VB-111 Hits Milestone in Phase III Platinum-Resistant Ovarian Cancer Trial

There has been little progress made in the treatment of platinum resistant ovarian cancer until recently. An international, double-blind study has received the go-ahead to continue with its Phase III study because of very encouraging results to date.

Platinum-resistant OC is defined as a recurrence within 6 months of ending first-line treatment with platinum-based chemo. The definition has also been extended to include cancer progression within 6 months of any subsequent treatment for recurrence.


The study of VB-111 with paclitaxel vs paclitaxel alone, began in December of 2017 and is expected to end in 2023. VB-111 works in two ways to destroy ovarian cancer cells. "VB-111 is a first-in-class anticancer agent that targets tumors through a dual mechanism. In addition to delivering a gene therapy that eliminates a tumor’s blood supply, the viral vector where the gene is inserted induces specific immune responses that lead to cancer cell death."

Richard Penson, M.D., MRCP, is a principal investigator in the OVAL study. He said that the Phase II study results showed a high response rate and better survival. The encouraging results of the Phase III study means that the trial will now continue without changes. 

You can also read more about the study by following this link to OncLive. OncLive requires a sign-up (free) but you get GREAT links to ovarian cancer research videos.