Dr. Salani on the Potential Impact of Ongoing Research in Ovarian Cancer

Ritu Salani, MD, MBA, director of the Division of Gynecologic Oncology, professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of California, Los Angeles, discusses the scope of ongoing research in advancedovarian cancer.

As the role of PARP inhibitors becomes more refined, other novel strategies are likely to emerge beyond the scope of immunotherapy and PARP inhibition in advanced ovarian cancer, Salani says. Such strategies may include the use of the folate receptor alpha–directed antibody-drug conjugate,mirvetuximab soravtansine (IMGN853) alone or in combination with chemotherapy or bevacizumab (Avastin), Salani explains.

Moreover, ongoing trials are evaluating weekly paclitaxel with novel agents in patients with platinum-resistant disease, Salani adds. Such agents include VB-111 (ofranergene obadenovec), a gene therapy targeting tumor vasculature and immune response, Salani says. Additionally, there are tumor treatment fields, as well as AVB-500, which targets AXL and neutralizes GAS6, Salani explains. Pending further data, these agents have the potential to change the treatment landscape for women with platinum-resistant ovarian cancer, Salani concludes.