The Women’s Health Research Unit at the Centre for Innovative Medicine teams up with local optometry clinic to provide eye care during treatment for advanced ovarian cancer

At the Centre for Innovative Medicine (CIM) of the Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre (The Institute), researchers are leading the way in providing patients with access to cutting-edge oncology treatments.

Since 2016, the Women’s Health Research Unit (WHRU), under the direction of Lucy Gilbert, MD, has taken part in various clinical trials investigating Mirvetuximab, a type of targeted cancer therapy for patients with platinum-resistant ovarian cancer. An impactful international study co-led by Dr. Gilbert, a clinical scientist at The Institute, resulted in encouraging outcomes for patients with otherwise limited treatment options. The drug has since received approval from both the FDA and Health Canada and is now improving survival outcomes for women around the world. Ongoing trials aim to refine these treatments and ensure that patients continue to benefit from the most effective and well-tolerated care available.

Yet, as with many novel therapies, challenging side effects can arise. “Ocular toxicities are unfortunately quite common,” explains Dr. Gilbert. “Our trial participants have experienced blurred vision, dry eyes, and photophobia, as well as more complex diagnoses like keratopathy and cataracts. Fast evaluation by eye specialists is needed to ensure our participants can safely continue with their cancer treatment.”

Eye care specialists at the McGill University Health Centre (MUHC) provide expertise to clinical trials, but must also meet the demands of their complex and demanding clinical caseloads. Seeking additional support, the research team recently partnered with Vision 770, an eye clinic located within the MUHC at the Glen site.

“Dr. Raphael Elalouf, OD, and his team at Vision 770 have been invaluable,” says Dr. Gilbert. “They are able to see patients within a week and provide rapid, detailed assessments that allow us to manage symptoms quickly and effectively. Our partnership is easing pressure on hospital teams and ensuring trial participants get the care they need to stay on treatment.”

“It has been a true privilege to support Dr. Lucy Gilbert and her outstanding team. Collaborating on this most honourable initiative means we are helping women fighting ovarian cancer while ensuring they maintain good ocular health,” says Dr. Elalouf.

Valérie Josset, a patient of Dr. Gilbert’s for over a decade, has experienced the benefits of this collaboration firsthand. As part of her treatment protocol, she sees Dr. Elalouf regularly for monitoring and reassurance. “It’s comforting to know that any changes in my vision are being closely followed,” she says. “When you’re part of a clinical trial, it makes a big difference to have easy access to someone who can explain what’s happening and refer you if needed.”

“With Vision 770’s support, we can keep women on these promising treatments while protecting their vision and comfort. It’s about helping patients live longer — and see better — as they fight ovarian cancer,” says Dr. Gilbert.

About the study

“Safety and efficacy of mirvetuximab soravtansine, a folate receptor alpha (FRα)-targeting antibody-drug conjugate (ADC), in combination with bevacizumab in patients with platinum-resistant ovarian cancer” by Lucy Gilbert et al., was published in Gynecologic Oncology.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ygyno.2023.01.020



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