MATAO was launched by the Swiss GO Trial Group, an organization based at the USB with the aim of promoting academic research in the field of gynaecological oncology. Since 2025, Swiss-GO has been a research structure of national importance funded by the State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI).

The background

Femara (letrozole) belongs to the group of aromatase inhibitors and has been admitted by the drug authorities for almost 25 years for patients with breast cancer. Letrozole blocks the production of the female steroid hormone oestrogen, which in turn promotes the growth of oestrogen receptor-positive cancer cells. This suppresses the growth of cancer cells in breast cancer patients.

As oestrogen receptors are also very often provided proof of ovarian cancer on the tumor surface, letrozole could also be an effective drug for women with ovarian cancer.

Aim

The aim of the study is to examine whether treatment with letrozole (one tablet containing 2.5 mg letrozole daily) is effective after standard surgical and chemotherapeutic treatment. Efficacy will be measured by progression-free survival, which is defined as the time from randomization to the time of disease progression (relapse) or death.

Study methodology

Investigator-initiated randomized double-blind placebo-controlled multicenter phase III study

Significance of the study

The study could help to significantly improve the care of patients with ovarian cancer. In addition to potential therapeutic benefits such as prolonged progression-free survival, the study will also systematically record the quality of life and resilience of patients.