Abstract
Simple Summary
Established in 2002, the Korean Gynecologic Oncology Group (KGOG) has presented improved clinical outcomes based on multi-center clinical trials. To date, KGOG has approved 156 studies and published 68 KGOG-led studies. The organization aims to advance gynecologic cancer research through sustained efforts and international collaboration.
Abstract
The Korean Gynecologic Oncology Group (KGOG) was established in 2002 and is the only organization in Korea conducting multi-center clinical trials for gynecologic cancers. Since its re-establishment as a non-profit organization in 2021, KGOG has grown significantly, now including 207 gynecologic oncology specialists from 76 hospitals. This growth is a testament to the dedication and hard work of all those involved in the organization. KGOG is committed to maximizing the activation of multi-center clinical research through policies that support patients with rare diseases and gynecologic cancer research, focusing on strengthening institutional capacity, equalizing participation opportunities, and enhancing information sharing. A significant milestone for KGOG was becoming a member of the US Gynecologic Oncology Group (GOG) in 2005, allowing participation in GOG clinical trials. KGOG later joined the Gynecologic Cancer InterGroup (GCIG) and strengthened its capabilities by hosting the first Endometrial Cancer Consensus Conference—Clinical Research (ECCC-CR) in 2023. KGOG holds biannual meetings and symposia, as well as 224 operating committee meetings annually to review the discussions of the Tumor Site Committee. KGOG has conducted 156 investigator-initiated trial (IIT) or sponsor-initiated trial (SIT) studies as KGOG-led or participated in research. Currently, 18 studies are registered, and 10 are in preparation. To date, 68 papers have been published. KGOG conducts six national projects and collaborates with external organizations such as the NRG Oncology Foundation, Gynecologic Oncology Group Partners (GOG-P), GCIG, East Asian Gynecologic Oncology Trial group (EAGOT), and the Japanese Gynecologic Oncology Group (JGOG). Through collaboration with renowned international research institutions, KGOG has significantly expanded the scope of its research, achieving noteworthy clinical outcomes. This report not only introduces the history and recent status of KGOG but also presents the exciting future direction of the organization, filled with potential breakthroughs and advancements in gynecologic oncology research.
Keywords: Korean Gynecologic Oncology Group, gynecologic cancer, clinical trial
1. Introduction
In the fall of 2002, the KGOG was established by leading figures in the field of gynecologic oncology in Korea, with the support of the Korean Society of Gynecologic Oncology (KSGO). This initiative aimed to model itself after advanced multi-institutional clinical trial organizations, such as the Gynecologic Oncology Group (GOG) in the United States, to conduct multi-institutional clinical trials. Over the past 20 years, KGOG has built upon the successes and failures of these trials to establish itself as a successful clinical research organization, continuing its efforts to make significant contributions to the field.
This paper aims to present KGOG’s history and research achievements and propose strategies and directions for its future development.
2. History of KGOG
2.1. The Beginning of KGOG
In October 2002, during the 9th International Gynecologic Cancer Society (IGCS) Meeting held in Seoul concurrently with the Korea–Japan Gynecologic Cancer Joint Meeting (KJGCJM), several professors from the KSGO recognized the need for a clinical research organization to lead clinical trials in gynecologic oncology in Korea. They made multifaceted efforts to overcome the surrounding opposition to data sharing and the immature era of clinical research. Consequently, the KGOG was established in October 2002 as an organization dedicated to clinical trials for gynecologic cancers in Korea [1,2].
In January 2003, the first operating committee meeting was held, where the KGOG preparatory committee was formed, drafting the KGOG bylaws, and discussions on clinical trial protocols began. Based on this, the first research committee was convened. The first KGOG workshop was held in August 2005. KGOG holds biannual meetings (spring and autumn) and two symposiums/workshops annually. In its initial stages, KGOG comprised the president, research committee, and operating committee, with advisory subcommittees for cervical cancer, ovarian cancer, endometrial cancer, pathology, radiation therapy, medical oncology, and translational research.
