Several Phase 3 trials are testing new agents in platinum-resistant ovarian cancer (PROC), the area of greatest need. Rinatabart sesutecan (Rina-S), a folate-receptor alpha ADC, is being compared with investigator's choice in PROC. Sacituzumab tirumotecan (Sac-TMT) is in Phase 3 for non-HRD positive disease. INCB123667, a CDK2 inhibitor, is being tested versus investigator's choice in PROC with cyclin E1 overexpression. BL-B01D1 and SHR-A1811 are ADCs in Phase 3 for PROC. Trastuzumab deruxtecan is being studied versus standard of care in recurrent disease that progressed on a prior PARP inhibitorDrugs that block PARP enzymes, exploiting DNA repair defects in cancer cells such as those with BRCA mutations.Click for full explanation →. The Phase 2 pamiparib study tested PARP rechallenge after prior PARPi exposure with limited responses, illustrating the need for new options after PARPi failure. Niraparib rechallenge after surgery in oligometastatic progression is being studied. Earlier-phase work includes anti-PD-L1 ADCs, intraperitoneal aerosolized chemotherapyDrugs that kill rapidly dividing cells, including cancer cells.Click for full explanation →, and an oral BCL-XL degrader (DT2216) plus paclitaxel. Laboratory studies highlight metabolism-driven immune escape, telomerase-associated genes as prognostic markers, and ascites-based BRCAGenes whose mutations significantly raise the risk of breast and ovarian cancers.Click for full explanation → testing as an alternative to tissue biopsy.
Where the evidence stands
Platinum-based chemotherapyDrugs that kill rapidly dividing cells, including cancer cells.Click for full explanation → and PARP inhibitorDrugs that block PARP enzymes, exploiting DNA repair defects in cancer cells such as those with BRCA mutations.Click for full explanation → maintenance are established standards with overall survivalThe percentage of patients still alive after a set period — a key clinical trial endpoint.Click for full explanation → benefits in molecularly defined subgroups. Folate receptor alpha-directed ADC therapy with mirvetuximab is approved and has spurred a wave of new ADCs entering Phase 3. CDK2 inhibition for cyclin E1-driven disease and additional ADCs against TROP2 and HER2A protein that promotes cell growth — overexpressed in some breast and stomach cancers.Click for full explanation → are in late-stage development. ImmunotherapyTreatments that use the body's immune system to fight cancer.Click for full explanation → in non-MSI-high ovarian cancer has been disappointing in Phase 3 to date and is being reapproached through ADC-based and bispecific strategies. Many laboratory findings remain at the preclinical or early clinical stage.
What this means for people affected
Ovarian cancer outcomes have improved with the introduction of PARP inhibitorsDrugs that block PARP enzymes, exploiting DNA repair defects in cancer cells such as those with BRCA mutations.Click for full explanation → and targeted ADCs, and BRCAGenes whose mutations significantly raise the risk of breast and ovarian cancers.Click for full explanation → and HRD testing now shape maintenance decisions for nearly everyone with newly diagnosed advanced disease. The main unmet need is platinum-resistant disease, where many Phase 3 trials are now testing ADCs and CDK2 inhibitors with the potential to change practice in the next few years. Folate receptor alpha testing is becoming part of routine work-up to identify candidates for mirvetuximab and similar agents. Recurrent disease often has multiple options, and trial participation is reasonable to consider, particularly after PARP inhibitorDrugs that block PARP enzymes, exploiting DNA repair defects in cancer cells such as those with BRCA mutations.Click for full explanation → failure where standard options are limited.
Last updated May 1, 2026
Recent research findings
Understanding evidence levels▼
PreclinicalLab or cell studies — no human data yet.
Animal StudyResults in animals only — may not apply to humans.
Phase 1 TrialFirst-in-human safety testing in small groups.
Phase 2 TrialEarly effectiveness testing in a larger group.
Phase 3 TrialLarge controlled trial — the strongest trial evidence.
Observational StudyPatterns observed in populations — not a controlled trial.
ReviewSummary analysis of multiple existing studies.
Meta-AnalysisStatistical pooling of results from multiple studies.
