Trial of PAZOpanib with or without FOSbretabulin in advanced recurrent ovarian cancer
This UK clinical trial is exploring a new treatment option for women with advanced ovarian cancer, fallopian tube cancer, or primary peritoneal cancer that has returned after standard platinum-based chemotherapy. The study tests two targeted medicines called pazopanib and fosbretabulin. Pazopanib works by blocking signals that cancer cells need to grow and form new blood vessels. Fosbretabulin aims to damage the blood vessels that already feed the tumour, cutting off its blood supply. Doctors want to find out the safest dose when giving these two drugs together. In the next stage, the trial compares taking both drugs against taking pazopanib alone. The main goal is to see if this combination can safely control cancer growth, shrink tumours, and give women more time before their cancer progresses, while carefully monitoring their quality of life.
At a glance
What is this study about?
Ovarian cancer is often treated with surgery and chemotherapy based on platinum medicines. While these treatments frequently work well at first, the cancer can sometimes come back. When ovarian cancer returns, finding effective new treatments can be challenging, which is why researchers are testing new drug combinations.
This trial investigates two targeted medicines: pazopanib and fosbretabulin. Instead of killing fast-growing cells like traditional chemotherapy, targeted therapies attack specific weaknesses in cancer cells. Both of these drugs focus on the blood supply tumours need to survive. Pazopanib stops tumours from growing new blood vessels, while fosbretabulin works to destroy existing vessels inside the tumour. By attacking the tumour's blood supply from two different angles, doctors hope to starve the cancer cells.
The study is divided into two parts. The first part checks the safety of using both drugs together and finds the best dose. The second part compares the two-drug combination directly against pazopanib alone to see if the combination keeps the cancer under control for longer. Finding out whether this combination is effective could help doctors develop better treatment plans for women facing recurrent ovarian cancer in the future.
Key takeaways
- Tests a combination of two targeted cancer drugs: pazopanib and fosbretabulin.
- Aimed at women whose ovarian, fallopian tube, or peritoneal cancer has returned after chemotherapy.
- Focuses on cutting off the blood supply that tumours need to survive and grow.
- Requires regular hospital visits for scans, blood checks, and health monitoring.
- Participation is voluntary, and you can withdraw at any time.
Who may be eligible?
This study is open to women aged 18 and older who have advanced cancer of the ovary, fallopian tube, or peritoneum that has returned after prior platinum chemotherapy. To take part, you should be reasonably well and able to manage day-to-day activities, such as looking after yourself and walking around for most of the day, even if you cannot work.
Because your safety is the top priority, you will need blood and urine tests to show that your kidneys, liver, thyroid, and bone marrow are working well enough to handle the treatments. Your doctor will also confirm that your cancer can be measured on scans or tracked using a common blood marker called CA125.
You may not be eligible if you have recently had major surgery, radiotherapy, or certain other cancer therapies that could interfere with the study drugs. If you previously had a targeted drug called bevacizumab, you must have finished it at least six months before starting this trial.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- I am a woman aged 18 or older.
- I have advanced cancer of the ovary, fallopian tube, or peritoneum that has come back.
- I have previously received platinum-based chemotherapy.
- I am active enough to look after myself and walk for most of the day.
- My blood tests show satisfactory liver, kidney, and bone marrow function.
What does participation involve?
Taking part in this trial involves regular visits to a specialist hospital. Depending on which part of the trial you join, you will either receive pazopanib on its own (taken daily as tablets at home) or pazopanib combined with fosbretabulin, which is given as a drip into a vein during hospital visits. You will need routine checks before and during treatment, including physical examinations, blood tests, heart checks, urine tests, and CT scans to monitor your health and see how your cancer is responding. Treatment continues for as long as it helps keep the cancer stable and the side effects are manageable, followed by regular check-up visits.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- The ChristieApproximateManchester, England
Common questions
What is the main goal of this clinical trial?
The study aims to find out if combining pazopanib and fosbretabulin is safe and whether it is better at slowing cancer growth than pazopanib alone.
How are the study drugs taken?
Pazopanib is a tablet you swallow once a day at home. Fosbretabulin is given as an infusion into a vein at the hospital.
Will I definitely receive both drugs?
Not necessarily. In the second part of the trial, participants are randomly assigned by a computer to receive either both drugs or pazopanib on its own.
Can I leave the study if I change my mind?
Yes. You are free to leave the trial at any point, and your standard NHS care will continue as normal.
Does taking part cost anything?
No, the study treatments and tests are provided free of charge, though you may want to ask if travel expenses to hospital appointments are covered.
How to find out more
Colin Lunt
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Discussion
Community discussion
Powered by our forum at community.patient.info. Please be respectful — this is not medical advice.