In the latest example of Holy Name’s commitment to conducting groundbreaking trials in its Institute for Clinical Research, Holy Name Medical Center announced it offering enrollment in a new study focused on women with advanced, recurrent ovarian cancer.
The SORAYA study assesses a promising agent developed by ImmunoGen called mirvetuximab soravtansine, which is an antibody linked to a chemotherapy drug. It is designed to target and kill cancer cells that return during or within six months of platinum-based therapy, which is not uncommon in recurrent disease.
The phase 3 clinical trial aims to demonstrate durable responses, better than would be expected with available therapies.
While Holy Name is the only hospital in the state participating in the study, the SORAYA study is among a significant and growing portfolio of groundbreaking clinical trials offered through Holy Name’s Institute for Clinical Research.
Dr. Sharyn Lewin, medical director of gynecologic oncology at the Patricia Lynch Cancer Center, said there are currently a dozen investigational studies — and six more in the pipeline — that specifically involve treatments for gynecological cancers.
“Participating in the multisite trials puts Holy Name in a league with some of the most respected research and medical centers in the country,” she said. “This means we are able to offer women diagnosed with late stage, recurrent gynecologic cancers access to expanded potential treatment options.
“Most importantly, through clinical trial participation, we’re contributing to trials designed to improve outcomes including quality of life and progression-free survival for the women who trust us with their care.”
The trials have major industry partners, such as the drug giants Merck, Genentech and AstraZeneca. Some of the trials are available through nonprofit groups funded by NRG Oncology and the Gynecologic Oncology Group, as well as the National Cancer Institute. Lewin is a member of the prestigious Investigator Council of GOG.
Dr. Ravit Barkama, associate vice president for clinical development, said such collaboration is key.
“We continue to collaborate with the pharmaceutical industry, including companies such as ImmunoGen, which developed mirvetuximab, to uncover breakthrough treatments that strengthen our fight against cancer,” she said.
All studies are carefully controlled and closely monitored to ensure the safety of participants, she said.
To find out if you are a candidate for the SORAYA study, call the Division of Gynecologic Oncology at 201-227-6200. To learn more about all Holy Name clinical trials, visit holyname.org/clinical.
