David M. Gershenson, MD, professor of gynecologic oncology, Department of Gynecologic Oncology and Reproductive Medicine, Division of Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, discusses the results of the phase 3 MILO trial (NCT01849874) in low-grade serous ovarian cancer.

The randomized MILO trial demonstrated a 24% response rate with binimetinib (Mektovi) in patients with low-grade serous ovarian cancer, Gershenson says. The study was closed prematurely because the HR for progression-free survival (PFS) crossed the predetermined futility boundary, therefore failing to meet the primary end point of the study.

Notably, findings from a post-hoc exploratory analysis of the study showed that patients with recurrent low-grade serous ovarian cancer who harbored a 

 mutation were 3.4 times more likely to have a complete or partial radiographic response to treatment with binimetinib compared with patients who had 

 wild-type disease. A similar trend was observed for patients harboring any MAPK mutations, Gershenson concludes.

Videos

David M. Gershenson, MD, discusses the results of the phase 3 MILO trial in low-grade serous ovarian cancer.  



Dr. Gershenson on the Results of the MILO Trial in Low-Grade Serous Ovarian Cancer 

David M. Gershenson, MD, professor, Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, discusses the evolution of targeted therapies for patients with rare gynecologic malignancies.

Much progress has been made in understanding the molecular biology of and development of therapies for ovarian cancer over the last decade, Gershenson explains. In recurrent low-grade serous carcinoma, MEK inhibitors have shown to be effective. Other genes involved in the pathogenesis may be targetable, he adds. Additionally, bevacizumab has demonstrated efficacy in serous carcinoma.

In clear cell carcinoma of the endometrium, the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway is abnormal in a significantly high number of patients, demonstrating another area that may be targetable. Researchers are currently working to develop novel agents and combine them with translational research endpoints.

David M. Gershenson, MD, professor, Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, discusses the evolution of targeted therapies for patients with rare gynecologic malignancies.


David M. Gershenson, MD

Articles

Dr. Gershenson on the Results of the MILO Trial in Low-Grade Serous Ovarian Cancer

Dr. Gershenson on Evolution of Targeted Therapies for Rare Gynecologic Malignancies