Research and clinical trials
Go to Cancer Research UK’s clinical trials database if you are looking for a trial for ovarian cancer in the UK. You need to talk to your specialist if there are any trials that you think you might be able to take part in.
Find a clinical trial for ovarian cancer
All cancer treatments must be fully researched before they can be used for everyone. This is so we can be sure that:
they work
they work better than the treatments already available
they are safe
To make sure the research is accurate, each trial has certain entry conditions for who can take part. These are different for each trial.
Hospitals do not take part in every clinical trial. Some trials are only done in a small number of hospitals, or in one area of the country. You may need to travel quite far if you take part in these trials.
Read more about who can take part in a clinical trial
Some of the trials on this page are now closed to recruitment. It takes time before the results are available. This is because the trial team follows the patients for a period of time and collects and analyses the information.
We have included information about these ongoing trials. This is to give examples of the type of research being carried out.
There are various trials looking at ways to diagnose and detect ovarian cancer earlier.
Doctors can now test for different gene changes involved in ovarian cancer. They can use this information to understand:
your risk of developing cancer
ways to prevent cancer
the best treatments if you have cancer
Researchers want to find out the:
best ways to access genetic testing
choices women make after genetic testing
emotional impact of genetic testing
financial cost of genetic testing
Find out about trials into genetic testing
You usually have a blood test for a protein called CA125 to help diagnose ovarian cancer. But this is not a completely reliable test. This is because other medical conditions of the womb and ovaries can cause an increase in the levels of CA125.
Researchers are looking for other substances (biomarkers) in the blood and tissue that can pick up ovarian cancer. They hope these might help diagnose ovarian cancer earlier.
They are also looking at other tests and assessment tools to find the best way to detect ovarian cancer.
Find out about research into diagnosing cancer earlier
Before new treatments are introduced they need to be tested thoroughly. This is so we can be sure that they work and that they are safe.
As well as using biomarkers to help diagnose ovarian cancer, researchers think they might be helpful for:
choosing what treatment is best
monitoring how well a treatment is working
Find out about research into biomarkers
Chemotherapy is one of the main treatments for ovarian cancer. Current research is looking at:
factors that affect how well chemotherapy works
why some cancers are more sensitive to chemotherapy than others
new chemotherapy drugs
chemotherapy for the different types of ovarian cancer
chemotherapy for advanced cancer or cancer that has come back
the side effects of these drugs and if the side effects can be reduced
Find out about trials using chemotherapy
Targeted cancer drugs work by targeting the differences that a cancer cell has that helps the cancer to survive and grow. They are a common treatment for ovarian cancer.
Researchers are looking into targeted cancer drugs for ovarian cancer. They are looking at:
how well existing drugs work
new drugs
drugs that are already used for other cancers
combinations of targeted drugs
targeted drugs for advanced cancer, or cancer that has come back
combining targeted cancer drugs with other treatments
Immunotherapy helps the body's immune system to attack cancer. It isn’t used as a for ovarian cancer at the moment. There is research into how well immunotherapy drugs might work for ovarian cancer.
Find out about trials using targeted and immunotherapy cancer drugs
Surgery is one of the main treatments for ovarian cancer. Most women have open surgery, meaning they have a large cut on their tummy (abdomen). Researchers are investigating whether less invasive surgery using a robot works as well.
Doctors also want to find out:
if there are ways to improve pain control after surgery
the impact of surgery on quality of life
Find out more about surgical trials for ovarian cancer
Radiotherapy is not a common treatment for ovarian cancer. Researchers want to know if it can help as a treatment for ovarian cancer that has come back.
Last reviewed: 17 Feb 2025
Next review due: 17 Feb 2028
Ovarian cancer is when abnormal cells in the ovary grow and divide in an uncontrolled way.
You usually start by seeing your GP. They might refer you to a specialist and organise tests.
The main treatments for ovarian cancer are surgery and chemotherapy. Your treatment depends on several factors including your cancer stage and grade.
Ovarian cancer survival depends on many factors including the stage and type of your cancer.
There is support available to help you cope with a diagnosis of ovarian cancer, life during treatment and life after cancer.
Ovarian cancer is when abnormal cells in the ovary, fallopian tube or peritoneum begin to grow and divide in an uncontrolled way.
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