Directory

EUTROC (European Translational Research network in Ovarian Cancer) is a European cancer network addressing the fragmentation currently hindering translational research for cutting edge therapies in ovarian cancer.

It will strengthen European excellence in the diagnosis and treatment of OC.

The need to bring promising drug candidates and treatments into clinical settings is currently delayed by the lack of standardised protocols for preclinical animal studies, lack of suitable ovarian cancer models, lack of validated predictive biomarker diagnostics, and integrated appropriate management of translational research partners (including pharma and biotech companies).

Developing effective diagnostic and treatment strategies require structured joint efforts of experts on tumor immunology, epigenetics, pathology, bioinformatics, drug development and delivery, trial development, clinical oncology and gynecological oncology.

Leading European researchers and clinicians together with the pharmaceutical industry and biotech companies will focus on preclinical and clinical studies in ovarian cancer. Therefore new targets will be identified, validated and translated to new drugs and brought to clinical practice. Standardisation and harmonisation of laboratory practices and good clinical practice procedures will BE performed within the consortium.

The consortium combines expertise in clinical as well as preclinical research. Involved researchers are coordinating a number of investigator-initiated Phase I, II trials.The Network will build a platform for research and strong educational programs for the next generation of experts aimed at developing individualised patients benefit.

Dr. Anthony Vijay Pais, Breast Surgeon, Professor & Senior Consultant in Surgical Oncology is the Head of the Breast Unit and Women's oncology at the Mazumdar Shaw Cancer Center and the Narayana Hrudayalaya Multi Speciality Hospital, Bangalore, India.

Being in the field of surgical oncology for 23 years he felt the need to develop a separate speciality for breast cancer and associated diseases. He also had special training to start a 'Breast Centre of Excellence' at the John Hopkins Avon Breast Centre, Baltimore, USA.

He has conducted several cancer detection camps for the underprivileged people and Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike workers, throughout Karnataka.

 Under his guidance and direction, maximum number of breast cancer resections with immediate micro vascular reconstructions have been conducted in India (state of the art surgery done in the US), for the poorest of the poor.

He has published over 14 papers, and has 16 presentations to his credit. He has delivered 44 lectures at various hospitals and health centres.

Dr.Pais has gone through special training in Breast Ultrasound and Interpreting Mammograms in Japan and the USA. He has also got a certificate of competence to assess mammograms from the world renowned Radiologist Prof. Laszlo Tabar, Prof of Radiology, University of Uppsala School of Medicine, Sweden

Dr. Vikram D. Kekatpure, MS, MCh, Consultant Head and Neck Surgeon trained at Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, Kochi. He has done his fellowship at Memorial Sloan-Kettering cancer center, which is the premier cancer center in the world and Weill Medical College of Cornell University, New York, USA. He has served as faculty at the Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, Kochi. He is visiting fellow at Weill Medical College of Cornell University, New York, USA.

Dr Kekatpure has a keen interest in academic activities and research and has several publications in peer reviewed journals to his credit.

He has strong interests in translational research, with emphasis on early detection and prevention of cancer. His research is directed towards biomarker based risk stratification and development of personalized cancer therapies. This risk stratification helps personalize cancer treatment for improved survival and reduce treatment associated side effects.

The Eve Appeal is a registered charity, formed in 2005. Since then, we have worked hard to raise money to fund the world-class research programme at the Department of Women's Cancer based at University College London (UCL).

The Department's vital and much-needed research will benefit women in the UK and worldwide.

A report by an independent panel reviewing the Department's work and progress (the Pattison Review Report 2009) acknowledges the importance of The Eve Appeal's role: "The Eve Appeal has consistently contributed about 15% of the total research income. However, its contributions have been disproportionately important because they have pump-primed new projects, supported highly innovative work and covered gaps in funding allowing projects to maintain momentum. The national and international standing of the projects to which it has contributed is testament to the effectiveness of The Eve Appeal support."

Major breakthroughs are already being achieved towards improving survival rates of women with gynaecological cancers through the Department's pioneering research into screening, early diagnosis and risk prediction. To build on these successes and save women's lives, raising urgent and on-going funds is critical.

Promoting awareness is vital too. The Eve Appeal therefore disseminates information about the research we fund. We publicise - and provide information on - gynaecological cancers. We contribute to the development of policy and campaigns. And we work in partnership with others to improve the healthcare and support of women.