On May 8, the global ovarian cancer community observes World Ovarian Cancer Day 2025, an initiative launched in 2013 to unite voices worldwide in the call for better detection, treatment and support.
Younger women face gaps in fertility counseling, while others — particularly those in rural, racialized or 2SLGBTIQA+/LGBTIQA+ communities — struggle to access psychosocial support. Fear of recurrence and uncertainty about follow-up care remain persistent concerns, especially among those diagnosed at late stages.
The theme of World Ovarian Cancer Day 2025, “No Woman Left Behind,” draws attention to a critical issue: despite recent scientific developments, many patients still face delayed diagnoses and limited access to care.
Ovarian cancer is one of the most lethal gynecological malignancies, partly because it is often diagnosed at an advanced stage. Early symptoms — bloating, abdominal discomfort and fatigue — are subtle and frequently overlooked.
In the US, over 240,000 women are currently living with the disease. Globally, incidence is expected to rise by over 55% by 2050, reinforcing the need for accessible and effective care pathways.
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What’s Advancing in the US for Ovarian Cancer Clinical Trials: Five Updates in Focus
Recent developments across clinical trials, diagnostics and targeted therapy research are shaping the ovarian cancer landscape. Here are five recent updates that reflect this evolving field:
Corcept Therapeutics’s Phase III Trial Reaches Primary Endpoint
Corcept’s relacorilant, a selective glucocorticoid receptor modulator, met the primary endpoint in a Phase III trial for platinum-resistant ovarian cancer. When combined with chemotherapy, the treatment reduced disease progression risk by 30% compared to chemotherapy alone. The data support continued evaluation in treatment-resistant populations.
Incyclix Bio’s Fast Track Designation for INX-315
The FDA has granted Fast Track designation to INX-315, a CDK2 inhibitor developed by Incyclix Bio, for patients with platinum-resistant, CCNE1-amplified ovarian cancer. This molecular subtype is associated with limited treatment responses, and the designation reflects interest in therapeutic candidates that target CDK-driven disease progression.
Sonnet BioTherapeutics Shows Early Signs of Activity in Platinum-Resistant Ovarian Cancer
In its Phase Ib/IIa SB221 study, Sonnet BioTherapeutics reported that SON-1010, an IL-12 fusion protein delivered with atezolizumab, showed a favorable safety profile and early signs of clinical benefit in platinum-resistant ovarian cancer. Among 15 evaluable patients, one had a partial response with a 44% tumor reduction and over two-fold drop in CA-125 levels. The study has moved into the expansion phase to assess therapeutic potential before proceeding to randomized comparison.
Imunon and Zentalis Are Advancing with Trials
Two additional investigational therapies are progressing through early- and mid-stage trials.
Imunon finalized its Phase III study design for IMNN-001, a gene-based immunotherapy in newly diagnosed advanced ovarian cancer. Zentalis began enrollment in Part II of its trial for azenosertib, a WEE1 inhibitor under investigation for Cyclin E1-positive, platinum-resistant ovarian cancer.
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Global Perspective: Cost, Innovation and the Case for Early Detection
A recent report from the World Ovarian Cancer Coalition (WOCC) estimates that ovarian cancer imposes an economic burden exceeding $70 billion annually worldwide. This includes both healthcare system costs and lost productivity, underscoring the wider implications of delayed diagnoses and limited access to care.
Like their US counterparts, global research teams have also stepped up with promising innovations in ovarian cancer intervention.
In Australia, researchers at the University of Queensland, in collaboration with INOVIQ Ltd, are conducting a clinical trial for a blood-based test designed to detect early-stage ovarian cancer. The test analyzes extracellular vesicles in the bloodstream and has shown 94% accuracy with a 4% false positive rate in early data, suggesting potential for broader screening use.
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Market Outlook: Expanding Focus on Personalized Approaches
The global ovarian cancer drugs market was valued at $3.61 billion in 2023 and is expected to reach $5.65 billion by 2030, growing at a 6.6% compound annual growth rate (CAGR). Growth is driven by increasing uptake of PARP inhibitors, ongoing investment in targeted therapies and efforts to overcome tumor resistance through combination regimens.
North America currently accounts for over 43% of global market share, while Asia-Pacific is expected to grow the fastest through 2030. Trends to watch include checkpoint inhibitor combinations, non-invasive diagnostics and next-generation immunotherapies targeting resistant disease subtypes.
Early-Stage Exploration: Prevention Vaccines for Ovarian Cancer
While most current efforts focus on treatment and diagnostics, prevention-based strategies are also being explored. Researchers at Oxford University recently secured funding to begin development on what may become the first ovarian cancer prevention vaccine. In addition, Anixa Biosciences, in collaboration with the Cleveland Clinic, has received a patent allowance for its investigational vaccine platform.
Both initiatives remain in early-stage development, but reflect growing interest in long-term approaches to risk reduction.
On World Ovarian Cancer Day 2025, join the movement to spread awareness and promote timely access to ovarian cancer care, screening and research funding around the world.
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