Updates on drug discovery in ovarian cancer

Steven J Gibson1, Krishnansu S Tewari2, Bradley J Monk1

  • 1The Division of Gynecologic Oncology, University of Arizona Cancer Center, 500 West Thomas Road, Suite 600, Phoenix, AZ 85013 USA ; Creighton University School of Medicine, St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center, A Dignity Health Member, 500 West Thomas Road, Suite 600, Phoenix, AZ 85013 USA.

Insights

New ovarian cancer treatments are advancing through clinical trials, focusing on biologic agents, angiogenesis inhibitors, and targeted therapies like PARP and MEK inhibitors for recurrent disease.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Pharmacology
  • Clinical Trials

Background:

  • Ovarian cancer drug discovery is actively progressing with numerous new clinical trials.
  • Recurrent ovarian cancer is a focus for many biologic agents currently in phase II and III trials.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To discuss relevant agents in ovarian cancer treatment.
  • To highlight agents demonstrating positive phase II activity.

Main Methods:

  • Review of ongoing phase II and III clinical trials for ovarian cancer.
  • Analysis of biologic agents targeting angiogenesis and oncogenic pathways.
  • Investigation of cytotoxic agents and therapeutic vaccines.

Main Results:

  • Multiple biologic agents are under investigation for recurrent ovarian cancer.
  • Targeted therapies including PARP, MEK, and topoisomerase inhibitors are in phase III trials.
  • Cytotoxic agents and therapeutic vaccines show promising new data.

Conclusions:

  • Significant advancements in ovarian cancer drug discovery are evident through ongoing clinical trials.
  • Various therapeutic strategies, including targeted agents and biologics, show promise for treating recurrent ovarian cancer.