Dr. Wenham on the Importance of Clinical Trials in Ovarian Cancer

Robert Wenham, MD, MS, FACOG, FACS, gynecologic oncologist, chair, the Gynecologic Oncology Program, Moffitt Cancer Center, discusses the importance of clinical trials in ovarian cancer.

The benchmark for treatment in ovarian cancer keeps moving forward because of clinical trials. As such, it is important for physicians to refer patients early for clinical trials and encourage their participation, Wenham explains. It is crucial not to wait too long in the treatment process or to wait until every other option has been exhausted to refer patients, Wenham adds. This then excludes patients from the opportunity to be involved in the novel trials that are pushing the space forward, Wenham adds.

Institutions, such as Moffitt Cancer Center, are investigating options such as antibody-drug conjugates, as well as anti-PARP resistance mechanisms and CAR T-cell therapies, Wenham continues. Overall, these research options are great opportunities for patients to be involved in because they may represent the future standard of care, Wenham concludes.