Comparing stress reduction methods to standard care for ovarian cancer patients

Perioperative Stress Reduction in Ovarian Cancer (PRESERVE Trial)-A Prospective Randomized Pilot Study

Not applicable Interventional Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center · NCT05429970

This study is testing if a mix of medications and therapies can help reduce stress in women with advanced ovarian cancer before their surgery, compared to those getting standard care.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment35 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexFemale
SponsorMemorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center Academic / other
Locations7 sites (Basking Ridge, New Jersey and 6 other locations)
Trial IDNCT05429970 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a combination of propranolol, etodolac, mind-body resilience training, and music therapy in reducing physiological stress in patients undergoing primary debulking surgery for advanced ovarian cancer. Participants will be compared to a control group receiving standard care without these interventions. The study focuses on patients diagnosed with advanced-stage epithelial ovarian, fallopian tube, or primary peritoneal carcinoma. The interventions are designed to be administered in the lead-up to surgery, allowing for assessment of their impact on stress levels during the perioperative period.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults aged 18 and older with advanced-stage ovarian cancer scheduled for surgery.

Not a fit: Patients with chronic treatment involving β-blockers or COX inhibitors, or those with contraindications for these therapies, may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly reduce stress and improve surgical outcomes for ovarian cancer patients.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using mind-body interventions for stress reduction in cancer patients, suggesting potential for success in this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Advanced (stage II-IV) epithelial ovarian, fallopian tube, or primary peritoneal carcinoma diagnosed on the basis of imaging, CA125, and clinical assessment
* Scheduled to undergo exploratory laparotomy and PDS or IDS
* Scheduled for surgery with at least 10 days of lead time, to allow the participant to take the β-blocker and COX2 inhibitor 7 days preoperatively
* Age ≥18 years
* ASA score of 1 to 3
* Ability to understand the study objectives and procedures, comply with the protocol, and provide informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

* Chronic treatment with any β-blocker or COX inhibitor
* Contraindication for β-blocker therapy (asthma, second- or third-degree atrioventricular block, sinus bradycardia, sick sinus syndrome, right-sided heart failure, pheochromocytoma, peripheral vascular disease)
* Contraindication for COX2 inhibitor therapy (renal failure \[creatinine level \>1.5 mg/dL\], significant liver failure \[known cirrhosis, bilirubin level \>2\], active peptic disease), or current use of oral anticoagulant)
* Contraindication for regional epidural anesthesia
* Chronic autoimmune disease
* Active infection
* Pregnant
* Minimally invasive procedure
* Participation in another clinical trial that interferes with this study

Where this trial is running

Basking Ridge, New Jersey and 6 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Ovarian CancerOvarian CarcinomaStage II Ovary CancerStage II Ovarian CancerStage III Ovary CancerStage III Ovarian CancerStage IV Ovary CancerStage IV Ovarian Cancer
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.