['To determine the effect of participation in clinical trials on survival of women with ovarian cancer. Disease-specific factors and demographics were also examined.', 'A total of 158 women were treated for ovarian cancer at a regional cancer center. All patients were offered treatment with surgery/chemotherapy and were screened at diagnosis for participation in clinical research. Progression-free and overall survival, as well as demographic- and treatment-related data, were recorded.', 'Fifty-three participated in clinical trials and 105 did not. On-study versus off-study subjects were similar in age (64.1 vs 63.5 years), ethnicity (87% vs 85% white), performance status (100% 0-1 Gynecologic Oncology Group scale), and urban versus rural lifestyle (58% vs 55% urban). Stage of disease, histologic subtype, and type/amount of therapy were also similar. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed superior overall survival for on-study subjects (median, 46 vs 25 months, 95% confidence interval, 1.0299-2.1505 months, P = 0.0343). A trend toward improved progression-free survival approached significance for on-study subjects (median, 23 vs 9 months, 95% confidence interval, 0.9545-2.0022 months, P = 0.0866).'] Is clinical trial participation associated with improved outcome in women with ovarian cancer?