What the trial was testing
The trial enrolled 147 patients with ovarian cancer. The study was sponsored by Pfizer and tracked outcomes across the full group of patients who matched the trial's eligibility profile.
It was an early-stage trial — researchers are still confirming safety and getting an early look at how well the treatment works. Trials at this stage are designed to produce evidence regulators and physicians can act on — not just observations to follow up later.
What the results showed
18% of patients saw their tumors shrink with either the IV or the monthly injection.
JAMA oncology · 2019 · NCT02573259
These findings — that saw their tumors shrink with the monthly injection or IV — were published in the JAMA oncology and represent the headline result of the study.
Researchers tracked outcomes across 147 patients enrolled in the trial. The result was consistent enough across the group that the team felt confident reporting it.
What this means for patients
For patients with ovarian cancer, this result changes the calculus on what to ask their care team about. Whether it changes day-to-day care depends on factors like disease subtype, prior treatments, and where the patient is in their care journey.
What you can do now
This study showed that a monthly shot under the skin can work as well as an IV for delivering immunotherapy. The shot caused fewer serious side effects and could be easier for patients who prefer to avoid frequent clinic visits. This treatment is still in early testing and is not yet FDA-approved. Ask your doctor about open trials or related approved options.
Eligibility for the treatments mentioned above depends on specific test results and clinical history. Bring this summary, the trial name, and your most recent labs or pathology report to your next visit.
Open ovarian cancer trials
Relacorilant in Combination With Different Treatment Regimens in Patients With Gynecological Cancers
This is a Phase 2, open-label, global, multi-arm study to evaluate efficacy and safety of relacorilant in combination with other treatments in patients with gynecological cancers.
Pembrolizumab and Lenvatinib for Platinum- Sensitive Recurrent Ovarian Cancer
This is a study of pembrolizumab (MK-3475, KEYTRUDA®) in combination with lenvatinib (E7080) for the treatment of platinum sensitive recurrent ovarian cancer. Participants will receive pembrolizumab and lenvatinib.