Abstract B034: A stakeholder-informed research strategy for ovarian cancer in Australia

Abstract Despite growing research momentum, ovarian cancer remains the most lethal gynecological cancer globally. In Australia, progress is challenged by underinvestment, fragmented infrastructure, and limited sustained support for translational research. Considering this, the Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation (OCRF) led national consultations in 2024 to inform its 2025–2030 Research Impact Strategy (RIS). The OCRF is an Australian not-for-profit (NFP) organization that has invested over $30 million into discovery and innovative ovarian cancer research since 2000, focusing on prevention, detection, and treatment. Consultations engaged over 420 stakeholders, including a national survey of people with lived experience of ovarian cancer (n=362), facilitated workshops with leading researchers (n=52 from 22 institutions), integrated workshops engaging researchers and patient advocates (n=46), and structured discussions with peer organizations and government. Our consultation process established the OCRF as a coordinator of efforts beyond the usual remit of a funder. Of those impacted by ovarian cancer, survey data identified early detection as the most frequently cited research priority (ranked by 79% in their top three), followed by treatment (50%) and prevention or risk (42%). Free-text responses highlighted strong support for accurate, non-invasive diagnostics and better biomarkers, citing the nonspecific nature of symptoms. Respondents called for more effective and less toxic treatments, including targeted therapies, immunotherapy, and genomics-based approaches. Notably, recurrence and personalized medicine ranked higher among patients and survivors, while high-risk individuals emphasized understanding disease origins and achieving earlier intervention. Researcher workshops identified barriers including systemic underfunding and poorly coordinated biobanking infrastructure; lack of consistent data linkage; gender inequity; and precarious employment, particularly for early- and mid-career researchers. OCRF-funded projects were recognized as enablers of innovative research, yet participants emphasized that seed funding alone was insufficient to sustain progress without investment in transformative government funding initiatives, backed by supportive research policy to accelerate progress. An exemplary case study for stakeholder engagement in medical research strategy, our process and insights demonstrate the expanding potential of NFPs and philanthropy in catalyzing step change in ovarian cancer research through coordinated and evidence-based efforts. Beyond a funder, it outlines the OCRF’s role as an enabler of research infrastructure, knowledge sharing, collaboration, and lived-experience involvement in research. The RIS reinforces OCRF’s commitment to advocacy, towards improved funding models, workforce sustainability, equity, optimal care access, and infrastructure. By aligning community priorities with OCRF-funded research and broader systems that shape its impact, the strategy offers a framework for delivering real-world outcomes in cancer research. Citation Format: Amy L. Wilson, David Hunt, Caitlin Leishman, Lived Experience Advisory Panel (LEAP), International Scientific Advisory Committee (ISAC), Robin Penty. A stakeholder-informed research strategy for ovarian cancer in Australia [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference in Cancer Research: Advances in Ovarian Cancer Research; 2025 Sep 19-21; Denver, CO. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2025;85(18_Suppl):Abstract nr B034.