This September, during Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month, we are highlighting the NRG-CC008-SOROCk clinical trial — a landmark study designed to answer one of the most pressing questions in hereditary cancer prevention.
Whilerisk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy (RRSO) remains the standard of care for carriers of a BRCA1 mutation, removal of the ovaries and premature menopause can lead to both significant immediate symptoms and long-term morbidity. Data suggests that most ovarian cancers, in fact, originate in the fallopian tubes. Thus, bilateral salpingectomy (BLS) with delayed oophorectomy is an appealing strategy because the ovaries are preserved, but it has not been proven effective for prevention of ovarian cancer. The NRG-CC008 SOROCk trial (NCT04251052), led by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) and NCORP, is the first large prospective study to test rigorously whether BLS with delayed oophorectomy provides protection comparable to RRSO against high-grade serous carcinoma (HGSC) .
The study enrolls BRCA1 carriers aged 35–50 who are planning risk-reducing surgery. Eligible participants must have at least one ovary and fallopian tube intact and normal preoperative screening. Participants choose between immediate RRSO or BLS with later oophorectomy after comprehensive counseling, with ongoing follow-up for cancer outcomes and quality-of-life assessments.
SOROCk’s primary goal is to determine whether cancer-free survival rates at 4.5 years are similar between the two approaches, with a projected total enrollment of 2,262 women. Since its activation in 2020, more than 500 participants have joined, marking steady progress toward this critical evidence base.
How Clinicians Can Participate
The trial uniquely allows gynecologists and gynecologic oncologists—both community- and academic-based—to contribute. Surgeons may refer patients to a nearby SOROCk site for enrollment (telehealth consent may be available). After completing a brief online training and credentialing step, the referring surgeon performs the risk-reducing procedure, while the study team oversees data collection and long-term follow-up.
By partnering in this effort, clinicians can expand access and help shape the future of hereditary cancer prevention.
How to Refer a Patient in 3 Steps