MAY 29, 2026 - JUNE 1, 2026
VANCOUVER, BC
CANADIAN CONFERENCE ON OVARIAN CANCER RESEARCH
Canada’s leading ovarian cancer researchers, clinicians, patient partners, and trainees come together at this biennial national conference to exchange knowledge, strengthen collaboration, and drive research progress.
Hosted in a different Canadian city every two years, CCOCR is internationally recognized for its scientifically robust program and emphasis on networking and mentorship. The 12th edition will take place in Vancouver, BC, bringing together experts to showcase excellence across the care continuum from prevention and early detection to treatment and survivorship. The Gynecologic Cancer Initiative (GCI) and Ovarian Cancer Canada (OCC) are proud to co-lead CCOCR 2026 alongside national and local scientific and clinical leaders, patient partners, and trainees. Together, we are shaping a program that reflects Canada’s leadership in ovarian cancer research and its commitment to accelerating impact through collaboration.
SUBMISSION DEADLINE: JANUARY 30, 2026
CALL FOR ABSTRACTS
Abstract submissions are invited for oral and poster presentations. All submissions will undergo peer review, and selections will be made based on scientific merit, innovation, and impact. Accepted abstracts will be programmed into plenary, breakout, or poster sessions.
Regular abstract submissions open on December 1 and close on January 30. Presenting authors will be notified in February regarding their abstract’s acceptance status.
Late-breaking abstracts are intended for new research that was not available prior to the regular submission deadline. Late-breaking abstract submissions open on March 11 and close on March 27. Presenting authors will be notified in April regarding the acceptance status.
Key Dates
DECEMBER 1 - Abstract Submission Opens
JANUARY 30 - Abstract Submission Deadline
DECEMBER 1 - Late-Breaking Abstract Submission Opens
MARCH 27 - Late-Breaking Abstract Submission Deadline
Abstract Submission Opens
Abstract Submission Deadline
Late-Breaking Abstract Submission Opens
Late-Breaking Abstract Submission Deadline
WHAT TO EXPECT FOR CCOCR 2026?
PRE-EVENT
MAY 28, 2026
GCI Trainee Research Day
Join the Gynecologic Cancer Initiative (GCI) for the 6th Annual Trainee Research Day on Thursday, May 28th, held one day before the CCOCR kick-off. This full day event features trainee oral and poster presentations, keynote talks, Q&As and concludes with a reception. Presentations and posters will be judged, with prizes awarded for excellence. This annual event is an opportunity to showcase and celebrate trainee research, alongside interdisciplinary collaboration and networking. No registration fee required and travel awards are available based on merit.
MAY 29, 2026
CCOCR Trainee Workshop
The CCOCR Trainee Workshop will take place on May 29th. This foundational workshop for trainees offers sessions from leading experts spanning Ovarian Cancer 101: from prevention through survivorship, Basics of patient engagement, as well as interactive activities meant to strengthen scientific communication skills, and a patient-trainee networking lunch. Patient partners are invited to engage as attendees and panel speakers, contributing lived experience to enrich discussion and learning. To support preparation and maximize learning outcomes, a “prep kit” will be distributed in advance.
MAIN EVENT
MAY 29 - JUNE 1, 2026
Canadian Conference on Ovarian Cancer Research
The conference features seven Plenary sessions led by Canadian and International experts, and features invited speakers, proffered abstracts, panel discussions, and poster sessions. Presentations will span fundamental science to knowledge transfer and patient-centred research, highlighting key challenges and advances across the continuum of care, from prevention through survivorship. Networking events, including two poster receptions and an evening social event, will further foster mentorship, collaboration, and knowledge exchange. New this year, four concurrent breakout sessions will allow attendees to personalize their learning experieince.
New this year: Breakout sessions
STREAM ONE
Novel Therapeutics
This track explores advances in established and emerging therapeutics. By highlighting both molecularly targeted therapies and new drug development platforms, these sessions will showcase how precision medicine is reshaping the treatment landscape to improve patient outcomes, extend survival, and overcome treatment resistance in ovarian cancer.
STREAM TWO
Patient-Centred Research
This track highlights the importance of patient partner engagement in research, highlighting how the integration of lived or living experience enhances scientific relevance and impact. Sessions will also explore survivorship, supportive care, mental health, and quality-of-life research priorities.
STREAM ONE
Emerging Technologies
Focusing on novel research tools and technologies, this stream will showcase innovations such as artificial intelligence, humanized models, ctDNA profiling, and spatial biology. By strengthening the research toolkit, this theme underscores the importance of methodological advances for accelerating discovery and translation into clinical practice.
