Clinical Trials for Ovarian Cancer
300 ovarian cancer trials indexed, 162 currently recruiting. Updated daily from ClinicalTrials.gov.
Understanding Ovarian Cancer
Ovarian cancer is a disease that begins in the ovaries, which are part of the female reproductive system. The ovaries produce eggs and hormones like estrogen and progesterone. Cancer starts when cells in the ovary grow uncontrollably, forming tumors. These tumors can spread to other parts of the body if not caught early. Doctors diagnose ovarian cancer through a combination of pelvic exams, imaging tests like ultrasounds or CT scans, and blood tests measuring markers such as CA-125. A definitive diagnosis usually requires a biopsy or surgery to examine tissue under a microscope.
Common symptoms of ovarian cancer can be vague and include bloating, pelvic or abdominal pain, difficulty eating or feeling full quickly, and urinary changes. These symptoms often overlap with less serious conditions, which can delay diagnosis. Ovarian cancer typically affects women after menopause, with the highest rates seen in women aged 50 to 60. Risk factors include age, family history of ovarian or breast cancer, genetic mutations like BRCA1 and BRCA2, and certain reproductive factors such as never having been pregnant. Women with a strong family history may consider genetic counseling to assess their risk.
Ovarian cancer is a serious health concern due to its high mortality rate. It is the fifth leading cause of cancer death among women in the United States. Approximately 1 in 78 women will develop ovarian cancer during their lifetime. One challenge is that many cases are diagnosed at an advanced stage because early symptoms are subtle. This late diagnosis contributes to a five-year survival rate of about 49%. The economic burden is also significant, with costs related to treatment, hospital stays, and lost productivity. Understanding ovarian cancer is important for improving outcomes and supporting affected individuals.
The Ovarian Cancer Treatment Landscape
The first-line treatment for ovarian cancer usually involves surgery followed by chemotherapy. The goal of surgery is to remove as much of the tumor as possible, which is called debulking. After surgery, patients typically receive chemotherapy with a combination of platinum-based drugs like carboplatin and taxanes such as paclitaxel. This approach aims to kill remaining cancer cells and reduce the chance of recurrence. Treatment plans are often tailored based on the stage of cancer and the patient’s overall health.
If the cancer returns or does not respond to initial treatment, second- and third-line therapies may be used. These options include additional chemotherapy agents, targeted therapies, and sometimes hormone treatments. Drug classes like PARP inhibitors have become important for patients with specific genetic mutations. Examples include olaparib and niraparib, which help block cancer cell repair mechanisms. Other treatments may involve anti-angiogenic drugs that prevent tumors from developing new blood vessels. The choice of therapy depends on factors such as previous treatments, cancer characteristics, and patient preferences.
Despite advances, there are still gaps in ovarian cancer treatment. Some subgroups of patients respond poorly to existing therapies, especially those with resistant or recurrent disease. Drug resistance can develop, making cancer harder to control. Side effects from chemotherapy and targeted drugs can also affect quality of life and limit treatment options. Research is focused on finding new drugs that work better and cause fewer side effects. Scientists are also studying how to personalize treatment based on genetic and molecular features of each tumor to improve outcomes.
Why Clinical Trials Matter for Ovarian Cancer
Clinical trials offer patients access to new treatments that are not yet widely available. For ovarian cancer, there are over 300 clinical trials listed on ClinicalTrials.gov, with 162 currently recruiting participants. These trials test new drugs, combinations, or treatment strategies. Patients in trials receive close monitoring and care from specialized teams. Participating also helps researchers understand how well treatments work and if they are safe. This contributes to developing better options for future patients.
Joining a clinical trial involves some risks. The effectiveness of the new treatment may be unknown, and some patients might receive a placebo or standard treatment instead of the experimental drug. Additional clinic visits, tests, and procedures are often required, which can be time-consuming and tiring. Side effects may occur and could be different from those seen with approved treatments. It is important for patients to discuss these risks and benefits with their healthcare providers before enrolling in a trial.
Clinical trials for ovarian cancer are sponsored by various groups, including academic institutions, pharmaceutical companies, and cooperative research groups. Each sponsor plays a role in designing and conducting studies. ClinicalTrials.gov serves as a comprehensive registry that helps patients, caregivers, and doctors find relevant trials. This public database increases transparency and helps match patients with studies that fit their condition and treatment history. Access to this information supports informed decision-making for those affected by ovarian cancer.
What to Look for in a Ovarian Cancer Clinical Trial
Clinical trials for ovarian cancer are often divided into four phases. Phase 1 trials test the safety of a new treatment and determine the best dose. Phase 2 trials evaluate how well the treatment works and continue to assess safety. Phase 3 trials compare the new treatment to the current standard treatment in larger groups. Phase 4 trials occur after the treatment is approved to monitor long-term effects. For ovarian cancer, most trials are in Phase 1 with 112 studies, followed by 65 in Phase 2, 33 in Phase 3, and 44 that do not specify a phase.