Observational StudyPatterns observed in populations over time, not a controlled experiment.Published: August 14, 2026
Rare combination of adrenal and ovarian conditions in a young woman
Researchers reported a case of a woman in her 20s with congenital adrenal hyperplasia, ovarian adrenal rest tumours, autoimmune Addison's disease, and premature ovarian insufficiency. She conceived twice despite the tumours, but later developed an Addisonian crisis and ovarian failure. The case highlights the potential reproductive impact of ovarian adrenal rest tumours.
Why it matters: This finding may help doctors better understand and manage rare adrenal and ovarian conditions.
Lab StudyLaboratory experiments on cells or tissue. No human or animal data.Published: August 13, 2026
Link Between Protein Expression and Platinum Sensitivity in Ovarian Cancer
Researchers studied how certain proteins affect how well ovarian cancer patients respond to platinum-based chemotherapyDrugs that kill rapidly dividing cells, including cancer cells.Click for full explanation →. They found that some protein combinations were associated with better or worse outcomes. However, more research is needed to confirm these findings.
Why it matters: This study may help doctors better understand how to choose the most effective treatments for ovarian cancer patients.
Lab StudyLaboratory experiments on cells or tissue. No human or animal data.Published: August 13, 2026
Ovarian Cancer Cells' Response to Platinum ChemotherapyDrugs that kill rapidly dividing cells, including cancer cells.Click for full explanation →
Researchers studied how ovarian cancer cells respond to platinum chemotherapyDrugs that kill rapidly dividing cells, including cancer cells.Click for full explanation →. They found that two enzymes, SMS1 and SMS2, play different roles in how cells react to the treatment. The study suggests that one of these enzymes, SMS1, helps cancer cells survive the treatment.
Why it matters: This finding could help scientists understand why some ovarian cancer patients don't respond well to platinum chemotherapyDrugs that kill rapidly dividing cells, including cancer cells.Click for full explanation → and how to improve treatment outcomes.
Phase 3 TrialLarge controlled trial comparing treatments. The strongest level of trial evidence.Est. completion: December 1, 2028
Evaluating Rina-S for Ovarian Cancer Treatment in China
This clinical trialA research study that tests a medical intervention in human volunteers.Click for full explanation → is studying the effectiveness of Rina-S compared to other treatments for ovarian cancer that has stopped responding to platinum-based therapies. The trial is currently recruiting participants in China. The results of this study will help determine if Rina-S is a viable treatment option.
Why it matters: This trial could provide new insights into the treatment of ovarian cancer in China.
Phase 2 TrialTests early effectiveness in a larger group after phase 1 safety is established.Est. completion: March 15, 2027
Combination Therapy for Recurrent Ovarian Cancer
This clinical trialA research study that tests a medical intervention in human volunteers.Click for full explanation → is studying a combination of medications to treat patients with recurrent ovarian cancer. The trial is currently recruiting participants. The goal is to see if this treatment approach is effective and safe.
Why it matters: This trial aims to explore new treatment options for patients with recurrent ovarian cancer, which can be a challenging condition to manage.
This trial is currently recruiting participants and is in an early stage of investigation.
Phase 1 TrialFirst-in-human trial. Focuses on safety and dosing in small groups.Est. completion: July 1, 2032
Testing Sacituzumab Govitecan and Cisplatin in Ovarian and Endometrial Cancer
This clinical trialA research study that tests a medical intervention in human volunteers.Click for full explanation → is studying the combination of sacituzumab govitecan and cisplatin in people with platinum-sensitive ovarian and endometrial cancer. The trial is currently recruiting participants. The results of this trial are not yet known.
Why it matters: This trial aims to gather information about the safety and effectiveness of sacituzumab govitecan in combination with cisplatin for treating ovarian and endometrial cancer.
PreclinicalLab or cell studies. No human data yet.Est. completion: May 13, 2028
Ovarian Cancer Metabolism Study Seeks Participants
Researchers are studying how the body's metabolic activity relates to ovarian cancer and how well patients respond to treatment. This trial aims to better understand the connection between metabolism and cancer. The trial is currently recruiting participants.
Why it matters: This study may help doctors develop more effective treatments for ovarian cancer by understanding how the body's metabolism affects the disease.
