Conquering Cancer Series- Battling Ovarian Cancer

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On September 19, The Cancer Research Institute hosted its third “Conquering Cancer Series” seminar. In front of a crowd of 40+ individuals, Dr. Alyssa Bujnak, Dr. Krishnansu Tewari, and Cate Le discussed the world of tackling Ovarian Cancer from the eyes of a researcher, surgeon, and survivor. Ovarian cancer is a growth of cells that form in the ovaries. Ovarian Cancer is the seventh most common cancer in women worldwide and second-most common gynecologic cancer in the United States.

Using BRCA-mediated ovarian tumorigenesis to understand ovarian cancer:

Dr. Alyssa Bujnak took the opportunity to explain her work on BRCA-mediated ovarian tumorigenesis. From her bench work and research, Dr. Bujnak explained how BRCA1 and BRCA2, proteins involved in homologous recombination DNA repair are foundational pieces in treatment used for ovarian cancer. Dr. Bujnak aim is to identify the cell populations from RNA expression patterns and cell/cell interactions within the ovary that lead to changes in epithelial cells that can cause ovarian cancer. Dr. Bujnak hypothesizes that BRCA+/mut carriers exhibit alterations in ovarian epithelial and stromal cell populations.

Dr. Alyssa Bujnak’s Presentation: Click Here

 

 

From the Bench to the Bedside:

While Dr. Bujnak explained the research, Dr. Krishnansu Tewari, a board-certified gynecologic oncologist and a professor at the University of California, Irvine gave an insightful presentation on the treatments and surgeries involved in ovarian cancer. Dr. Tewari started his presentation with saying from the bench to the bedside. Building off of what Dr. Bujnak explained, Dr. Tewari explained how he works with patients throughout the process of getting treatment. Dr. Tewari explained the different ways and advancements in treatments.

Dr. Krishnansu Tewari’s Presentation: Click Here

 

 

Honoring a Mother’s Legacy Through Research and Music:

Ms. Cate Le, a rising junior at Hunting Beach High School, gave a passioned and impactful speech about her mother’s journey with ovarian cancer, the research she is doing and how she is making a change in the community with her music. Cate’s mother was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in April 2020 and passed away in 2023. Cate explained the journey that her mother took while also getting care from Dr. Krishnansu Tewari. Through her mother, Cate began her own journey. She became involved in biomedical research at UCI and founded, SMILE Music, which musicians organize benefit recitals to raise money for UCI-CRI. Cate went on to detail that she hopes the projects she is working on, and her community work will help others join the fight and raise awareness for ovarian cancer.

Cate Le’s Presentation: Click Here

SMILE Music: Click Here

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