Patient Impact Survey Reveals Unique Challenges, Gaps in Care for Patients With Ovarian Cancer

Verastem Oncology, a biopharmaceutical company committed to advancing new medicines for patients with cancer, recently announced results from the first-ever low-grade serous ovarian cancer (LGSOC ) patient impact survey. Those results highlight the particular challenges with diagnosis, disease management, and mental, physical, and emotional well-being experienced by individuals living with this rare and difficult to treat disease.

LGSOC is highly recurrent and often affects younger women—with a median age at diagnosis between 45 and 55 years—compared with the more common high-grade serous ovarian cancer. LGSOC is associated with slow but persistent tumor growth and a high mortality rate.

The multinational, online survey, which was conducted by The Harris Poll among patients diagnosed with LGSOC, was developed through a global collaboration with patient advocacy groups and medical leaders to better understand and address the urgent challenges faced by this patient population.

DocWire News spoke with Dr. David Gershenson, an expert researcher in rare ovarian cancers and LGSOC Patient Impact Advisory Committee member, about the survey findings and their implications.