2.2. Research Achievements of KGOG
The classification number of the KGOG protocols was determined by organ to be a four-digit number starting with 1 for the cervix (KGOG 1XXX), 2 for the uterine body (KGOG 2XXX), and 3 for the ovary (KGOG 3XXX). The protocol for Surgery and Developmental Diagnostic and Therapeutics (DDT) was classified as 4 (KGOG 4XXX). In August 2004, the first KGOG protocol, KGOG 1001 (A Phase II Trial of Radiation Therapy with Concurrent Paclitaxel/Carboplatin Chemotherapy in High-risk Cervical Cancer Patients after Radical Hysterectomy), was initiated, and the study was conducted until 2010. The study was published in June 2013 [3]. Subsequently, the KGOG 3001 (An Open label, Single arm and Multi-center Phase II Clinical Trial of Gemcitabine Triplet [Paclitaxel + Carboplatin + Gemcitabine] as Consolidation Chemotherapy in Patients with Advanced Epithelial Ovarian Cancer) and KGOG 2001 (A Phase II Trial of Radiation Therapy with Concurrent Paclitaxel Chemotherapy in High-risk Endometrial Cancer Patients after Operation) protocols began in July and August 2005, respectively. The KGOG 2001 study was published in September 2014 [4]. The first study published by the Ovary–Fallopian tube Tumor Site Committees was KGOG 3003, a retrospective study of clear cell carcinoma of the ovary [5]. To date, 156 KGOG protocols have been developed and carried out. KGOG-led and -participated clinical trials are summarized in Table 1. Among them, the list of studies conducted and published by researchers affiliated with KGOG over the past five years is summarized in Table 2.
Table 1.
Summary of KGOG-led and -participated clinical trials.
| KGOG-Led | KGOG-Participated | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|
| No. of protocols | 119 | 37 | 156 |
| No. of prospective trials | 76 * | 37 | 113 |
| No. of retrospective trials | 43 | 0 | 43 |
| Committee | |||
| Cervix, Vulva, Vagina | 37 | 11 | 48 |
| Uterine Corpus-GTT | 25 | 7 | 32 |
| Ovary–Fallopian tube | 45 | 19 | 64 |
| Surgery, DDT | 12 | 0 | 12 |
* Two survey studies were included. DDT: Developmental Diagnostic and Therapeutics; KGOG: Korean Gynecologic Oncology Group; GTT: Gestational Trophoblastic tumor.
Table 2.
Summary of studies conducted and published by KGOG.
| Year | Author | Cancer Type | Study Type | KGOG-Led/Participated |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | MC Choi et al. [6] | Ovarian Cancer | Retrospective | KGOG-led |
| MK Kim et al. [7] | Endometrial Cancer | Retrospective | KGOG-led | |
| ES Paik et al. [8] | Cervical Cancer | Retrospective | KGOG-led | |
| 2021 | SI Kim et al. [9] | Ovarian Cancer | Retrospective | KGOG-led |
| YT Ouh et al. [10] | Cervical Cancer | Retrospective | KGOG-led | |
| K Kim et al. [11] | Ovarian Cancer | Retrospective | KGOG-led | |
| 2022 | YJ Lee et al. [12] | Ovarian Cancer | Prospective Phase 2 Randomized | KGOG-led |
| JK Sa et al. [13] | Ovarian Cancer | Retrospective | KGOG-led | |
| JY Lee et al. [14] | Ovarian Cancer | Prospective Phase 2 Randomized | KGOG-led | |
| J Park et al. [15] | Ovarian Cancer | Prospective Phase 2 Randomized | KGOG-led | |
| JY Park et al. [16] | Endometrial Cancer | Prospective Randomized | KGOG-led | |
| W Shin et al. [17] | Cervical Cancer | Retrospective | KGOG-led | |
| 2023 | A. Aiob et al. [18] | Endometrial Cancer | Retrospective | KGOG-led |
| SU Lee et al. [19] | Endometrial Cancer | Survey | KGOG-led | |
| YN Kim et al. [20] | Ovarian Cancer | Prospective Phase 2 Randomized | KGOG-led | |
| J Park et al. [21] | Ovarian Cancer | Prospective Phase 2 Randomized | KGOG-led | |
| JY Park et al. [22] | Gynecologic Cancer | Prospective Randomized | KGOG-led | |
| 2024 | WY Hwang et al. [23] | Cervical Cancer | Retrospective | KGOG-led |
| BS Yun et al. [24] | Cervical Cancer | Trial protocol | KGOG-led | |
| DH Jang et al. [25] | Endometrial Cancer | Retrospective | KGOG-led | |
| SI Kim et al. [26] | Ovarian Cancer | Prospective Phase 2 | KGOG-led | |
| J Park et al. [27] | Ovarian Cancer | Prospective Phase 2 | KGOG-led | |
| NK Kim et al. [28] | Endometrial Cancer | Retrospective | KGOG-led | |
| CH Choi et al. [29] | Gynecologic Cancer | Retrospective | KGOG-led |
2.3. Interaction with Other International Research Organizations
Since its establishment, the KGOG has collaborated with prominent international institutions leading multi-center research, such as the GOG Legacy and NRG in the United States, European Network for Gynaecological Oncological Trial group (ENGOT) in Europe, and the Gynecologic Cancer InterGroup (GCIG). As a member of these collaborative research efforts, KGOG has significantly contributed to international joint studies. KGOG became an associate member of the GOG in July 2005. After the KGOG-NCI-US Embassy Cooperation Meeting in April 2007, KGOG signed an agreement with GOG to conduct joint research and clinical trials. The first KGOG meeting was held in January 2008 during the GOG semi-annual meeting in San Diego, USA. Since then, KGOG has been participating in the GOG meetings twice a year as a full member and continues to cooperate closely with NRG, the successor of GOG.
