Can we learn from failures? A systematic review of phase III trials in platinum-resistant ovarian cancer.

Objective: This systematic review analyzed phase III trials in platinum-resistant ovarian cancer to understand their poor outcomes and guide future trials.

Methods: A systematic review adhering to PRISMA guidelines was conducted. PubMed/Medline, Cochrane Library CENTRAL, and EMBASE were searched for randomized phase III trials (2010-January 2024) involving patients with platinum-resistant ovarian cancer.

The Key Role of Wettability and Boundary Layer in Dissolution Rate Test.

Background/objectives: The present work proposes a mathematical model able to describe the dissolution of poly-disperse drug spherical particles in a solution (Dissolution Rate Test-DRT). DRT is a pivotal test performed in the pharmaceutical field to qualitatively assess drug bioavailability.

Methods: The proposed mathematical model relies on the key hallmarks of DRT, such as particle size distribution, solubility, wettability, hydrodynamic conditions in the dissolving liquid of finite dimensions, and possible re-crystallization during the dissolution process.

The active involvement of patients in oncology research.

The aim of this review is to provide an overview of the status of patient/public involvement (PPI) in oncology research, including definitions, regulatory aspects, ongoing clinical activities in different countries, achievements and difficulties. The 10-year activities of the Swiss Group for Clinical Cancer Research (SAKK) Patient Advisory Board are described, illustrating challenges faced and solutions in daily practice. Even though clinical data are still limited, it appears PPI has great potential for development in oncology.

The evolving role of immune checkpoint inhibitors in cervical and endometrial cancer.

The introduction of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) has revolutionized the treatment landscape for numerous tumor types, including cervical and endometrial cancers. Multiple ICIs against programmed cell death-1 (PD-1), programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1), and cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated antigen 4 (CTLA-4) have demonstrated encouraging outcomes in controlled clinical studies for advanced cervical and endometrial cancers. For advanced cervical cancer, approved ICIs as second-line treatment include cemiplimab, nivolumab, and pembrolizumab as single agents.

Clinical relevance of circulating tumor DNA in ovarian cancer: current issues and future opportunities.

Ovarian cancer (OC) is the most lethal gynecologic malignancy worldwide. Due to the lack of effective screening and early detection strategies, many patients with OC are diagnosed with advanced disease, where treatment is rarely curative. Moreover, OC is characterized by high intratumor heterogeneity, which represents a major barrier to the development of effective treatments.