Dr David Gershenson from The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center could easily be called the father of low-grade serous ovarian cancer. From his contribution to the discovery as a unique cancer in 2004 to his on-going work to improve treatments and survival – it’s hard to think of anyone who has done more for the disease.
Cure Our Ovarian Cancer and our American partners STAAR Ovarian Cancer are thrilled that his contributions have been recognised with this year’s Giants of Cancer Care® award. The award recognises and celebrates individuals from around the world who have achieved landmark successes within the global field of oncology. The award in conjunction with OncLive was presented during the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) annual meeting in Chicago. This was the Giants of Cancer Care 10th Anniversary celebration.
The Giants of Cancer Care® award celebrates pioneers, innovators, and future generations of leaders who have been selected by their peers for their remarkable achievements in oncology research and clinical practice. Of 13 awardees Dr Gershenson was the only gynaecological cancer specialist to receive recognition this year – highlighting his expertise and contribution to the field.
In his acceptance speech Dr Gershenson dedicated his award to all of his patients and families with low-grade serous carcinoma.
Dr Gershenson is a professor of gynaecological oncology at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. The award recognised his major role in designing and initiating clinical trials focused on novel therapeutics for patients in rare ovarian cancers including low-grade serous cancer.
In giving the award, OncLive noted in particular Dr Gershenson’s role in:
- Establishing in 2009 that chemo resistance was prevalent in low-grade serous carcinoma, highlighting the need for more targeted treatments.
- A 2017 study demonstrating the poor prognosis associated with advanced-stage or recurrent ovarian clear cell and mucinous carcinomas.
- The Phase 2/3 GOG281/ LOGS trial (NCT02101788) which showed that the MEK1/2 inhibitor trametinib (Mekinist) extended progression-free survival in patients with recurrent low-grade serous ovarian cancer compared with existing standard-of-care chemotherapy or antiestrogen regimens.
- Committees and organisations which underscore his commitment to raising awareness of rare ovarian tumours. Including as previous chair of the Rare Tumour Working Group of the Gynaecological Cancer Intergroup, and Rare Tumour Committee of the Gynecologic Oncology Group. [Dr Gershenson was also instrumental in establishing and currently chairs the International Consortium for Low-Grade Serous Ovarian Cancer].
“Dr Gershenson has done so much for rare ovarian cancers, in particular low-grade serous. Women all around the world have benefited from his research which can be seen in treatment recommendations today.
On behalf of the low-grade serous cancer community I want to extend a heartfelt thanks for Dr Gershenson’s tireless efforts to improve our survival through research. In particular his willingness to share his knowledge, collaborate and work to grow the research field is to be commended.
We are fortunate to have such an incredible advocate motivated to improve our survival.”
Jane Ludemann, Cure Our Ovarian Cancer Founder
Cure Our Ovarian Cancer and STAAR Ovarian Cancer are proud supporters of Dr Gershenson’s low-grade serous cancer research. Visit STAAR to make a donation to support his work.
Picture: Dr Gershenson presenting his low-grade serous ovarian cancer research findings to the Society of Gynecologic Oncology Annual Meeting in 2022
