organizations and to explore the Koch Institute building and some of its research laboratories. The agenda also included a roundtable, moderated by Emmy award-winning arts and entertainment critic and three-time cancer survivor Joyce Kulhawik, and a reception to provide plenty of opportunities for interaction and questions.
Click here to read the article that the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) wrote about the event and watch the videos below to learn more about the exciting research advances that were discussed.
Introduction
Tyler Jacks, Ph.D., Director, Koch Institute, and David H. Koch Professor of Biology
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Opening Remarks
Margaret Foti, Ph.D., M.D. (h.c.), Chief Executive Officer, American Association for Cancer Research (AACR)
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Paula Hammond, Ph.D., David H. Koch Professor in Engineering, Koch Institute at MIT
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Presentations
Localized Drug Delivery
Michael Birrer, M.D., Ph.D., Director of Medical Gynecologic Oncology and Director, Gynecologic Oncology Research Program, Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center
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New Materials for Deepening Our Vision for Ovarian Cancer
Angela Belcher, Ph.D., W.M. Keck Professor of Energy, Koch Institute at MIT
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Delivery with a One-Two Punch
Paula Hammond, Ph.D., David H. Koch Professor in Engineering, Koch Institute at MIT
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Targeting siRNA to Ovarian Cancer
Sangeeta Bhatia, M.D, Ph.D., John J. and Dorothy Wilson Professor of Health Sciences and Technology & Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Koch Institute at MIT
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Short Talks
New Technologies for Ovarian Cancer Detection
Peter Ghoroghchian, M.D., Ph.D., Charles W. and Jennifer C. Johnson Clinical Investigator in the Koch Institute at MIT; Adult Medical Oncologist, Gynecology Oncology Program, Susan F. Smith Center for Women’s Cancer, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
Video not available
Ultrasensitive Urine Diagnostic for Cancer
Gabriel A. Kwong, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory School of Medicine; Koch Institute alumnus
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Roundtable: Watch video
Moderator
- Joyce Kulhawik, moderator, Emmy Award-winning Arts and Entertainment Critic/Three-time Cancer Survivor, JoycesChoices.com
Panelists
- Ursula A. Matulonis, M.D., Medical Director, Gynecologic Oncology, Susan F. Smith Center for Women's Cancers, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
- Marcela del Carmen, M.D., Gynecologic Oncologist, Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center's Gillette Center for Gynecologic Oncology
- Paula Hammond, Ph.D., David H. Koch Professor in Engineering, Koch Institute at MIT
- Susan Patterson, Manager of Awareness, Education and Outreach Programs, Ovations for the Cure of Ovarian Cancer
- Paige Gallagher, High School Sophomore and Daughter of Ovarian Cancer Survivor
- Mimi Gallagher, Ovarian Cancer Warrior and Survivor
Evening Talks (SOLUTIONS with/in/sight: Women Converge on Cancer)
- Margaret Foti, PhD, MD (h.c.), Chief Executive Officer, American Association for Cancer Research (AACR)
- Susan Hockfield, PhD, MIT President Emerita and Koch Institute Faculty Member
- Joyce Kulhawik, Emmy Award-winning Arts and Entertainment Critic/Three-time Cancer Survivor, JoycesChoices.com
Showcase Tables