A latest cancer treatment initiated in Melbourne suggested that advanced ovarian cancer can be fought to a standstill - an against-the-odds result that could point to a radical new way of beating other cancers.

The National Breast and Ovarian Cancer Centre reported that recent data figures show more younger women are suffering from ovarian cancer. However, the centre reflected that ovarian cancer sufferers still face a poorer prognosis than women surviving with breast cancer.

Researchers from the Royal Women's Hospital and Monash University posted they are highly anxious about the trial, which initiated began last year.

The research comes as new national figures on ovarian cancer reported that almost 66% of Australians diagnosed with the disease will not be alive five years later.

Several of the women have responded positively to the treatment, Professor Quinn said. ''These are very, very promising results',' he said. ''The tumors have stopped growing - that's all we had hoped for. I don't think this is the magic bullet yet but it's certainly enough for us to continue our work".

Since last year they have given the therapy to seven women with advanced, recurrent ovarian cancer, while also working with Monash University's department of immunology to crack the secrets of the immune cycle.