Title:Clinical Trials of Novel Targeted Therapies in Ovarian Cancer: Moving Beyond Poly ADP Ribose Polymerase (PARP) Inhibitors
Volume: 19
Issue: 14
Author(s): Quan Guo*, Qing Yang, Jun Li, Guipeng Liu, Igor Nikoulin and Steve Jia
Affiliation:
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang 110004,China
Keywords:
Clinical trial, Epithelial Ovarian Cancer (EOC), review, targeted therapy, phase III, PARP inhibitors.
Abstract: Background: Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) is one of the most common cancers in the
female reproductive system and deadliest gynecological cancer in the United States. Standard treatments
by surgery and platinum-based chemotherapy are not satisfied for the patients with high risk of
relapse. Advances in molecular biology for EOC development have brought several targeted therapies
to benefit recurrent patients. Poly-ADP-ribose polymerase inhibitors (PARPi) may be one of the most
successful classes of targeted therapies with three approved medicines. For better clinical outcomes
and more comprehensive disease management of EOC, more novel classes of targeted therapies are
needed.
Method: We focus on non-PARPi novel targeted therapies that are completed or on-going in phase III
clinical trials by searching databases of Pubmed and Clinicaltrials.gov. Keywords of “ovarian cancer,
targeted therapy and phase III trial” were used for publications and information from May 2012 to May
2018.
Results: There are total 150 viable EOC phase III studies listed in Clinicaltrials.gov., including 20
completed studies with results and 73 on-going studies. Bevacizumab plus chemotherapy is the only
medication with government approval for recurrent EOC. Targeted therapies against other growthrelated
factors, cytokines and folate receptor are failed in phase III trials or still on-going.
Conclusion: Implications of on-going phase III trials are: 1) combination therapy of bevacizumab with
atezolizumab may be the most anticipated studies for approvals; 2) mirvetuximab soravtansine plus
chemotherapy may generate positive results to justify an approval; and 3) Immune therapy for EOC
may bring new treatments for the patients.
