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New ovarian cancer drug based on UCL research

A new drug to delay the spread of ovarian cancer, which was developed from UCL research, has been licensed for use in the UK. Professor Jonathan Ledermann, who led the research, said the drug was a “critical milestone” in managing the disease if the cancer recurs after chemotherapy.

2 January 2018

ovarian cancer for web

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The drug, Niraparib, freezes tumours for months at a time and the aim is to provide women with the most amount of time possible before their disease returns or progresses and they need further treatment with chemotherapy.

“The risk of recurrence in ovarian cancer is high, and once patients relapse, chemotherapy can no longer eradicate the disease. Giving women as much quality time as possible, free from further chemotherapy, is of key importance,” said Professor Ledermann.

About 7,400 women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer each year in the UK and approximately 85% will suffer a recurrence of the disease.

The UK ovarian cancer incidence rates are among the highest in Europe, with survival rates among the lowest. Over 4,000 women die of over ovarian cancer in the UK each year.

The treatment will be available to all women regardless if they have the BRCA genetic mutation, which raises the risk of breast and ovarian cancer.

The drug, which was developed by US pharmaceutical company Tesaro, was licensed by the European Medicines Agency, allowing it to go on sale privately.

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) will review the drug early in 2018 to see it will be made available through the NHS.

Further information

  • Professor Jonathan Ledermann's academic profile
  • Cancer Research UK and UCL Cancer Trials Centre
  • Image: Ovarian cancer cells attributed to Ed Uthman via Flickr
  • Media contact: Margaret-Anne Orgill, m.orgill@ucl.ac.uk

Highlights in Medical Sciences

New Dean of Medical Sciences appointed
Professor Emma Morris

Announcement

New Dean of Medical Sciences appointed

Internationally recognised clinician scientist, Professor Emma Morris, will take up the role of Dean of UCL's Faculty of Medical Sciences in August 2025.

28 February 2025

Lung cancer test better predicts survival in early stages of disease
Cancer Cells Dividing

Research breakthrough

Lung cancer test better predicts survival in early stages of disease

A new test developed by UCL Cancer Institute and the Francis Crick Institute can better predict lung cancer survival at diagnosis.

09 January 2025

The King and Queen meet UCL cancer specialists at UCLH
Professor Charles Swanton (left) and Professor Karl Peggs (right) meet with The King and Queen

Royal visits

The King and Queen meet UCL cancer specialists at UCLH

King Charles and Queen Camilla met UCL clinical researchers developing new cancer treatments, along with cancer patients receiving care and their families.

01 May 2024

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