Stacking the deck against ovarian cancer | News | Notre Dame News | University of Notre Dame Skip To Content Skip To Navigation Skip To Search University of Notre Dame Notre Dame News Experts ND in the News Subscribe About Us Home Contact Search Menu Home › News › Stacking the deck against ovarian cancer Stacking the deck against ovarian cancer Published: May 05, 2016 Author: Brandi Klingerman Sharon Stack Nearly 70 percent of ovarian cancer cases are detected after metastasis, which is the development of secondary malignant growths distant from the primary site of cancer. Understanding ovarian cancer metastasis is a research focus of M. Sharon Stack, the Ann F. Dunne & Elizabeth Riley Director of the Harper Cancer Research Institute (HCRI) and Kleiderer-Pezold Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry at the University of Notre Dame. Stack’s laboratory places an emphasis on understanding molecular mechanisms by which tumor cells manipulate micro-environmental cues in order to more efficiently metastasize. Knowing how cancer spreads is a key step in stopping the metastatic process in this late, but common, stage. “It’s important to delve deeply into understanding ovarian cancer on a molecular level and identify disease-specific targets,” said Stack. “Not only will this help us find cures, but it will also assist in early detection efforts that are important for survival.” Stack has published more than 155 peer-reviewed research articles and reviews. Recently, alongside HCRI researcher Yueying Liu, she led a team of researchers in a study that found that obesity contributes to ovarian cancer metastasis. The team used an integrative approach combining three-dimensional cell culture models, tissue explants and mouse models to evaluate tumor cell adhesion to cells that line the abdominal cavity. In addition to leading a research group, Stack is at the forefront of cancer discussions and bringing researchers together to build on each other’s knowledge. At the upcoming Midwest Ovarian Cancer Coalition (MWOCC) workshop at Notre Dame on May 21-22, researchers will examine the current state of ovarian cancer research in addition to how they can collaborate to more effectively combat the disease. “The goal of the meeting is to bring together research groups and share our findings, as well as to learn from survivors as well as advocates,” said Stack. “We want all women to have better treatment options and early detection, and this event will provide us the opportunity to collaborate on these topics.” When it comes to cancers affecting women, ovarian cancer has the lowest survival rate. Investigators in the Harper Cancer Research Institute are dedicated to conducting innovative and integrative research that confronts the complex challenges of all kinds of cancer. HCRI’s programmatic structure fosters multidisciplinary cancer research by promoting interactions among research groups with distinct expertise and by training young scientists to work across scientific fields. Clinical partnerships provide key translational insight and strengthen the mission of discovery. World Ovarian Cancer Day is May 8. Stack is available to discuss her research and expertise. Contact Angela M. Cavalieri, Harper Cancer Research Institute, 574-631-4166, Cavalieri.2@nd.edu Posted In: Research Home Experts ND in the News Subscribe About Us Related October 05, 2022 Astrophysicists find evidence for the presence of the first stars October 04, 2022 NIH awards $4 million grant to psychologists researching suicide prevention September 29, 2022 Notre Dame, Ukrainian Catholic University launch three new research grants September 27, 2022 Notre Dame, Trinity College Dublin engineers join to advance novel treatment for cystic fibrosis September 22, 2022 Climate-prepared countries are losing ground, latest ND-GAIN index shows For the Media Contact Office of Public Affairs and Communications Notre Dame News 500 Grace Hall Notre Dame, IN 46556 USA Facebook Twitter Instagram YouTube Pinterest © 2022 University of Notre Dame Search Mobile App News Events Visit Accessibility Facebook Twitter Instagram YouTube LinkedIn