Holy Name Press Releases

Holy Name Medical Center is the Only Hospital in New Jersey To Offer New Targeted Treatment for Advanced, Recurrent Ovarian Cancer

December 21, 2020

ImmunoGen's antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) is offered as part of the SORAYA study and is the latest addition to cutting edge portfolio of therapies targeting gynecological cancers

(Teaneck, NJ, December, 7, 2020) – Holy Name Medical Center is the only hospital in New Jersey offering enrollment in a new clinical 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.

The SORAYA study is among a significant and growing portfolio of groundbreaking clinical trials offered through Holy Name's Institute for Clinical Research. Right now, there are a dozen investigational studies – and six more in the pipeline – that specifically involve treatments for gynecological cancers.

"Participating in the multi-site trials puts Holy Name in a league with some of the most respected research and medical centers in the country," said Sharyn Lewin, MD, medical director of gynecologic oncology at the Patricia Lynch Cancer Center Medical Director. "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 non-profit groups funded by NRG Oncology and the GOG (Gynecologic Oncology Group) as well as the National Cancer Institute. Dr. Lewin is a member of the prestigious Investigator Council of GOG.

"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," said Ravit Barkama MD, MPH, associate vice president for clinical development.

All studies are carefully controlled and closely monitored to ensure the safety of participants.

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.