Explore Ovarian Cancer Clinical Trials by Cancer Type

Borderline Ovarian Tumors Clinical Trials

Discover research studies focused on borderline ovarian tumors (BOT), including registry studies, diagnostic innovations, and follow-up care approaches.

Low-Grade Serous Ovarian Cancer Clinical Trials

Explore treatment studies, registry research, and multi-disease trials that include options for low-grade serous ovarian (LGSOC) cancer patients.

Clinical Trials Could Change Everything

Clinical trials aren’t for when you’ve run out of options. They’re for when you want the best options available. 

Whether you’re newly diagnosed, exploring fertility-preserving approaches, or looking for better maintenance therapies, there’s likely a trial designed for your exact situation.

This is especially true for rare ovarian cancer subtypes that don’t respond well to standard treatments. If you have borderline ovarian tumors or low-grade serous ovarian cancer, participating in research isn’t just about helping future patients; it’s about accessing treatments specifically designed for cancers like yours.

Understanding Clinical Trial Phases

Clinical trials progress through sequential phases, each designed to answer specific questions about safety and effectiveness:

Phase I Trials: These early-stage studies typically involve 20 to 80 participants and focus on determining the safest dose of a new treatment. Phase I trials examine how your body processes the drug, what side effects occur, and whether the treatment shows any signs of working. While the primary goal isn’t to cure your cancer, some patients do experience benefits.

Phase II Trials: With 100 to 300 participants, these studies test whether the treatment actually works against specific cancer types. Phase II trials often focus on particular subtypes like LGSOC or borderline tumors, making them especially relevant for patients with these conditions.

Phase III Trials: Large studies comparing new treatments to current standards of care. These trials, involving 1,000 to 3,000 people, provide the evidence needed for FDA approval. If you’re considering standard ovarian cancer treatment, you might find a Phase III trial that offers both proven care and access to promising innovations.

Phase IV Trials: Post-marketing studies that continue gathering safety and effectiveness data after a treatment receives approval. These trials help doctors understand long-term effects and optimal use.

Types of Ovarian Cancer Clinical Trials

Understanding the different types of clinical trials can help you identify which studies might be most relevant to your situation. Each type serves a specific purpose in advancing ovarian cancer research and patient care.

Prevention Trials

These studies test ways to reduce ovarian cancer risk in healthy individuals, particularly those with genetic predispositions like BRCA mutations. Prevention trials might explore lifestyle interventions, medications, or surgical approaches like opportunistic salpingectomy.

Screening and Diagnostic Trials

Researchers are working to develop better ways to detect ovarian cancer earlier. These trials test new imaging techniques, blood tests, or combinations of screening methods that could identify cancer before symptoms appear: a critical need given ovarian cancer’s reputation as a “silent killer.”

Treatment Trials

The most common type of clinical trial, these studies test:

• New drugs like PARP inhibitors or targeted therapies
• Different combinations of existing treatments
• Novel approaches to chemotherapy for ovarian cancer
• Surgical innovations
• Immunotherapy approaches

Quality of Life Trials

These studies focus on managing treatment side effects and improving daily life during and after cancer care. They might test new approaches to combat chemotherapy side effects or help patients navigate treatment- or surgery-induced menopause.

Your Safety and Rights in Clinical Trials

Participating in a clinical trial doesn’t mean you’ll receive experimental treatment without safeguards. Every clinical trial undergoes rigorous review by scientific panels and Institutional Review Boards before it can begin enrolling patients. Throughout the study, your safety is continuously monitored by dedicated research teams.

Importantly, clinical trial participants never receive only a placebo instead of treatment. You’ll either receive the current standard of care or the new treatment being tested. In many cases, the experimental treatment may be added to standard care rather than replacing it. You maintain the right to leave a trial at any time, for any reason, and your regular healthcare team stays involved in coordinating your care.

The informed consent process ensures you understand exactly what the trial involves, including potential risks and benefits, before you decide to participate. This isn’t just a legal formality; it’s your opportunity to ask questions, discuss concerns with your gynecologic oncologist, and make a decision that feels right for your unique situation.

Clinical Trial Costs and Insurance Coverage

One of the biggest misconceptions about clinical trials is that they’re expensive for patients. In reality, many costs are covered by the trial sponsors:

Covered Expenses

• The experimental treatment or drug being studied
• Additional tests and procedures required by the trial protocol
• Extra doctor visits mandated by the study
• Some trials even cover travel expenses for participants

Your Typical Costs

Regular medical expenses — like routine doctor visits, hospital stays, and standard lab tests — are usually covered by your existing insurance, just as they would be for standard treatment.