When considering joining a trial, you will notice specific inclusion criteria. These often include age limits, usually adults 18 years or older. Trials may require certain stages of ovarian cancer, such as advanced or recurrent disease. Prior treatments like chemotherapy or surgery might be necessary or could exclude participation. Some trials look for biomarkers, which are specific genetic or protein markers related to the cancer. The duration of the disease and overall health status can also affect eligibility.
Exclusion criteria are equally important and exist to protect your safety. Common exclusions include having other serious health conditions like heart or liver disease. Some drugs or supplements you take might interact with the trial treatment, so those patients are not allowed. Safety thresholds such as blood counts or organ function tests must be met to reduce risk. These rules help ensure the trial results are accurate and that participants are not harmed.
Practical considerations matter for patients and caregivers. Clinical trials can last weeks to months, sometimes longer. You may need to visit the study site frequently for tests, treatments, and check-ups. Travel distance and costs can be a challenge. Before joining, ask the research team: How long will the trial last? What types of visits are required? Are there any costs I need to cover? What happens if I want to stop the trial early? These questions help you understand what to expect and decide if the trial fits your needs.
Primary Sources and Further Reading
For more detailed information about ovarian cancer and clinical trials, it is helpful to consult trusted sources. These websites provide reliable, up-to-date content for patients and caregivers. They cover topics such as treatment options, trial participation, and support resources. Below are some recommended links to learn more and find clinical trials that might be right for you.
- National Cancer Institute: Ovarian Cancer
- MedlinePlus: Ovarian Cancer
- ClinicalTrials.gov: Ovarian Cancer Trials
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Ovarian Cancer
Latest Research and Emerging Treatments for Ovarian Cancer (2026)
Ovarian cancer research in 2026 includes trials testing new drugs and combinations that may improve ovarian cancer treatment options. One study is comparing olaparib for one or two years, with or without bevacizumab, in patients with advanced ovarian cancer who have BRCA mutations or homologous recombination deficiency (NCT06580314). Olaparib is a PARP inhibitor that helps prevent cancer cells from repairing their DNA, potentially slowing cancer growth. Bevacizumab is an antibody that reduces blood supply to tumors. This research could help determine the best maintenance therapy to delay cancer progression after initial treatment.
Another trial is testing GSK5733584 against standard chemotherapy drugs like paclitaxel and topotecan in people with platinum-resistant ovarian cancer (NCT07286266). Platinum-resistant means the cancer no longer responds well to platinum-based chemotherapy, a common treatment. GSK5733584 is a new drug being studied to see if it works better or causes fewer side effects than current chemotherapy. For patients, this could mean more effective treatment choices with potentially less toxicity when standard options have limited success.
Additional studies focus on extending the benefits of existing treatments. A Phase 3 trial is evaluating continued use of olaparib in patients who have already responded to it, aiming to manage disease longer (NCT04421963). Another study is testing a combination of trastuzumab deruxtecan and bevacizumab versus bevacizumab alone for HER2-expressing ovarian cancer (NCT06819007). Trastuzumab deruxtecan is an antibody-drug conjugate that targets cancer cells expressing HER2, delivering chemotherapy directly to them. These new drugs for ovarian cancer may offer more personalized treatment options and improve how long patients can live with controlled disease.
Frequently asked questions about Ovarian Cancer trials
How do I find Ovarian Cancer clinical trials?
The authoritative source for Ovarian Cancer clinical trials is ClinicalTrials.gov, maintained by the U.S. National Library of Medicine. 300 ovarian cancer studies are currently indexed. You can search by entering "ovarian cancer" as the condition, then filter by recruiting status, phase, and location. TrialsAlert scans ClinicalTrials.gov daily for new ovarian cancer trials and delivers a plain-language briefing every Friday explaining what changed.
What phase are most Ovarian Cancer trials in?
Across the 300 ovarian cancer trials TrialsAlert indexes, the most common phase is Phase 1. Early-phase studies (Phase 1 and Phase 2) test safety and initial efficacy. Phase 3 trials compare a candidate treatment against the current standard of care in larger populations and generate the evidence regulators use to approve new therapies.
How many Ovarian Cancer clinical trials are currently recruiting?
As of the latest scan, 162 ovarian cancer trials have a "Recruiting" status on ClinicalTrials.gov, out of 300 total indexed. The recruiting figure changes daily as studies open, fill enrollment, and close. TrialsAlert subscribers are notified when a new recruiting ovarian cancer trial matches their tracked condition.
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