Phase 1 TrialFirst-in-human trial. Focuses on safety and dosing in small groups.Est. completion: December 1, 2028
Testing New Treatments for Advanced Ovarian Cancer
This clinical trialA research study that tests a medical intervention in human volunteers.Click for full explanation → is studying the safety and tolerability of two new treatments, XmAb541 and XmAb808, in people with advanced ovarian cancer. The trial is currently recruiting participants. The goal is to understand how these treatments affect the body.
Why it matters: This trial may help doctors understand if these new treatments are safe and effective for people with advanced ovarian cancer.
Phase 2 TrialTests early effectiveness in a larger group after phase 1 safety is established.Completed: August 12, 2026
Ovarian Cancer Trial Examines New ImmunotherapyTreatments that use the body's immune system to fight cancer.Click for full explanation → Approach
This clinical trialA research study that tests a medical intervention in human volunteers.Click for full explanation → is studying a new treatment for ovarian cancer using genetically modified cells. The treatment is being tested on its own and in combination with another medication. The trial is currently active but not recruiting new participants.
Why it matters: This trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a novel immunotherapyTreatments that use the body's immune system to fight cancer.Click for full explanation → approach for ovarian cancer patients.
Phase 1 TrialFirst-in-human trial. Focuses on safety and dosing in small groups.Est. completion: June 27, 2027
Olaparib Before Surgery for Newly Diagnosed BRCAGenes whose mutations significantly raise the risk of breast and ovarian cancers.Click for full explanation →-Mutant Ovarian Cancer
This clinical trialA research study that tests a medical intervention in human volunteers.Click for full explanation → is studying whether taking the medication olaparib before surgery can help patients with newly diagnosed BRCAGenes whose mutations significantly raise the risk of breast and ovarian cancers.Click for full explanation →-mutant ovarian, primary peritoneal, or fallopian cancer. The trial is currently active but not recruiting participants. The goal is to understand the effects of olaparib in this patient group.
Why it matters: This trial aims to provide insights into the potential benefits of olaparib treatment for patients with BRCAGenes whose mutations significantly raise the risk of breast and ovarian cancers.Click for full explanation →-mutant ovarian cancer before surgery.
PreclinicalLab or cell studies. No human data yet.Est. completion: August 31, 2028
Researchers Testing AI to Identify Ovarian Cancer on CT Scans
This clinical trialA research study that tests a medical intervention in human volunteers.Click for full explanation → is studying the use of deep learning to identify ovarian cancer on computed tomography (CT) scans. The trial is currently recruiting participants. The goal is to determine if this approach can accurately detect ovarian cancer.
Why it matters: This trial could help improve the accuracy of ovarian cancer diagnosis and potentially lead to earlier treatment.
Lab StudyLaboratory experiments on cells or tissue. No human or animal data.Published: August 10, 2026
New Nanoparticle Platform Shows Promise in Treating Ovarian Cancer
Researchers created a new type of nanoparticle that can help kill ovarian cancer cells. These nanoparticles contain a special type of fat that makes the cancer cells more susceptible to death. In lab experiments, the nanoparticles were more effective at killing cancer cells than a similar treatment without the special fat.
Why it matters: This finding could lead to new treatment options for ovarian cancer patients who don't respond well to standard treatments.
The study was conducted in a lab setting and has not yet been tested in humans.
A Study to Assess Anti-Tumor Activity of Intravenously (IV) Infused Carboplatin With Mirvetuximab Soravtansine in Participants With Newly Diagnosed Folate Receptor Alpha (FRα)Expressing Advanced-Stage Serous Epithelial Ovarian, Fallopian Tube or Primary Peritoneal Cancer.
Study to Evaluate INCB123667 Versus Investigator's Choice of ChemotherapyDrugs that kill rapidly dividing cells, including cancer cells.Click for full explanation → in Participants With Platinum-Resistant Ovarian Cancer With Cyclin E1 Overexpression
Risk Reducing Salpingectomy With Delayed Oophorectomy as an Alternative to Risk- Reducing Salpingo-oophorectomy in High Risk-Women to Assess the Safety of Prevention - US Cohort Study
A Clinical TrialA research study that tests a medical intervention in human volunteers.Click for full explanation → of Sac-TMT in People With Non-HRD Positive Advanced Ovarian Cancer (MK-2870-021)
