The idea of clinical trials as a last resort is a common misconception. In fact,  a woman may be eligible for a clinical trial at any point in her experience with ovarian cancer -- during front line therapy, recurrence and even survivorship. Many people think of clinical trials as an option for treatment only after other treatments have failed. There are a lot of trials for patients in this situation, but many other trials are available. For example, trials are conducted for women who have not yet had surgery. This type of trial might try to find better ways to diagnose ovarian cancer. There are also clinical trials for women who have just finished their first treatment. These trials may test ways to prevent or delay recurrence. In addition, women who do not have ovarian cancer, but may be at high risk because of a family history of the disease, can also take part in trials focused on ways to prevent it.