Clinical Trials

What is a Clinical Trial?

A clinical trial is a carefully designed research study involving people. Each study has a specific aim, which may include finding better ways to:

• Prevent, diagnose or treat ovarian cancer

• Control symptoms and side effects of the cancer and its treatment

• Improve a woman’s quality of life during and after treatment

The main aim of clinical trials is to find out if a new treatment or procedure:

• Is safe and has side effects

• Works better than the current standard treatment

How do I take part in a clinical trial?

Your doctor may suggest you take part in a clinical trial, or you may ask if there is a trial you can be part of. Not every woman will be eligible for all trials. You will need to meet the guidelines for any proposed trial. If you feel there is a trial that may be suitable for you, speak with your healthcare team and the people close to you.

Advantages of participating in a clinical trial can include:

• Receiving new treatments before they are widely available

• Having your treatment very closely monitored and followed up

• Knowing your participation could improve future ovarian cancer treatments for other women

Participating in a clinical trial may also mean additional tests, paperwork and possibly side effects. Your doctor or trials nurse will discuss this with you before you decide. You can withdraw from a clinical trial and return to regular treatment at any time if you choose.

You may wish to take a look at the information below on clinical trials:

• The Cancer Council's Booklet 'Understanding Clinical Trials and Research' is a guide for people with cancer, their families and friends.

• Australian Clinical Trials

• The Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry

• The Australia New Zealand Gynaecological Oncology Group

Phases of trials

Clinical trials go through several phases (phase 1 to 4) to answer specific questions. Each of these phases tests the effectiveness and safety of the new treatment in the hope the new treatment will be better than the current standard treatment. As a new treatment progresses through each phase of the clinical trial, greater knowledge is gained about its safety and effectiveness.

Personalised Medicine

Personalised medicine is a growing area of ovarian cancer research and treatment. There are various programs available around Australia that are looking at an individual’s ovarian cancer to try and identify elements that can guide decision making around treatment choice, as well as steer decisions in relation to clinical trials. For more information, please click here.

Webinar: Latest developments in ovarian cancer 2023