STREAM FOUR
Risk, Early Detection and Prevention
Dedicated to reducing incidence and improving outcomes, this track will explore the latest epidemiology and population health research, genetic risk profiling, novel screening approaches, and advancements in prevention strategies. Emphasis will be placed on translating research into actionable population health interventions.
MAY 30, 2026
Evening Social Event
An evening of dinner and conversation will deliver a fun night to foster new connections and strengthen collaborative relationships, all while experiencing the best of our host city.
MAY 31, 2026
Plunge for the Cure
Following a morning of breakout sessions, attendees will have the opportunity to participate in Plunge for the Cure before returning for lunch and an afternoon of programming. Plunge for the Cure is a registered Canadian charity that was established to raise funds for drug and treatment development targeting ovarian cancer. Supporters fundraise annually, and then take part in celebrating the arrival of summer by plunging into the water at Kitsilano Beach on the last Sunday in May to help us crush ovarian cancer.
2026 SPEAKERS
Yvette Drew
MD, FRCPC, MBBS, PhD
Plenary
Emerging Therapies
James Brenton
MBBS, PhD
Plenary
High-Grade Serous Cancer
William Foulkes
MBBS, PhD, FRCPC
Plenary
Rare Ovarian Cancers
Jessica McAlpine
MD FRCPC
Plenary
Endometrial Cancer
REGULAR PRICING
Person with lived or living experience
$250 CAD
EARLY BIRD PRICING (UNTIL JANUARY 30, 2026)
Trainee
$450 CAD
EARLY BIRD PRICING (UNTIL JANUARY 30, 2026)
Delegate
$500 CAD
AGENDA PREVIEW
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Gynecologic Cancer Initiative's Trainee Research Day
8:00 AM
CCOCR Trainee Workshop
10:00 AM
Bridging Science and Survivorship: A Day of Wellness, Research & Resilience
12:00 PM
Stories & Science: A Lunch Connecting Patients and Trainees
1:00 PM
Welcome and Opening Ceremony
1:15 PM
Plenary 1: High-Grade Serous Ovarian Cancer
Plenary Speaker: Dr. James Brenton
3:10 PM
Plenary 2: Immune and Microenvironment
Plenary Speaker: TBA
5:00 PM
Reception & Poster Session A
7:00 AM
Breakfast
8:10 AM
Plenary 3: Survivorship
Plenary Speaker: TBA
Survivorship Panel: TBA
10:20 AM
Plenary 4: Rare Cancers
Plenary Speaker: Dr. William Foulkes
12:40 PM
Lunch
1:40 PM
STREAM ONE
Novel Biologics: ADCs, RNA Vaccines
1:40 PM
STREAM TWO
Mental Health and Survivorship
1:40 PM
STREAM THREE
Artificial Intelligence
1:40 PM
STREAM TWO
Early Detection
3:25 PM
STREAM ONE
Targeting the genome: Parp inhibitors, telomerase
3:25 PM
STREAM TWO
Hormone Replacement Therapy and Survivorship
3:25 PM
STREAM THREE
Model Systems
3:25 PM
STREAM TWO
Prevention Trials
6:00 PM
Evening Social Event
7:00 AM
Breakfast
8:00 AM
STREAM ONE
Cell Plasticity and Targeting Resistant Cell Populations
8:00 AM
STREAM TWO
Patient Engagement in Research
8:00 AM
STREAM THREE
Circulating Tumour DNA
8:00 AM
STREAM FOUR
Shared Resources
10:00 AM
Plunge for the Cure
12:45 PM
Lunch
1:45 PM
Plenary 5 Elisabeth Baugh Lecture: Emerging Therapies: Clinical Trials Across Canada
Plenary Speaker: Dr. Yvette Drew
3:45 PM
STREAM ONE
Endometrial Cancer p53abn
3:45 PM
STREAM TWO
Sexual Health
3:45 PM
STREAM THREE
Spatial Biology
3:45 PM
STREAM FOUR
Epidemiology, New Approaches & Population Health
5:30 PM
Reception & Poster Session B
8:10 AM
Plenary 6: Endometrial Cancer
Plenary Speaker: Dr. Jessica McAlpine
10:05 AM
Plenary 7 Auersperg Lectureship: Origins and Prevention
Plenary Speaker: Dr. Ernst Lengyel
11:40 AM
Closing Remarks
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS
PRESENTING SPONSOR
SUPPORTER
