Ovarex Trial Questions

Last September I was diagnosed with fallopian tube cancer, stage 3c. I had a successfull surgery and 8 rounds of carbo/taxol. My last pet scan and cat scan were clean.

I am now eligable to get into the ovarex trial and I have my hesitations, although both my onc and surgeon are pushing me to do it.

I don't like the fact that my CA 125 is blinded. Are the cat scans blinded as well? Will I have access to their results? Will I have access to all of my results when the trial is over?

Does anyone know how quickly the CA125 test might pick up a reoccurance vs. a pet scan? I know the CA125 test is not perfect, but still it's all there is.

Any and all info would be greatly appreciated.


Thanks, Pam

Hi. I can only tell you my experience. I have been on OvaRex (or placebo) for the last 2 and a half years. I have done much better than anticipated, and I have heard that that is typical for patients on OvaRex. As far as not knowing your CA125s, it bothered me at first, but now I don't even think about it. Most doctors wouldn't treat you if you had an elevated CA125 and a normal CT scan anyway, so it hardly changes therapy. You do get the results of your CT scans when you have them. The date is so promising, that I think you need to seriously consider treatment. Hope that helps!

I was diagnosed in November with Stage 3C
Ovarian cancer, and have recently finished 6
rounds of chemotherapy. I am eligible for the
OvaRex clinical trial and am debating whether to
participate. If anyone has personal or other
information about the costs/benefits of the
trial, please let me know.
My primary concern is the risk in not getting CA
125 results, whether there is any danger in
OvaRex itself given the fact that it alters and
elevates CA 125 readings, whether there is
credible evidence that it actually helps.
Thanks.

We have a lot in common. I to was diagnosed with stage 3 ovarian cancer in December 2004. I am also done with the 6 rounds of chemo, and was approached with this clinical study. I am going to do it I feel it is a win win situaztion and we have more to gain then loose. I too had my questions but the pro's were more then the con's. I think in doing the study I will be monitored by doctors more close then if not doing the study. All clinical studies are paid for by the pharmacy company, you might have to have your insurance pay for the ct scans. But labs, meds, and labs are covered by the study pharmacy (Unither) Hope this helps, keep me posted.
Sue Anne

I wanted to see how the Ovarex was doing. My mom was just
diagnosed with STAGE IV ovarian cancer, and we are
desperately searching for what we should do next, since she
just had debulking surgery. Thanks!