Dr. Lucy Gilbert named Woman of Influence™ for 2021

In recognition of her extraordinary accomplishments in research and development that led to the creation of a genomics uterine pap test to detect ovarian and endometrial cancers early (DOvEEgene), Dr. Lucy Gilbert received the Top 25 Women of Influence™ award for 2021.

As a Senior Scientist at the Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre (RI-MUHC) and the Director of the MUHC Division of Gynecologic Oncology and Women’s Health Research Unit, Dr. Gilbert has worked relentlessly to improve cure rates of ovarian and endometrial cancers, which have not changed in 30 years. Fourth most common cause of cancer deaths in women, these cancers are known as “the silent killer” because they present no symptoms until they have spread to other parts of the body. By the time cancer is detected, it has often become uncurable.

Thanks to Dr. Gilbert’s team, this harsh reality could change dramatically. The DOvEEgene test they developed is able to detect somatic mutations, which are early events in the development of cancer. Used as a routine part of women’s health, it could allow doctors to diagnose cancer before it’s too late, and it could help save millions of lives.

Clinical trials for DOvEEgene are set to begin in May 2021. They are supported by Genome Québec, Genome Canada and the MUHC Foundation, which is raising $2 million for this research through its “Dream Big” campaign.

With information from the MUHC Foundation