Holy Name Press Releases

Holy Name first in the nation to enroll patient in PICCOLO study targeting platinum-sensitive ovarian cancer

Folate receptor alpha-targeting antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) being investigated as part of the PICCOLO study; the latest addition to Holy Name's portfolio of clinical trials targeting gynecologic cancers

December 3, 2021

Holy Name is the first site in the nation to open ImmunoGen’s PICCOLO study, a single-arm clinical trial evaluating the safety and efficacy of mirvetuximab soravtansine (mirvetuximab) as a single agent in patients with folate receptor alpha high, recurrent platinum-sensitive ovarian cancer. The first patient in the country to participate in this cutting-edge clinical trial was enrolled at Holy Name’s Patricia Lynch Cancer Center in November under the supervision of Sharyn Lewin, MD, chief of gynecologic oncology.

ImmunoGen is a leader in the expanding field of antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) for the treatment of cancer. ADCs are targeted therapies designed to kill cancer cells and spare healthy cells. To date, mirvetuximab has generated promising data in patients with platinum-resistant ovarian cancer; this study in platinum-sensitive ovarian cancer is designed to address another patient population with high unmet need.

The PICCOLO 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 over a dozen investigational studies – and several more in the pipeline – that specifically involve treatments for gynecologic cancers.

"Holy Name is proud to provide access to this important clinical trial to our patient population and women around the tri-state area. Participating in national trials puts Holy Name in a league with some of the most respected research and medical centers in the country," said Dr .Lewin. “Through our continued participation in clinical trials like PICCOLO, we're contributing to studies designed to improve outcomes, including quality of life and progression-free survival for the women who trust us with their care."

Dr. Lewin is a longtime advocate for women and women's health with more than 19 years of medical research experience. She is also a member of the prestigious Investigator Council of the Gynecologic Oncology Group (GOG). All studies are carefully controlled and closely monitored to ensure the safety of participants.

To find out if you are a candidate for the PICCOLO study, call the Division of Gynecologic Oncology at 201-227-6200. To learn more about all Holy Name's clinical trials, visit holyname.org/ClinicalResearch