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▼
PreclínicoLab or cell studies — no human data yet.
Estudio en animalesResults in animals only — may not apply to humans.
Ensayo Fase 1First-in-human safety testing in small groups.
Ensayo Fase 2Early effectiveness testing in a larger group.
Ensayo Fase 3Large controlled trial — the strongest trial evidence.
Estudio observacionalPatterns observed in populations — not a controlled trial.
RevisiónSummary analysis of multiple existing studies.
MetaanálisisStatistical pooling of results from multiple studies.
RevisiónResumen y análisis de estudios publicados existentes.Published: May 22, 2026
Timing of Surgery for Advanced Ovarian Cancer
Researchers reviewed studies on when to perform surgery for advanced ovarian cancer. They found that complete removal of cancer at the time of surgery is ideal, but the best time for surgery is still unclear. The decision depends on the spread of the disease and the patient's health.
Why it matters: Understanding the ideal timing of surgery for advanced ovarian cancer may help doctors make better decisions for their patients.
◆ Hallazgo destacableUn hallazgo relevante, a menudo de investigación en etapas avanzadas, pero por debajo de los umbrales superiores de significación.Ensayo Fase 3Ensayo controlado de gran escala que compara tratamientos. El nivel más sólido de evidencia de ensayo.Published: May 21, 2026
Evaluating the Cost-Effectiveness of Mirvetuximab Soravtansine for Ovarian Cancer Treatment in Germany
Researchers evaluated the cost-effectiveness of Mirvetuximab soravtansine, a treatment for ovarian cancer, in Germany. They found that this treatment resulted in a gain of 0.408 life years or 0.226 quality-adjusted life years compared to standard therapy, but at a high cost. However, the study's results suggest that the treatment may not be considered cost-effective without a reduction in price.
Why it matters: This finding has implications for the use of Mirvetuximab soravtansine in the German healthcare system and may influence future research into more cost-effective treatments for ovarian cancer.
Estudio de laboratorioExperimentos de laboratorio en células o tejidos. Sin datos humanos ni animales.Published: May 21, 2026
Researchers Use AI to Extract Information from Cancer Reports
Researchers created a system to use artificial intelligence to extract information from reports about ovarian cancer. They tested this system on reports written in Italian and found it worked well. The system's performance was consistent across different areas of the reports.
Why it matters: This finding could help make it easier to analyze and understand large amounts of medical data.
Estudio de laboratorioExperimentos de laboratorio en células o tejidos. Sin datos humanos ni animales.Published: May 19, 2026
Large Cancer Cells Play a Key Role in Ovarian Cancer Progression
Researchers found that large cancer cells called polyploid giant cancer cells (PGCCs) are present in ovarian cancer and may contribute to its aggressiveness and resistance to treatment. These cells can produce smaller, more resilient cells that help the cancer grow back. They also seem to make the cancer more invasive and harder to treat.
Why it matters: This finding could help scientists understand why ovarian cancer is so difficult to treat and how to develop new treatments that target these large cancer cells.
Ensayo Fase 1Primer ensayo en humanos. Se centra en la seguridad y dosificación en grupos pequeños.Est. completion: October 15, 2027
Testing AZD5335 and Itraconazole in Ovarian Cancer Patients
This clinical trialA research study that tests a medical intervention in human volunteers.Click for full explanation → is studying how the combination of AZD5335 and itraconazole affects patients with ovarian, primary peritoneal, or fallopian tube cancer. The trial is currently recruiting participants. The results of this trial are not yet available.
Why it matters: This trial aims to understand the safety and potential interactions of AZD5335 and itraconazole in patients with ovarian cancer.
Ensayo Fase 3Ensayo controlado de gran escala que compara tratamientos. El nivel más sólido de evidencia de ensayo.Est. completion: May 3, 2027
Ovarian Cancer Imaging Study Recruiting Participants
Researchers are studying the effectiveness of a new imaging technique in women with ovarian cancer during surgery. The technique uses a special dye and a camera to help doctors see cancer more clearly. The study is currently recruiting participants.
Why it matters: This trial aims to improve the accuracy of ovarian cancer diagnosis and treatment during surgery.
Estudio de laboratorioExperimentos de laboratorio en células o tejidos. Sin datos humanos ni animales.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.
Estudio observacionalPatrones observados en poblaciones a lo largo del tiempo, no es un experimento controlado.Published: May 18, 2026
Patients Share Views on Pre-Surgery Program for Ovarian Cancer
Researchers interviewed 21 patients with advanced ovarian cancer to understand their experiences with a pre-surgery program that included exercise, nutrition, and psychological support. The patients generally found the program acceptable, but some felt they didn't need it. Effective communication about the program's benefits could help patients make informed decisions.
Why it matters: This study highlights the importance of understanding patients' perspectives on pre-surgery programs to improve their engagement and outcomes.
Ensayo Fase 3Ensayo controlado de gran escala que compara tratamientos. El nivel más sólido de evidencia de ensayo.Est. completion: April 30, 2030
Testing Azenosertib for Ovarian Cancer Treatment
This clinical trialA research study that tests a medical intervention in human volunteers.Click for full explanation → is studying Azenosertib (ZN-c3) as a potential treatment for ovarian cancer that has not responded to platinum-based chemotherapyDrugs that kill rapidly dividing cells, including cancer cells.Click for full explanation →. The trial is comparing Azenosertib to standard chemotherapyDrugs that kill rapidly dividing cells, including cancer cells.Click for full explanation → options. The trial is currently recruiting participants.
Why it matters: This trial may help determine if Azenosertib is an effective treatment option for people with platinum-resistant ovarian cancer.
Estudio observacionalPatrones observados en poblaciones a lo largo del tiempo, no es un experimento controlado.Published: May 15, 2026
Bevacizumab Linked to Severe Blood-Related Side Effects in Ovarian Cancer Patients
Researchers analyzed data from the FDA to see how often bevacizumab caused blood-related problems in ovarian cancer patients. They found that these problems can occur early and can be severe. The study did not look at the effectiveness of bevacizumab.
Why it matters: This finding may help doctors and patients understand the potential risks of bevacizumab and take steps to manage these side effects.
The study used data from 2004 to 2024, and the sample size was 5211 adverse event reports.
Ensayo Fase 2Evalúa la eficacia inicial en un grupo más amplio después de establecer la seguridad en la fase 1.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.
Ensayo Fase 1Primer ensayo en humanos. Se centra en la seguridad y dosificación en grupos pequeños.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.
A Study to Assess Change in Disease Activity and Adverse Events in Adult Participants With Gynecologic Cancers Receiving Intravenous Infusion of IMGN151 as Monotherapy or in Combination With Other Therapies
A Study of Radspherin® in Patients With Primary Advanced Epithelial Cancer, With Peritoneal Metastasis That Are Homologous Recombination Proficient Scheduled to Undergo Neoadjuvant ChemotherapyDrugs that kill rapidly dividing cells, including cancer cells.Click for full explanation → and Interval Debulking Surgery
A Study of Azenosertib (ZN-c3) Versus Investigator's Choice ChemotherapyDrugs that kill rapidly dividing cells, including cancer cells.Click for full explanation → in Subjects With Platinum-Resistant High-Grade Serous Ovarian, Primary Peritoneal, or Fallopian Tube Cancers Positive for Cyclin E1 Protein Expression
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
Autologous CAR-TA type of immunotherapy that reprograms a patient's own T cells to attack cancer.Click for full explanation → Cells Targeting B7H3 in Ovarian Cancer iC9-CAR.B7-H3 T Cells
