Ovarian Cancer's spread: scientists probe abdominal fluid for clues
NCT ID NCT03943316
First seen Sep 18, 2026 · Last updated Sep 18, 2026
Summary
Researchers at the University of New Mexico collect ascites fluid, the liquid that builds up in the abdomen, from women undergoing surgery for ovarian cancer. They study this fluid and tumor tissue in the lab to learn how the tumor environment helps cancer spread within the peritoneal cavity. The study aims to link features of peritoneal cells or soluble factors with patient outcomes. It is a laboratory study, not a treatment trial, and does not test a new drug or therapy.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- What this could lead to
- If researchers map how ascites helps ovarian cancer spread, that knowledge could point to ways to block it and improve treatment.
- What could go wrong
- This is a laboratory study of fluid samples, not a treatment trial. It may not find clear answers, and any insights would need years of further testing before helping patients.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Participants
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About 500 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
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Dec 2015
- Expected to finish
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Dec 2031
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
Who is studied
All female participants, regardless of ethnicity, who are undergoing cytoreductive surgery for ovarian cancer are eligible for this study; All participants will be eighteen years old or older; Patients must be suspected of having a pathological diagnosis or clinical suspicion of ovarian cancer and be scheduled for surgery for tumor resection.
- Ages
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18 years and older
- Sex
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Female participants only
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * All female participants, regardless of ethnicity, who are undergoing cytoreductive surgery for ovarian cancer are eligible for this study * All participants will be eighteen years old or older * Patients must be suspected of having a pathological diagnosis or clinical suspicion of ovarian cancer and be scheduled for surgery for tumor resection. * Ability to understand and the willingness to sign a written informed consent document. * Pathologic confirmation of a diagnosis of epithelial adenocarcinoma of the ovary, fallopian tube, or primary peritoneal cancer (serous, mucinous, clear cell, endometrioid, undifferentiated, mixed, transitional cell) * Women of childbearing potential must have a negative qualitative serum pregnancy test ≤ 2 weeks prior to study entry. * A female of child-bearing potential is any woman (regardless of sexual orientation, having undergone a tubal ligation, or remaining celibate by choice) who meets the following criteria: * Has not undergone a hysterectomy or bilateral oophorectomy; or * Has not been naturally postmenopausal for at least 12 consecutive months (i.e., has had menses at any time in the preceding 12 consecutive months). Exclusion Criteria: * We do not intend to include participants if they are unable to provide informed consent for this study themselves (e.g. mentally ill patients who require health care proxies to consent for any medical intervention), or vulnerable populations such as prisoners. * Minors under age eighteen. * Pregnant women. * Final pathologic diagnosis that does not confirm invasive epithelial ovarian, tubal, or primary peritoneal cancer
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
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The places running it
1 site. The list below names each one and where it is.
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The official record
ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.
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A doctor treating you
A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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University of New Mexico Cancer Center
RECRUITINGAlbuquerque, New Mexico, 87131, United States
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