By Brian M. Slomovitz, MD

For women with platinum-resistant ovarian cancer, the treatment landscape has long been defined by limited choices and poor outcomes. But a recently published global trial offers a breakthrough — and fresh hope. The phase 3 ROSELLA trial found that adding the investigational therapy relacorilant to nab-paclitaxel (Abraxane) significantly improved survival outcomes without introducing new safety concerns.

The ROSELLA Trial

The ROSELLA trial (GOG-3073/ENGOT-ov72), conducted across 117 hospitals in 14 countries, enrolled 381 women with platinum-resistant epithelial ovarian, primary peritoneal, or fallopian tube cancer. Patients were randomized to receive either nab-paclitaxel alone or in combination with relacorilant, a first-in-class selective glucocorticoid receptor antagonist.

The results were striking:

• Progression-Free Survival (PFS): Patients receiving relacorilant plus nab-paclitaxel achieved a median PFS of 6.54 months compared with 5.52 months for chemotherapy alone (hazard ratio 0.70; p=0.0076).
• Overall Survival (OS): At interim analysis, the combination extended median OS to 15.97 months versus 11.50 months, reflecting a 31% reduced risk of death (hazard ratio 0.69; p=0.0121).
• Safety: Adverse events were consistent with nab-paclitaxel exposure; no new safety signals were observed.

Together, the findings position the combination as a potential new standard of care for women with platinum-resistant ovarian cancer — the first randomized phase 3 study in over a decade to demonstrate both PFS and OS benefit in this high-need population.

Why It Matters for South Florida

For women in South Florida, these results demonstrate that innovative science is reaching the clinic, providing renewed options in a space where progress has been slow. As one of the trial investigators, I am proud that Mount Sinai Medical Center continues to help bring forward therapies that improve not just survival statistics, but also quality of life.

This is only the beginning. Mount Sinai’s investment in cancer care is accelerating with the upcoming Irma and Norman Braman Comprehensive Cancer Center, opening in 2026. The five-story, 200,000-square-foot facility will:

• Increase access to clinical expertise, robust support services, research, and clinical trials.
• Deliver coordinated care through tumor boards, pathology reviews, and radiology consults.
• Provide patients with a personalized, healing environment overlooking Biscayne Bay.
• Offer comprehensive supportive services, including genetics counseling as well as physical, mental, and financial coaching, to guide patients and families through every stage of their journey.

Looking Ahead

The ROSELLA trial findings published in Lancet Oncology point to a future where women with platinum-resistant ovarian cancer finally have more than limited choices. For patients and their families, this represents a long-awaited breakthrough.

At Mount Sinai, we are shaping the future of women’s cancer care by combining groundbreaking science with compassionate, patient-centered treatment for our community and beyond.

Dr. Brian Slomovitz is Director of Gynecologic Oncology, Mount Sinai Medical Center.