The Association of People Affected by Ovarian Cancer and other Gynecological Tumors (ASACO) and the MSD-AstraZeneca Alliance have launched, within the framework of the celebration of World Ovarian Cancer Day, the campaign “Time to fulfill dreams” with the aim of Raise awareness about the importance of precision medicine and knowledge of molecular biology in improving the effectiveness of the management of patients with ovarian cancer. The initiative also focuses on the needs, experiences and hopes that patients have and, in turn, on offering quality information about the disease and on sending a message of hope since there are more and more patients who live with the disease. .
The latest report ‘Cancer figures in Spain 2024’prepared by the Spanish Society of Medical Oncology (SEOM), warns that throughout this year it is expected that more than 3,700 new cases of ovarian cancer will be diagnosed in our country, a disease whose total prevalence is estimated at 27,585. cases1 and that in 2022 alone caused the death of more than 2,000 patients.
However, and despite these figures, survival has increased by around 9% since 20021, thanks to the advances that have occurred in the knowledge of the tumor, as well as in surgery and treatment2. “In the last 10 years we have witnessed a dizzying evolution in the therapy of ovarian cancer, which is not a single disease, but we already know that there are at least five different types of diseases,” detailed the Dr. Antonio González, president of the Spanish Gynecological Cancer Research Group (GEICO) and director of the Cancer Center Clínica Universidad de Navarra.
This notable number of subtypes of ovarian cancer makes it necessary for patients with this type of tumor to be cared for by a multidisciplinary team of experts, especially if it is taken into account that, despite the fact that survival is increasing, up to 80% of those affected are diagnosed with the disease extended outside the ovaries and even spread throughout the peritoneal cavity.
“The treatment of ovarian cancer is not understood without a multidisciplinary approach and this is something that has been consolidated in recent years in an absolutely irrefutable way,” commented Dr. González, to underline the importance of the work of pathologists. to differentiate ovarian cancer subtypes; that of radiology and nuclear medicine professionals to know the stage of the tumor; that of gynecologists and oncological surgeons to perform the best possible surgery and decide the best approach and, finally, that of the medical oncologist, that of oncological nursing, as well as other professionals such as nutritionists, physical exercise experts, dermatologists, etc.
This work allows patients to be cared for as efficiently as possible, although beyond the medical part, patients have other needs that must also be addressed, such as mental health, physical exercise or The nutrition. It is precisely in this field where patient associations play an essential role.
In this sense, Iron Charopresident of ASACO, has assured that adequate nutrition and physical exercise adapted to each stage of the disease, together with psychological care, play a “very important” role in the mental health of patients and their recovery. “This, together with the fact that all patients are treated in reference centers that guarantee optimal surgery and a multidisciplinary approach to ovarian cancer, are necessary factors for the prognosis of this type of cancer to improve and for patients to enjoy a better better quality of life,” he stressed.
‘Time to fulfill dreams’
With the aim of increasing awareness about ovarian cancer and highlighting the importance of a multidisciplinary approach, especially among survivors and patients living with the disease, ASACO and the MSD-AstraZeneca Alliance have launched the ‘Time to fulfill dreams’ campaign. . “I would like to tell all patients that at the time of diagnosis they are going to suffer, but that they can get out of it and that if they need help, they should ask for it because it is necessary. Therefore, I ask you two things, that you have faith in Medicine and hope in research,” he stressed. the patient.
In this sense, Ana Peiró, medical director of Oncology at AstraZenecahas highlighted “the importance of launching campaigns such as ‘Time to fulfill dreams’ because they help raise awareness in society and, at the same time, demonstrate the need to guarantee comprehensive care for these patients to improve the quality of life of the people”.
“With this initiative we want to convey to patients that we are at their side and that we will continue working to offer them solutions that improve the evolution of the disease and their quality of life,” he added. Pedro Ferrer, medical manager of the Gynecological Tumors Area at MSD.
MSD and AstraZeneca Strategic Oncology Collaboration
In July 2017, Merck & Co., Inc. (Rahway, NJ, US), known as MSD outside the US and Canada, and AstraZeneca announced a global strategic collaboration in Oncology to co-develop and commercialize olaparib. , a PARP inhibitor.
About MSD
At MSD – known as Merck & Co., Inc. in the United States and Canada, headquartered in Rahway, New Jersey – we are united by our purpose to harness the potential of science to save and improve lives around the world. For more than 130 years, we have provided hope through the development of important medicines and vaccines. We aspire to be the world’s leading biopharmaceutical research company and are currently at the forefront of research into innovative health solutions to advance the prevention and treatment of human and animal diseases. We foster a diverse and inclusive workplace and work responsibly every day to achieve a safe, sustainable and healthy future for all people and communities. For more information, visit www.msd.es and find us at Twitter, LinkedIn and Youtube.
About AstraZeneca
AstraZeneca (LSE/STO/Nasdaq: AZN) is a global, science-led biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery, development and commercialization of prescription medicines in Oncology, Rare Diseases and Biopharma, including Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolism, and Respiratory and Immunology. Headquartered in Cambridge, United Kingdom, AstraZeneca operates in more than 100 countries and its innovative medicines are used by millions of patients around the world.
AstraZeneca is a Top Employers in Spain and Europe and has been awarded the EFR certificate for a Family Responsible Company.
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