Rebecca Porter, MD, PhD: Satellite Repeat RNAs as Novel Biomarkers

Explored a new class of RNA biomarkers with strong potential to improve early ovarian cancer detection.

Impact: AKRF funding generated pivotal preliminary data, supported a high-profile publication, and helped Dr. Porter secured additional career development funding—directly advancing her work as a new investigator.

“The AKRF Early Detection Grant was instrumental in allowing me to expand the work I had initiated on non-coding RNAs as a post-doctoral trainee to biomarker and early detection studies as an independent investigator. The data generated with this grant also led to a high-profile publication that has been instrumental in helping to secure additional funding and career development awards. I am extremely grateful to the AKRF for their generosity!”  —Dr. Rebecca Porter

Sara Corvigno, MD, PhD — MD Anderson: Platelet Metabolic Profiling for Early Detection

Researched how cancer-associated changes in platelets might serve as early detection signals.

Impact: Published findings lay groundwork for a novel, blood-based diagnostic approach.

Xiao Yue (Mona) Guo, MD — USC: cfDNA Methylation Liquid Biopsy

Researched liquid biopsy test designed to distinguish benign from malignant pelvic masses.

Impact: Work positions the field toward a future FDA-cleared diagnostic test, improving accuracy and reducing unnecessary surgeries.

Thing Rinda Soong, MD, PhD, MPH: Immune Landscapes of Early Precancerous Lesions

Investigated how the immune system interacts with early serous proliferations—key precursors to ovarian cancer.

Impact: Findings offer deeper understanding of how the disease begins and inform future strategies for early detection and risk assessment.

 Dr. Ernest Lengyel: Liquid Biopsy for Adnexal Masses

In partnership with the Eleven Eleven Foundation, AKRF supported plasma proteomic studies to distinguish benign from malignant adnexal masses.

Impact: Research continues to advance opportunities for earlier diagnosis, prevention, and targeted treatment.

 Rahul Krishnan, MD: Understanding the Evolution of STIC Lesions

Using advanced proteomics and transcriptomics, mapped how normal fallopian tube cells transform into precancerous and cancerous cells.

Impact:

• Characterized 9,500+ genes across healthy and cancerous tissues

• Identified 6,000+ genes in supportive cells

• Highlighted BGN as a promising early detection biomarker

• Generated early evidence that BGN overactivity may drive precancerous change

“The support from the AKR Foundation has been pivotal… It lays the crucial groundwork for building a career in research.” — Dr. Rahul Krishnan

Led by Ernst Lengyel, MD, PhD

With three years of AKRF support, focused on identifying the cell of origin of epithelial ovarian cancer—critical for developing true early detection strategies.

Impact:

• Identified promising protein biomarkers

• Demonstrated improved results with combined biomarker panels

• Moves the field closer to a simple, non-invasive blood test for earlier diagnosis

Charles Ishak, MD: Leveraging Transposable Elements Toward Immunoprevention of Ovarian Cancer

Investigates how normally silent regions of DNA produce unique proteins that can reveal and target high-risk, pre-cancerous ovarian cells.

Impact:

• Identifies novel biomarkers derived from transposable elements for earlier, more accurate detection

• Uncovers a new class of highly specific protein signals in pre-cancerous cells

• Explores use of these markers as precise therapeutic targets

• Advances strategies to deliver targeted treatments before cancer develops or spreads

• Opens a potential pathway toward immunoprevention of ovarian cancer

“This is an honor and a responsibility that we take very seriously. We are working toward a future where ovarian cancer can be detected earlier—and even prevented.” — Dr. Charles Ishak