Researchers at the Queensland University of Technology (QUT) have made a major breakthrough in the treatment of the deadliest form of ovarian cancer.

Serious forms of ovarian cancer spread rapidly throughout the abdominal area and ultimately become resistant to chemotherapy treatments. The QUT scientists have now identified the two enzymes that encourage the chemotherapy resistance.

"While chemotherapy will often work initially, this form of cancer has found a way of beating the current chemotherapy drugs and quite quickly becomes immune to treatment," research leader Judith Clements said in a January 29 media release.

"So our research is tackling the cancer on two fronts to better understand how cancer cells aggregate and survive in the ascites fluid that accumulates in the abdomen and why it is resistant to chemotherapy."

Now that scientists have identified the two enzymes attributed to causing this resistance, they can work towards possible solutions.

Currently, the QUT Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation is developing a drug that has been found to inhibit the identified enzymes.

Ms Clements explained this drug is a "major milestone" in the campaign to provide better treatment to Australian women affected by this disease.

Around 250 women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer in Queensland each year.

If there is a history of ovarian cancer in your family, you may benefit from a Cancer Cover plan through HICA in addition to your comprehensive health insurance policy.

HICA can offer access to Cancer Cover - direct from Chartis - that will provide you or your partner with a tax-free lump sum benefit if you are diagnosed with ovarian cancer or other gender-specific cancers.

No medical examination is required and acceptance is guaranteed for any Australian between the ages of 18 and 69.

If you are interested in a Cancer Cover policy, contact the private health insurance team at HICA today.

HICA does not provide advice about whether this personal accident insurance product is suitable for your personal needs and objectives. You need to consider the appropriateness of the product in light of your objectives or needs before making a decision to acquire the product. To do this, you should read the Policy Disclosure Statement (PDS) and policy wording in the relevant CancerCoverTM - direct brochure before making any decision.