Insurance and Clinical Trials

Under the Affordable Care Act, insurance companies cannot drop or limit coverage because you participate in a clinical trial. Medicare has covered clinical trial patient care costs since 2000. Before joining any trial, work with the research team to understand exactly what expenses you’ll be responsible for.

Finding the Right Trial for You

The world of ovarian cancer clinical trials is vast and constantly evolving — from new drug combinations to better diagnostic tools to prevention strategies for high-risk individuals. 

Trial eligibility depends on your specific diagnosis, treatment history, and overall health. What matters most is starting the conversation with your healthcare team about what options might be available to you.

Questions to Ask Your Doctor

Before joining any clinical trial, consider asking:

• Am I eligible for this trial?
• Why do researchers think this treatment may be effective for my specific type of ovarian cancer?
• What are the potential risks and benefits?
• How will participating affect my daily life?
• What costs will I be responsible for?
• Can I continue to see my regular oncologist?

Frequently Asked Questions About Clinical Trials

Despite the potential benefits of ovarian cancer clinical trials, only about 3% of US adults with cancer participate, even though nearly 20% are eligible. To address common concerns, take a look at the answers to your most frequently asked questions: 

Are clinical trials only for patients who have run out of treatment options? 

Absolutely not. This is one of the most common misconceptions about clinical trials. You can participate at any stage of your cancer journey — from initial diagnosis through survivorship. Many trials test new first-line treatments, fertility-sparing surgical approaches, or maintenance therapies that could benefit newly diagnosed patients.

Will I receive a placebo instead of actual treatment?
No. Clinical trial participants never receive only a placebo instead of treatment. You’ll either receive the current standard of care or the new treatment being tested. When placebos are used in cancer trials, they’re typically combined with standard treatment, not given instead of it. This only happens when there’s no established standard treatment for your specific situation.

Why hasn’t my doctor mentioned clinical trials?
Many physicians aren’t aware of all available trials or may hesitate to bring them up due to time constraints or concerns about how patients will react. It’s perfectly appropriate — and important — to ask your ovarian cancer doctor about clinical trial options for your specific diagnosis.

Do I need to be near a major cancer center to participate?
Not necessarily. While major institutions often coordinate clinical trials, many studies take place at local hospitals, cancer clinics, and community oncology practices. Some trials are conducted at multiple sites, making participation more accessible regardless of your location.

What if I’m not eligible for a clinical trial?
Eligibility criteria can be strict, but they exist to ensure participant safety and study validity. If you’re not eligible for one trial, you might qualify for another. Under certain circumstances, you may be able to access experimental treatments through “expanded access” programs, even outside of formal clinical trials.

Can I leave a clinical trial once I’ve started?
Yes. You have the absolute right to leave a cancer clinical trial at any time, for any reason, without giving up access to other treatments. You don’t need to provide a reason for leaving, though it’s helpful to inform the research team about your decision.

How much time will participating in a clinical trial require?
Time commitments vary significantly depending on the trial phase and type. Some studies require only a single visit or procedure, while others may involve regular monitoring for months or years. Phase I trials often require more frequent visits than later-phase studies. The research team will clearly explain the time commitment during the informed consent process.

Will my insurance cover clinical trial costs?
Under the Affordable Care Act, insurance companies cannot drop or limit coverage because you participate in a clinical trial. Medicare has covered clinical trial patient care costs since 2000. Most routine care costs are covered by your existing insurance, while trial sponsors typically cover the experimental treatment and additional tests required by the study protocol.

How do I know if a clinical trial is legitimate and safe?
All legitimate clinical trials are registered with ClinicalTrials.gov and must be approved by Institutional Review Boards (IRBs) before they can begin. The research team should provide detailed information about the study’s sponsor, objectives, and safety monitoring procedures. Never hesitate to ask for this information or to verify a trial’s legitimacy.

Can I continue seeing my regular oncologist while in a trial?
Yes. Clinical trial participation doesn’t replace your regular healthcare team. The research team will coordinate with your regular gynecologic oncologist to ensure continuity of care. Your primary oncologist often remains involved in treatment decisions throughout the trial.

What happens to me after the clinical trial ends?
After completing a trial, you’ll typically transition back to standard care with your regular oncologist. If the experimental treatment showed benefit, your doctor will discuss whether it might be available through other means. The research team will often continue monitoring your health for a specified period to track long-term effects.

The world of ovarian cancer clinical trials is vast and constantly evolving — from new drug combinations to better diagnostic tools to prevention strategies for high-risk individuals. We’ve organized our guides to help you navigate this landscape, whether you’re dealing with borderline ovarian tumors or low-grade serous ovarian cancer.

Trial eligibility depends on your specific diagnosis, treatment history, and overall health. What matters most is starting the conversation with your healthcare team about what options might be available to you.

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