SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- A new experimental medication that may increase a tumor's sensitivity to the most commonly prescribed ovarian cancer chemotherapy is now being tested at Scottsdale Healthcare.

The drug, known as CBP501, is available to treat 10 women in an ongoing Phase I clinical trial. This is the first time the drug has been tested in humans.

"This experimental drug not only increases the tumor's sensitivity to the number one treatment for ovarian cancer, it also has few side effects," said Dr. Raoul Tibes, Director of Hemotologic Malignancies and Assistant Investigator at TGen Clinical Research Services at Scottsdale Healthcare.

Ovarian cancer accounts for about 3 percent of all cancers among women and ranks second among gynecologic cancers. When diagnosed early, the five-year survival rate is more than 90 percent.

Such is the case with Michelle Avery, who now works at TCRS. In June 2004, Avery was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Due to an early diagnosis, her treatment consisted of two surgeries and four cycles of chemo therapy, which is considered minimal for this kind of cancer.

"During a national conference in Washington DC this summer, I learned that over the last 40 years there has been no improvement in the survivability of ovarian cancer," said Avery. "The key to turning the corner on this disease will be found through clinical research."

Ovarian cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among women in our country, and the risk of developing it increases with age and a family history of this disease. Other risk factors include a history of endometrial, colon, or breast cancer and obesity.