Current research trials for ovarian cancer

There are several research trials in progress, looking at different combinations of chemotherapy. Some trials are looking at treatment in women newly diagnosed with ovarian cancer, and others are testing treatment of women whose ovarian cancer has come back.

All these treatments are in the early stages of research and are not widely available. You can talk to your doctor about any that you think may be appropriate for you. You also might find it helpful to read our information on clinical trials|, including the benefits and disadvantages of taking part.

For women newly diagnosed with ovarian cancer

CHORUS

Women who are newly diagnosed with ovarian cancer may be asked to take part in a trial called CHORUS. The trial is looking to see if giving chemotherapy before as well as after surgery helps to improve survival.

ICON 7

You may be asked to take part in a trial using a biological therapy alongside chemotherapy. Two biological therapies - called angiogenesis inhibitors - that can stop cancer from developing new blood vessels, are currently being tested.

A trial called ICON 7 is testing an angiogenesis inhibitor called bevacizumab (Avastin®), which is given as an injection into a drip. This trial is for women who are newly diagnosed and is comparing how effective the standard chemotherapy of carboplatin and Taxol is with and without Avastin.

For women whose ovarian cancer has come back

ICON 6

Another trial, called ICON 6, is testing a newer angiogenesis inhibitor called cediranib, which is a tablet. The trial is for women whose cancer has come back six months or more after they had chemotherapy. Women will be given one of the following treatments:

• The standard chemotherapy plus a dummy drug (placebo), then continue to take the dummy drug.
• The standard chemotherapy plus cediranib, then switch to a placebo after chemotherapy is finished.
• Standard chemotherapy plus cediranib, then continue with cediranib after chemotherapy is finished.

Decitabine

A drug that can make cancer cells sensitive to chemotherapy is being tested for women whose ovarian cancer has come back after initial chemotherapy. The drug, called decitabine, which is given as a drip (infusion), is being given alongside carboplatin chemotherapy.