Sequence Bio launches genetics study of familial ovarian cancer

June 6, 2025

sequence Bio launches genetics study of familial ovarian cancer

New study aims to determine if genetic factors identified in Newfoundland and Labrador families contribute to the development of ovarian cancer.

Together with local oncologists, researchers, and volunteering participants, Sequence Bio is proud to collaborate on a new research study focusing on the genetics of ovarian cancer (OvCa) in Newfoundland and Labrador families.

Through this study, Sequence Bio aims to determine how specific genetic differences between individuals with OvCa and their unaffected relatives contribute to the development of the disease.

“Ovarian cancer is a serious health condition, ranking as the eighth most common cancer and a leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women globally,” said Lynn Healey, Chief Executive Officer of Sequence Bio. “There is currently no routine screening test for ovarian cancer, and new insights about what causes this disease could help us uncover new methods for earlier, more accurate diagnosis and discover therapeutic targets that contribute to the development of new medicines.”

Sequence Bio aims to identify both known and novel genetic variants in families with multiple cases of breast or OvCa, and evaluate whether any of those variants contribute to disease risk. They will then look for those same variants in an unrelated set of individuals to determine their role in the development of OvCa.

Dr. Tom Barber, the study’s Co-Principal Investigator and Sequence Bio’s Chief Scientific Officer explained the advantage of conducting this research in Newfoundland and Labrador: “Because the current population largely descends from a relatively small group of settlers, certain genetic traits that are rare in other parts of the world may be more common here. This study is designed to identify previously unknown genetic links to ovarian cancer that are more frequent in the population and have global relevance for understanding and treating this disease.”

It is Sequence Bio’s hope that genetic variants identified through this study will lead to diagnostic markers and novel targets for the discovery and development of innovative treatments.

Enrollment in the Study of Familial Ovarian Cancer is by referral from current study collaborators Dr. Patti Power, Dr. Joannie Neveu, Dr. Cathy Popadiuk, or their designates Dr. Claire Elliott and Dr. Carla Saldanha.

About the Study of Familial Ovarian Cancer

Through this study, Sequence Bio is aiming to characterize the genetic architecture of ovarian cancer, including both known and novel genetic causes of the disease in the Newfoundland and Labrador population. Current oncologist and researcher collaborators include Memorial University Faculty of Medicine’s Dr. Patti Power, Dr. Joannie Neveu, Dr. Cathy Popadiuk, Dr. Terry-Lynn Young, and Dr. Kathy Hodgkinson. The study’s Co-Principal Investigators are Sequence Bio’s Dr. Bari Ballew, Senior Director of  Data Science and Analytics, and Dr. Tom Barber, Chief Scientific Officer.

Sequence Bio would like to thank these collaborators and the participants who consented to join the Study of Familial Ovarian Cancer for enabling this research.

About Sequence Bio

Sequence Bio is researching the genetic characteristics of the Newfoundland and Labrador founder population to identify and validate novel drug targets, helping to accelerate the discovery of new treatments for diseases with high unmet medical need. Sequence Bio is proudly based in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador.

For more information about Sequence Bio and its research, please contact us at hi@sequencebio.com or 1.800.296.3481.