Study of Ramucirumab in Ovarian Cancer

Current chemotherapies used to treat ovarian cancer participants include doxorubicin, topotecan, and paclitaxel, to mention a few. Doxorubicin was studied in ovarian cancer participants that were refractory to paclitaxel and platinum-based chemotherapy agents. Inhibition of angiogenesis is considered a promising approach to the treatment of cancer. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is an important regulator of angiogenesis and is likely an important therapeutic target in persistent or recurrent epithelial ovarian, fallopian tube, or primary peritoneal carcinoma. VEGF is overexpressed in ovarian tissue and may be the most important single tumor angiogenic factor. Phase 1 studies currently nearing completion with ramucirumab have demonstrated safety and tolerability at clinically relevant doses, with preliminary evidence of clinical efficacy in ovarian cancer participants. Therefore, ImClone Systems plans to conduct a Phase 2 trial to assess the safety and efficacy of ramucirumab in participants with platinum-refractory persistent or recurrent epithelial ovarian, fallopian tube, or primary peritoneal carcinoma.