Standing Strong on Ovarian Cancer Day

Ovarian cancer remains one of the most challenging gynaecologic malignancies, both in terms of detection and treatment. Globally, it is the eighth most common cancer in women, with nearly 350,000 new cases reported each year. Despite progress in oncology, survival outcomes remain tightly linked to the timing of diagnosis.

The stark reality of ovarian cancer is its silent progression. Symptoms like bloating, abdominal discomfort, and changes in appetite are vague and often attributed to less serious conditions. As a result, only about 20% of ovarian cancer cases are detected at an early stage. This delay in diagnosis has profound consequences: five-year survival rates can range from as high as 93% when caught early to just 31% when detected late.

This challenge underscores the need for both public awareness and research into better diagnostic tools. Biomarkers, imaging technology, and AI-driven screening methods are all areas of active investigation, but no standard screening method has yet been established for the general population. The lack of early detection tools remains one of the key barriers to improved survival rates.

Fortunately, treatment options for ovarian cancer have expanded significantly in recent years. One of the most impactful developments has been the introduction of PARP inhibitors, which target cancer cells with BRCA mutations by interfering with their DNA repair mechanisms. Drugs such as olaparib and niraparib have brought real progress for patients with certain genetic profiles.

Martin noted, "Recent treatment advances have included PARP inhibitors, but there are many development programs looking at PD-1 inhibitor combinations and some Antibody Drug Conjugates (ADCs). One of our customers is particularly focused on immunotherapies and ADCs, so we are very excited to be part of their development program." Beyond PARP inhibitors, there is growing interest in immunotherapy and Antibody Drug Conjugates (ADCs). PD-1 and PD-L1 inhibitors, which help restore the immune system's ability to recognize and attack cancer cells, are currently being explored in combination with chemotherapy or targeted agents. 

At ICON, we are proud to contribute meaningfully to this evolving landscape. We are currently supporting development programs focused on immunotherapies and ADCs, working closely with leading biopharmaceutical sponsors. Our experience in oncology clinical trials—particularly in gynaecologic cancers—positions us as a key partner in the global fight against ovarian cancer. Martin emphasized, "ICON is highly engaged with the global Investigator community in gynaecologic/ovarian oncology research. We have made important contributions to 13 ovarian cancer studies where many patients from North America & EMEA have participated in our ovarian cancer trials." Collaborating with the World's Leading Cooperative Groups A cornerstone of our success is our close collaboration with respected research networks such as ENGOT (European Network for Gynaecological Oncological Trials) and GOG (Gynaecologic Oncology Group). These organizations are instrumental in running high-quality clinical trials and have been central to many of the advances in ovarian cancer care.

Martin shared, "ICON’s excellent delivery of ovarian cancer studies is strongly correlated with our engagement with co-operative groups, like ENGOT covering Spain, Italy, France, Czech Republic, UK, Israel or GOG covering USA and Canada. ICON is proud of our strong experience in engaging with these co-operative groups and the difference we are trying to bring to the lives of patients and their families."

ENGOT brings together trial groups from multiple countries including Spain, Italy, France, the Czech Republic, the UK, and Israel, while GOG covers sites across the USA and Canada. Our long-standing partnerships with these groups help ensure that studies are executed efficiently and ethically, while staying deeply connected to local investigators and patients.

By aligning with ENGOT and GOG, ICON facilitates research that is both global in scope and locally relevant. We are able to leverage these networks to streamline patient recruitment, support investigator engagement, and uphold the highest standards in data quality and patient safety.

Every clinical trial represents more than data points. It represents a chance for a patient to access cutting-edge treatment, a family to find hope, and a community to move closer to a cure. At ICON, we never lose sight of the people behind the protocols. Our focus on collaboration, quality, and compassion drives our mission to improve patient outcomes.

We are especially proud of our efforts to foster inclusion in clinical trials, ensuring women from varied backgrounds and regions have access to potentially life-changing treatments. With every study we support, we strive to close the gap between medical research and the real-world needs of patients and caregivers.

The fight against ovarian cancer is far from over, but progress is being made every day. Through our partnerships, scientific expertise, and unwavering dedication, ICON continues to push boundaries and make a meaningful difference in women’s health.

This Ovarian Cancer Day, we honour the courage of patients, the dedication of researchers, and the power of collaboration. We remain steadfast in our commitment to helping bring forward the next generation of therapies that will transform lives.

Whether you are a clinician, researcher, or someone passionate about advancing healthcare, ICON offers opportunities to contribute to this important mission. Together, we can ensure that innovation reaches the women who need it most - faster, safer, and more effectively. 

View our current job openings at ICON today.