Multicenter phase 1 and randomized phase 2 trial of ruxolitinib with frontline neoadjuvant therapy in advanced ovarian cancer

The interleukin-6/Janus kinase JAK)/signal transducers and activators of transcription 3 axis is a reported driver of chemotherapy resistance. A multicenter phase 1 and randomized phase 2 trial in the USA evaluated the JAK1/2 inhibitor ruxolitinib in combination with standard neoadjuvant paclitaxel-carboplatin chemotherapy for advanced ovarian cancer. The combination was well tolerated. In phase 2, addition of ruxolitinib to neoadjuvant chemotherapy resulted in prolongation of progression-free survival (median 14.6 versus 11.6 months; HR 0.702; p=0.059) and overall survival (HR 0.785; p=0.24). The authors conclude that the combination warrants further investigation in patients with advanced ovarian cancer.