Recruitment status: Open

In the realm of advanced high grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC), the journey toward effective treatment is laden with obstacles. Typically diagnosed at advanced stages, the disease often proves resilient even to initial treatments like surgery and chemotherapy. Recently, however, there’s been a glimmer of hope with the emergence of Poly-ADPribose polymerase (PARP)-1 enzyme inhibitors (PARPi), offering a new therapeutic avenue. Yet, while some patients respond well to PARPi, others experience less favorable outcomes, and even responders may eventually develop resistance, leading to cancer recurrence.

Amidst this backdrop, Canadian researchers have pioneered a promising strategy. They’ve discovered that PARPi, particularly Veliparib, can induce a state of “senescence” in ovarian cancer cells—a state where cells halt replication but remain alive. Building upon this finding, they’ve devised a novel approach by combining Veliparib with Navitoclax, another drug. This combination aims to not only halt tumor growth but also prompt the death of these senescent cells, potentially offering a more comprehensive treatment solution.

Rooted in a deep understanding of ovarian cancer biology and drug resistance mechanisms, this innovative strategy holds promise for expanding the benefits of PARPi therapy to a wider spectrum of HGSOC patients. Through a phase II clinical trial, the team aims to enroll 30 patients with confirmed relapsed platinum-resistant or intermediately sensitive HGSOC, assessing the safety and efficacy of this combination therapy. This trial represents a crucial step toward advancing treatment options for this challenging disease in hopes of improving patient lives and outcomes.