Innovative Drug Combination Shows Promise in Ovarian Cancer Treatment

In a significant advancement in cancer treatment, researchers at Weill Cornell Medicine have unveiled a new precision medicine approach that combines two experimental drugs to effectively inhibit tumor growth and counteract drug resistance in ovarian cancer. Published on July 7, 2025, in Cell Reports Medicine, this preclinical study highlights a promising strategy for combating a cancer known for its genetic diversity and treatment challenges.

Ovarian cancer, which affects approximately 250,000 women in the United States and accounts for roughly 20,000 new cases annually, poses significant treatment difficulties. The usual strategy involves surgical removal of the ovaries followed by chemotherapy; however, recurrence rates are high, and the five-year survival rate hovers around 50%. According to Dr. Benjamin Hopkins, an assistant professor of research in physiology and biophysics at Weill Cornell Medicine, the need for improved treatment options is pressing. "Current therapies often fail to address the complexities of ovarian cancer," he stated.

The study's focus shifted from targeting individual genetic mutations to examining the activation of growth signaling pathways specific to ovarian tumor cells. This pathway-centric approach allowed the research team to identify a combination therapy that effectively reduces tumor growth in preclinical models. The experimental drug rigosertib, known for its role in targeting the MAPK pathway, demonstrated enhanced efficacy against ovarian cancer when used in conjunction with inhibitors of the PI3K/mTOR pathway, which is often implicated in treatment resistance.

Dr. Shalini Nath, the first author of the study and a postdoctoral research associate at the Englander Institute for Precision Medicine, remarked, "By leveraging data from existing tumor samples, we recognized that despite the genetic diversity of ovarian cancers, many share a common pathway that can be targeted for treatment."

The findings underscore the necessity of moving beyond traditional methods that focus on recurrent mutations and instead addressing the shared vulnerabilities across different tumors. According to the National Cancer Institute, the development of more effective second-line therapies is crucial, as no curative options currently exist for patients facing recurrence. Dr. Hopkins emphasized, "We are eager for drug developers to explore this combination strategy, which could lead to more effective treatments not only for ovarian cancer but also for other malignancies characterized by a lack of targetable mutations."

The implications of this research extend beyond ovarian cancer, potentially offering insights into treatment strategies for a variety of genetically diverse cancers. As the field of precision medicine continues to evolve, this study stands as a testament to the power of innovative research in addressing some of the most daunting challenges in oncology. The continued exploration of tumor-specific dependencies could pave the way for breakthroughs in second-line therapies, ultimately improving patient outcomes in the fight against cancer.