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.
Lab StudyLaboratory experiments on cells or tissue. No human or animal data.Published: May 18, 2026
RUNX2's Role in Ovarian Cancer Resistance
Researchers studied how a protein called RUNX2 affects ovarian cancer cells' sensitivity to chemotherapyDrugs that kill rapidly dividing cells, including cancer cells.Click for full explanation → and their tendency to undergo a type of cell death called ferroptosis. They found that RUNX2 can make cancer cells more resistant to chemotherapyDrugs that kill rapidly dividing cells, including cancer cells.Click for full explanation → and less likely to undergo ferroptosis. The study suggests that RUNX2's activity is linked to another protein called YAP1.
Why it matters: This finding could help scientists understand how ovarian cancer develops resistance to chemotherapyDrugs that kill rapidly dividing cells, including cancer cells.Click for full explanation → and how to develop new treatments.
The study was conducted in lab experiments and may not directly apply to human patients.
Phase 2 TrialTests early effectiveness in a larger group after phase 1 safety is established.Est. completion: September 30, 2027
Combination Therapy for Ovarian Cancer: A Phase II Clinical TrialA research study that tests a medical intervention in human volunteers.Click for full explanation →
This clinical trialA research study that tests a medical intervention in human volunteers.Click for full explanation → is studying the combination of pembrolizumab, bevacizumab, and oral cyclophosphamide in patients with high-grade ovarian cancer who have minimal residual disease after initial treatment. The goal is to see if this combination is effective in treating the cancer. The trial is currently recruiting participants.
Why it matters: This trial aims to explore a new treatment approach for patients with high-grade ovarian cancer who have a high risk of recurrence.
PreclinicalLab or cell studies. No human data yet.Est. completion: June 17, 2026
Ovarian Cancer Stress Reduction Study Recruiting Participants
Researchers are conducting a study to compare the effects of stress reduction techniques and standard care on patients with ovarian cancer. The study is currently recruiting participants. The results of this study may provide valuable information on how to improve patient outcomes.
Why it matters: This study may help doctors develop more effective ways to support patients with ovarian cancer during treatment.
Recruiting participants, exact phase not specified
Phase 1 TrialFirst-in-human trial. Focuses on safety and dosing in small groups.Est. completion: June 30, 2027
Testing a Microdevice for Ovarian, Fallopian Tube, and Peritoneal Cancer
This clinical trialA research study that tests a medical intervention in human volunteers.Click for full explanation → is studying a new microdevice in patients with ovarian, fallopian tube, and peritoneal cancer. The trial is currently recruiting participants. The results of this trial are not yet available.
Why it matters: This trial may help researchers understand the safety and effectiveness of the microdevice in treating these types of cancer.
PreclinicalLab or cell studies. No human data yet.Est. completion: April 23, 2027
Genetic Screening for Families at Risk of Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer
This trial is studying the use of genetic screening to identify families with a history of hereditary breast and ovarian cancer. The trial is currently active but not recruiting participants. The goal is to understand the effectiveness of this approach.
Why it matters: This trial could help identify families at risk of hereditary breast and ovarian cancer and inform strategies for early detection and prevention.
Lab StudyLaboratory experiments on cells or tissue. No human or animal data.Published: May 11, 2026
Ascites May Help Ovarian Cancer Cells Grow in the Abdomen
Researchers studied how ovarian cancer cells grow in the abdomen and found that a fluid called ascites may protect them from cell death. They also found that this fluid helps the cancer cells grow in the abdomen. This is an early study that suggests how ovarian cancer cells may survive in the abdomen.
Why it matters: This finding may help scientists understand how ovarian cancer spreads and how to develop new treatments.
This study was conducted in lab experiments using ovarian cancer cells and mice.
Phase 2 TrialTests early effectiveness in a larger group after phase 1 safety is established.Est. completion: December 1, 2026
Testing Mirvetuximab Soravtansine in Recurrent Ovarian Cancer
This clinical trialA research study that tests a medical intervention in human volunteers.Click for full explanation → is studying a treatment called Mirvetuximab Soravtansine for women with recurrent ovarian cancer. The trial is currently active but not recruiting new participants. Researchers are testing how well this treatment works compared to other standard treatments.
Why it matters: This trial aims to find a more effective treatment option for women with recurrent ovarian cancer.
PreclinicalLab or cell studies. No human data yet.Est. completion: January 31, 2035
Genetic Testing for Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer in Switzerland
This clinical trialA research study that tests a medical intervention in human volunteers.Click for full explanation → in Switzerland is studying the use of genetic screening to identify people at risk of hereditary breast and ovarian cancer and Lynch syndrome. The trial is currently recruiting participants. The results of this trial are not yet available.
Why it matters: This trial aims to improve our understanding of genetic testing for hereditary breast and ovarian cancer and Lynch syndrome.
Phase 1 TrialFirst-in-human trial. Focuses on safety and dosing in small groups.Est. completion: March 17, 2028
Testing CAR-NK Cells in Advanced Ovarian Cancer
This clinical trialA research study that tests a medical intervention in human volunteers.Click for full explanation → is studying a new treatment for people with recurrent or refractory epithelial ovarian cancer. The treatment involves CAR-NK cells, which are a type of immune cell. The trial is currently recruiting participants.
Why it matters: This trial may help us better understand how CAR-NK cells can be used to treat advanced ovarian cancer.
Phase 1 TrialFirst-in-human trial. Focuses on safety and dosing in small groups.Est. completion: October 31, 2027
Testing Niraparib and Neratinib in Advanced Solid Tumors and Ovarian Cancer
This clinical trialA research study that tests a medical intervention in human volunteers.Click for full explanation → is studying the safety and effects of combining niraparib and neratinib in people with advanced solid tumors and ovarian cancer. The trial is currently active but not recruiting participants. The results of this trial are not yet available.
Why it matters: This trial aims to gather information about the potential benefits and risks of this treatment combination for people with advanced solid tumors and ovarian cancer.
The trial is currently not recruiting participants and is in its early stages.
Phase 2 TrialTests early effectiveness in a larger group after phase 1 safety is established.Est. completion: December 1, 2027
Ovarian Cancer Treatment: Investigating Tinzaparin's Effectiveness
Researchers are studying how the medication Tinzaparin affects biomarkersA measurable biological signal used to detect disease or predict treatment response.Click for full explanation → in women with epithelial ovarian cancer after they have received initial treatment. This trial is currently recruiting participants. The goal is to learn more about the potential benefits and risks of Tinzaparin in this context.
Why it matters: This trial aims to contribute to the understanding of Tinzaparin's role in ovarian cancer treatment.
PreclinicalLab or cell studies. No human data yet.Est. completion: July 1, 2026
Fasting During ChemotherapyDrugs that kill rapidly dividing cells, including cancer cells.Click for full explanation → for Ovarian Cancer
This trial is studying whether intermittent fasting can help patients with epithelial ovarian cancer who are receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapyDrugs that kill rapidly dividing cells, including cancer cells.Click for full explanation →. The trial is currently recruiting participants. The results of this study are not yet available.
Why it matters: This trial may provide insights into how intermittent fasting affects the treatment of ovarian cancer.
Phase II Investigation of Pembrolizumab in Combination With Bevacizumab and Oral Cyclophosphamide in Patients With High Grade Ovarian Cancer and Surgically Documented Minimal Residual Disease After Frontline Therapy
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)
