5 Recruiting Breakthrough Clinical Trials Exploring New Approaches to Ovarian Cancer Care
“I get so excited when I read about new treatments and developments in the fight against ovarian cancer. I would love more than anything to one day see a discovery that will prevent this disease altogether. Cancer research is so important. I wouldn’t be here without it.” — Natalie Pearce, Institute of Cancer Research
For many women, Natalie’s words reflect the everyday reality of living with ovarian cancer—a disease that remains one of the most challenging gynecological cancers with a five-year survival rate of just 49% and frequent recurrences even after treatment. Yet, research is steadily rewriting this story. From first-in-human treatments to AI-driven genetic testing, these trials are opening doors to new ways of fighting ovarian cancer.
At TrialX, we believe that access to research means access to hope. By helping connect patients with clinical trials that fit their unique medical profiles, progress in science can reach the people who need it most.
In this blog, we’ll explore five clinical trials currently recruiting in ovarian cancer research.
1. First-in-Human Study of BG-68501 in Advanced-Stage Tumors
Sponsor: BeiGene
What It’s Testing and Why It Matters
This study is testing a new drug called BG-68501 in adults with advanced or hard-to-treat tumors. Researchers are looking at how the drug works on its own and in combination with other treatments like fulvestrant, and sometimes BGB-43395. The goal is to see if the drug is safe, how the body processes it, and whether it shows early signs of fighting tumors. The study will also help determine the best dose for future trials.
Why It Stands Out
This trial is carefully checking how different doses affect people with several types of tumors, including certain breast cancers and ovarian cancer that no longer responds to standard treatment. It also studies how food might affect the drug and tests combination therapies that could work better for patients who have already tried other treatments.
What It Could Mean for Patients
For adults with advanced, hard-to-treat tumors, BG-68501 could offer a new treatment option in combination with existing therapies. Participants receive close monitoring for side effects, blood levels of the drugs, and early signs of tumor response, helping guide future targeted treatments.
Location: On-site – 33 sites globally, including the United States, Australia, China, Israel, Moldova, New Zealand, and South Korea
View trial details and check your eligibility here.
2. A First-of-Its-Kind Oncolytic Virus Therapy (TILT-123) for Ovarian Cancer
Sponsor: TILT Biotherapeutics Ltd.
What It’s Testing and Why It Matters
This trial is studying TILT-123, a modified adenovirus designed to deliver immune-boosting proteins (TNF-alpha and IL-2) directly into tumors. Combined with pembrolizumab (an immunotherapy) and sometimes chemotherapy, the goal is to turn resistant ovarian cancers into “immune hot spots” that the body can better fight.
Why It Stands Out
This is the first clinical trial to test an oncolytic virus therapy specifically for ovarian cancer—bringing together virotherapy and immunotherapy in a way that could overcome resistance to existing treatments.
What It Could Mean for Patients
For women facing limited options, this study offers access to an innovative therapy designed to activate the immune system against stubborn tumors. If successful, it could pave the way for an entirely new class of treatments in ovarian cancer.
Location: Recruiting in the U.S. (Minnesota, New York, Ohio) and Finland.
3. Expanding Access to Genetic Testing Through AI-Powered Education (PERLA)
Sponsor: University of Southern California
What It’s Testing and Why It Matters
This study is testing a novel tool called PERLA, a multilingual computer-generated “relational agent” that delivers pre-test genetic education in English and Spanish. Patients with cancers like ovarian, breast, pancreatic, and prostate are often recommended for genetic testing, but access is limited—especially in underserved, rural, and minority communities. By comparing PERLA to traditional provider-led counseling, researchers hope to see if technology can help bridge gaps in education and timely testing.
Why It Stands Out
This is the first large-scale trial to test an AI-driven, bilingual education tool for genetic testing in cancer care. By directly addressing disparities, it could transform how patients in safety-net hospitals and low-resource settings access life-saving genetic information.
What It Could Mean for Patients
PERLA could make genetic testing faster, more equitable, and accessible for thousands who currently lack counseling services. For women with ovarian cancer, this means earlier identification of hereditary risks—and more tailored treatment options for them and their families.
Location: Recruiting in Los Angeles (USC/Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center) and Rochester, New York.
4. The Vanguard Study: Testing a New Way to Screen for Cancer
Sponsor: National Cancer Institute (NCI)
What It’s Testing and Why It Matters
The Vanguard Study is testing multi-cancer detection (MCD) blood tests that may one day allow doctors to screen for several types of cancer with a single blood draw. Unlike standard screening, which focuses on one cancer at a time (like mammograms or colonoscopies), these tests look for biological markers in the blood that could signal different cancers—even before symptoms appear.
Why It Stands Out
This trial is designed to understand how MCD blood tests could work in real-world cancer screening. It will also study how patients and doctors respond to results—whether normal or abnormal—and track outcomes over time.
What It Could Mean for Patients
If successful, MCD blood tests could make cancer screening simpler, less invasive, and more accessible—helping catch cancers earlier, when treatment is most effective.
Locations: Multiple U.S. sites, including Colorado, North Carolina, Oklahoma, and Virginia.
5. A Breakthrough Global Trial Redefining Options for Platinum-Resistant Ovarian Cancer
Sponsor: Genmab
What It’s Testing and Why It Matters
The RAINFOL-02 study is a phase 3 global trial testing Rinatabart Sesutecan (Rina-S), a novel antibody-drug conjugate, against standard chemotherapy options for women with platinum-resistant ovarian cancer. Platinum resistance is one of the toughest challenges in ovarian cancer treatment, leaving patients with few effective options.
Unlike traditional chemotherapy, Rina-S is designed to deliver cancer-killing agents directly to tumor cells, aiming to improve outcomes while reducing damage to healthy tissue.
Why It Stands Out
It’s a pivotal study enrolling more than 500 women worldwide to test whether a targeted therapy like Rina-S can truly outperform the four most commonly used chemotherapies. Its scale and design make it one of the largest and most definitive trials to date for platinum-resistant ovarian cancer.
What It Could Mean for Patients
For women who have already faced multiple rounds of treatment and seen their cancer return, this trial represents a chance at a more targeted, potentially more effective therapy. If successful, Rina-S could provide a safer and more powerful option than chemotherapy, offering hope where options are often limited.
Location: Recruiting at 68 sites worldwide, including major cancer centers in the U.S., Canada, Japan, and Europe.
View the study and see if you’re eligible.
Advancing Women’s Health Together
Ovarian cancer research is advancing every day, offering new possibilities for treatment and improving the quality of life for those affected. Staying aware of ongoing clinical trials can empower patients and families to explore options that may best suit their needs.
September also marks PCOS Awareness Month, a reminder of the importance of women’s health and self-care across different stages of life. Tools such as PCOS Tracker can support women in tracking their cycles, symptoms and health patterns, and can be helpful in having more informed conversations with healthcare providers.
For those seeking guidance or additional support, organizations like the Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance, the National Cancer Institute, the American Cancer Society, and the National Ovarian Cancer Alliance offer valuable resources, educational materials, and clinical trial information.
