Changing the Course of Ovarian Cancer

Developing Vaccines to Create a New Standard of Care

On October 22, 2025, the Cancer Vaccine Institute (CVI) at UW Medicine welcomed patients, advocates, researchers, and community members to DeLille Cellars in Woodinville, WA for an evening of connection and discovery. “Changing the Course of Ovarian Cancer” highlighted how cancer vaccines, once considered aspirational, are now changing lives and redefining what’s possible in cancer care.

Driving a New Standard of Care

The evening’s program featured a panel moderated by ovarian cancer advocate Katerie Schei, whose mother passed away from the disease. Her personal connection to the cause brought depth and urgency to the conversation. “Our goal tonight,” she shared, “is for you to leave here inspired and filled with hope. The Cancer Vaccine Institute is doing something no one else is doing. It is game changing.”

Panelists included CVI Director Dr. Nora Disis, gynecologic oncologist Dr. John Liao, and clinical trial participant Betty Merken. Together, they explored how cancer vaccines are moving from concept to clinical reality – offering new options for treatment, recurrence prevention, and ultimately, cancer prevention.

They described the promise of cancer vaccines: therapies that activate the immune system to recognize and eliminate cancer cells, reduce the risk of recurrence, and, in the future, protect high-risk individuals before cancer ever develops. CVI is currently advancing vaccines for ovarian, breast, lung, colon, prostate, and bladder cancers, with several in clinical trials and a Phase II ovarian cancer study launching in early 2026. Learn more about CVI ovarian cancer vaccines here.

A Patient’s Perspective

Betty Merken, an artist and educator, joined CVI’s Phase I ovarian cancer vaccine trial in 2012 after facing recurrence. Diagnosed with stage III ovarian cancer in 2006, she saw the trial as both a scientific opportunity and a personal calling. “Whether or not I benefitted directly, I wanted to be part of something that might help other women in the future,” she shared.

Today, Betty is thriving – her studio practice is active, she’s received multiple artist residencies in Italy, and she’s preparing to welcome her first grandchild. She spoke about the parallels between science and art: both require creativity, courage, and a willingness to face the unknown. Reflecting on her journey, she quoted Saint Francis of Assisi: “Start by doing what is necessary; then do what is possible; and suddenly you are doing the impossible.”

That spirit of persistence and imagination is central to CVI’s work. “Hope doesn’t have to be passive,” Betty added. “It can be a force that moves us forward.”

Clinical Insights and What’s Ahead

Dr. Liao offered a clinical lens on how vaccines could be integrated into the current standard of care, which typically includes surgery, chemotherapy, and surveillance. He emphasized the potential of vaccines to reduce recurrence and improve long-term outcomes. The upcoming Phase II trial will target ovarian cancer at the earliest signs of recurrence, when patients have an increased level of the CA-125 tumor marker before cancer is visible on imaging. The study will open in early 2026.

Sustaining Momentum

The evening closed with remarks from longtime ovarian cancer advocate Joe White, who has dedicated years to this cause after losing both his wife and mother to the disease. He underscored the importance of community support, especially as federal funding cuts threaten to slow critical research. “Ovarian cancer vaccines are here, already making a difference,” he said. “But we need the support of our entire community to bring these advances to every patient who needs them.”

The gathering reflected the power of patients, advocates, researchers, and supporters united by a shared mission. Together, we’re changing the course of ovarian cancer. And we’re just getting started.