Comprehensive Ovarian Cancer Program

The Ovarian Tumours Surgical Program is a division of gynecologic oncology within Princess Margaret Cancer Centre that recognizes the unique challenges of individuals with newly diagnosed advanced ovarian tumours.

Despite extensive research, ovarian cancer remains the most lethal gynecological malignancy, and impacts 1 in 80 females. There is no effective screening test and no specific symptom development of early stage disease. Multiple studies have shown that for the well selected group of patients, comprehensive surgical management followed by chemotherapy and/ or maintenance treatment can radically improve survival rate.

Some patients are not found to be good candidates for initial surgical management, however, they can still benefit from comprehensive surgical management after the administration of neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Learn more about this treatment option from Dr. Liat Hogen. www.onclive.com/view/dr-hogen-on-survival-outcomes-with-neoadjuvant-chemotherapy-and-ics-in-epithelial-ovarian-cancer

As of October, 2018, our team at Princess Margaret initiated the comprehensive ovarian tumours surgical program where referrals are accepted for patients with suspected advanced ovarian tumours.

Referrals can be made through the “Refer a Patient” toggle on the top right of the website, or faxed to 416-946-2288

We aim to optimize the referral process for patients and their families

Every referral is reviewed, prioritized, and booked into clinic within 7 business days
We have a clinical nurse coordinator who acts as a guide to help patients navigate through these difficult times
The nurse navigator contacts patients prior to their clinic appointment to insure imaging and bloodwork is already done or booked urgently.
A biopsy is also arranged to be carried out in a short term interval, to minimize any delays to diagnosis/ treatment
At the time of the first clinic appointment, the patient and family meet with the gynecologic oncologist and clinical nurse coordinator. The patients are given ample amounts educational information and are offered to participate in clinical trials if they are interested and eligible
Each case is then presented at our collaborative Ovarian Rounds, which includes surgeons, expert radiologists, medical oncologists and the clinical nurse coordinator. Each case is carefully discussed based on multiple criteria to conclusively decide about next steps and treatment regimen. We aim to deliver the best treatment in the most effective, prompt, and compassionate way. We have a leading surgical team, front line systemic treatment options, and well-trained support team to assure no questions are left unanswered
We ensure an expedited, comprehensive and personalized diagnosis and treatment plan

Ovarian Program Team:

Patient Testimonials:

“In the darkest moment of my life, I felt like I wasn’t alone. I was always kept very well informed, supported, and heard. The compassion of the team was beyond anything I could have imagined. I feel blessed to have had my treatment with this team”

“This program was the angel guiding me through the darkness. I cannot thank you all enough for your amazing support during the scariest moments of my life.”

“I feel so lucky to have been referred to this amazing program. Everything happened so fast but you all kept me grounded and helped be every step of the way. I can’t thank you enough.”

“Throughout our experience here we felt we were taken seriously and treated with respect. The journey is a difficult one, but the team here is making it clear and easier to manage. The online appointments and results platforms are very helpful.”

“I cannot imagine having done this without your extra care and support”

“Not only did you help me a a patient, you also helped my family during this devastating time. We are forever grateful”

Referrals can be made through the “Refer a Patient” toggle on the top right of the website, or faxed to 416-946-2288.

In the general population, there is 1.5% life-time risk of developing ovarian cancer. Despite extensive research in this field, ovarian cancer remains the most lethal gynecological malignancy. There is no effective screening test and no symptoms of early stage disease. Multiple studies have shown that for the well selected group of patients, aggressive surgical management followed by chemotherapy and/ or maintenance treatment can improve survival.

At UHN, we are maximizing efforts to help these patients. As of October, 2018, we initiated the comprehensive ovarian cancer program. Every referral with suspected or diagnosed advanced ovarian cancer is prioritized and booked into clinic within 7 business days. We have a program navigator who contacts the patients prior to their clinic appointment to assure imaging are already done or booked urgently. We arrange for a biopsy to be carried out in a short term interval, to minimize any delays to diagnosis/ treatment. At the time of the clinic appointment, the patient and family meet with the gynecologic oncologist as well as with our nursing team and the program navigator. The patients are being offered to participate in clinical trials if they are interested and eligible.

Each case is then presented in our Ovarian Cancer Multi-disciplinary Cancer Conference, which includes surgeons, expert radiologists, medical oncologists and the program navigator. We carefully discuss each case based on multiple criteria to decide about next steps.We aim to deliver the best treatment in the most effective, prompt and compassionate way. We have a leading surgical team, front line systemic treatment options and well-trained support team to assure no questions are left unanswered.

Since the implementation of the Ovarian Cancer Surgical Program, our team has worked hard to achieve an efficient timeline through the program by lowering wait times for initial consult and start of treatment. Once referred to our program, patients are prioritized and booked for primary clinic consultation within 7 business days. Additionally, the average time to begin treatment has also decreased. In order to continue achieving our goal to deliver the best treatment in the most effective, prompt and compassionate way, we continually ask our patients for their feedback regarding their experience through our program. To date, our patients have expressed great appreciation towards our clear communication and continuous efforts in preparing them for their journey ahead. Patients provided the following feedback when asked about their experience with our Ovarian Cancer Surgical Program:

- “Everyone in the Gynecology Oncology Surgical Team has been fantastic to us.”
- “Throughout our experience here we felt we were taken seriously and treated with respect. The journey is a difficult one, but the team here is making it clear and easier to manage. The online appointments and results platforms are very helpful (MY UHN).”

Read more about ovarian cancer from Dr. Taymaa May.

Program Navigators:

Tara Almassi – Program Coordinator

Tara joined the Ovarian Program at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre in February 2020 and has worked closely with the Gynecology Oncology team to further develop the program. Tara coordinates all business initiatives related to the program, maintains program finances, ensures accurate ongoing data collection of important metrics of care, and manages the main platform and other novel data collection strategies. She has an interest in better understanding patient needs and finding ways to enhance the patient experience through the program and overall cancer journey. Tara works closely with our nurse navigator to ensure our patients are provided with all the necessary information and comprehensive care, beginning at the time of referral, and continuing throughout their treatment course.

Maricris Autea – Clinical Nurse Navigator

Maricris obtained her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from York University in 2011 and completed her Masters of Nursing at Ryerson University in 2020. She received her CON(c) designation in 2014. She has been a staff nurse at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre since 2011. She joined the Comprehensive Ovarian Tumours Program In November 2021. Maricris is the main point of contact for our program patients as she ensures our patients receive the support and care they need.