Justine Frangouli : The “Doveegene” Genomic Pap Test: Not a Cause but, Rather, a Destination!

The “Doveegene” Genomic Pap Test:

Not a Cause but, Rather, a Destination!

On May 12th, with the participation of more than 200 registrants, the Lyceum of Greek Women of Montreal (LGWM), in co-operation with the MUHC Foundation, organized the “Joanne and Melina Virtual Event” that focused on the clinical trials of the “Doveegene” genomic pap test under renowned oncologist/gynecologist of MUHC/McGill, Dr. Lucy Gilbert.

Aphrodite Salas, professor of Journalism at Concordia University, graciously hosted the event which was enriched by the presence of Dr. Pierre Gfeller, President and CEO of the MUHC. Dr. Gfeller began by introducing the Canadian Minister of Health, the Honorable Patty Hajdu, who noted the government’s efforts to fund medical research projects, some of which focus on gender equality. Patty Hajdu emphasized the importance of the “Doveegene” clinical trials and an end result that will save millions of women’s lives in the future.

This was the third year that the Lyceum of Greek Women of Montreal organized an event dedicated to fundraising for the "DOvEEgene Project" which focuses on the early detection of ovarian and endometrial cancers.

The LGWM has already contributed $100,000.00 to the project to date. With this fundraising event, the goal is to collect an additional $50.000.00.

The audience was captivated by the narratives of the event’s main figures, Melina Tsagaropoulos, a 31-year old mother, and Joanne Photiades, vice-president of the “Doveegene” Genomic Pap Test fundraising campaign, who related their experiences with ovarian cancer, bringing tears to people’s eyes.

Justine Frangouli-Argyris, President of the LGWM, said that as a journalist and woman who lost her younger sister to ovarian cancer, she feels the need to help in the prevention of this silent killer. She said that “Doveegene” is not a cause but, rather, a destination.

Dr. Lucy Gilbert, named one of Canada's "Top 25 Women of Influence for 2021" and a global expert in gynecology/oncology and genomics at the MUHC, presented the “DOvEEgene” test which aims to make a significant scientific breakthrough for the early diagnosis of ovarian and endometrial cancers. She invited all women aged 45 to 70 years to participate in the “Doveegene” clinical trials by registering with her team.

To get this project from the research laboratory to a clinical-grade test, the MUHC Foundation is raising $2M with its “Stop the Silent Killer” campaign. The plan is to leverage public funding to triple this amount.

While many researchers are working on ovarian and endometrial cancers, Dr. Gilbert is the sole researcher developing an early detection test and she is uniquely positioned to achieve this goal.

Even though laboratories in the U.S. may have superior funding, Dr. Gilbert’s expertise as a physician and her access to a diverse group of women given our public healthcare system will enable her to finish the clinical study required to confirm her discovery.

In her closing remarks, Julie Quenneville, CEO of the MUHC Foundation, reiterated how important it is to have the “Doveegene” Genomic pap test become a tool for every woman in order to prevent endometrial and ovarian cancers.

Messages of praise and good wishes were delivered to Dr. Gilbert and the LGWM from the following local female politicians:

Emmanuella Lambropoulos, M.P. for Saint Laurent;

Annie Koutrakis, M.P.for Vimy;

Sandra El-Helou, City Councillor for Souvenir-Labelle;

Mary Deros, City Councillor for Villeray, St-Michel-Park Extension;

Aglaia Revelakis, City Councillor for Chomedey

A song by well known Greek-Canadian singer, Maro Lytras, was aired, soothing the audience.

The LGWM would like to thank its major sponsors:

1) the City of Laval and Municipal Councillor for Souvenir-Labelle, Sandra El-Helou;

2) Ernst and Young;

3) real estate agents Vicky Georgiadou and Nancy Zentefis of Les Immeubles Charisma;

4) Gestion Immobiliere Provision;