KGOG became a full member of GCIG in October 2007 and has since participated in numerous studies. In November 2023, KGOG hosted the first Endometrial Cancer Consensus Conference—Clinical Research (ECCC-CR) in Songdo, Korea, alongside the KGOG semi-annual meeting, focusing on clinical trial guidelines for endometrial cancer [30].
Additionally, KGOG has maintained early interactions with Japan through the Japanese Gynecologic Oncology Group (JGOG) and KJGCJM. The first KGOG–JGOG collaboration meeting was held in April 2016. Since then, KGOG and JGOG have developed an advanced cooperative relationship, holding biannual face-to-face meetings to develop joint protocols [31]. Since 2012, KGOG has also been holding regular meetings with the Shanghai Gynecologic Oncology Group (SGOG) through the KGOG–SGOG meetings [32].
Recently, KGOG, along with JGOG, the Chinese Gynecological Cancer Society (CGCS), and the Taiwan Gynecologic Oncology Group (TGOG), established the East Asian Gynecologic Oncology Trial Group (EAGOT) in November 2021. EAGOT aims to develop clinical trial protocols for gynecologic cancers in East Asian women and expand research exchange among East Asian countries, with KGOG leading these efforts [33,34].
3. Current KGOG
3.1. Mission and Objectives of KGOG
The mission of the KGOG is three-fold as follows: First, to advance gynecologic oncology through collaborative multi-institutional research. This involves conducting and supporting domestic and international multi-center clinical trials related to the diagnosis, surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy of gynecologic cancers. Second, to contribute to public health by developing new chemotherapy protocols and surgical techniques. This goal is furthered through the education and training of clinical trial experts in gynecologic cancer, enhancing the overall quality of care and treatment outcomes. Third, rational clinical trial policies should be proposed. By engaging in policy research, KGOG aims to shape effective clinical trial policies that reflect the latest advancements and best practices in gynecologic oncology. To achieve its mission, KGOG undertakes the following activities: (1) It develops, conducts, and exchanges information on multicenter clinical trial protocols for gynecologic cancer, ensuring standardized and collaborative research efforts across institutions. (2) It also participates in policy research to formulate and refine clinical trial policies, ensuring they are evidence-based and effective. (3) It is strengthening cooperation and exchanges with domestic and international institutions related to gynecologic cancer research. This fosters a global network of collaboration and information sharing. (4) Educating and training experts involved in gynecologic cancer research. This commitment ensures high expertise and competence among clinical trial professionals. (5) We promote and enlighten gynecologic cancer research to raise awareness and encourage investment in this critical field. (6) This engages in other activities deemed necessary by KGOG to fulfill its mission and achieve its objectives.
3.2. Structure of KGOG
KGOG has expanded to its current structure over approximately 20 years, passing through the leadership of five presidents: Professor Soon-Beom Kang (2002–2010), Professor Joo-Hyun Nam (2010–2014), Professor Byung-Gie Kim (2014–2016), Professor Yong-Man Kim (2016–2021), and Professor Jae-Hoon Kim (2021–present). The current organizational chart of KGOG is shown in Figure 1. In 2024, KGOG consisted of 4 Tumor Site Committees (Cervix, Vulva, Vagina; Uterine Corpus-GTT; Ovary–Fallopian tube; Rare Tumor), 3 Treatment Modality Committees (Surgery; Chemotherapy; Radiotherapy), and 14 other committees (Advisory; Operating; Steering; Protocol; Statistics and Data; International Collaboration; Publication; Audit; DSMB; Cancer Prevention and Control; Developmental Diagnostic and Therapeutic; Symptom Benefits; Pathology; Translational Research), and 2 supportive departments (SRB and Biobank). The operating Committee reviews the progress of KGOG research every month, while the Steering Committee is an ad hoc committee that primarily handles financial and administrative matters.
Figure 1.
Structure of KGOG.
3.3. Development Process of New Protocols
The researcher submits a summary-formatted research proposal to the Tumor Site Committee for initial review. If the study is deemed to have clinical value and is suitable for KGOG, the Tumor Site Committee chair submits the proposal to the Scientific Review Board (SRB) for a detailed secondary review. Comprising five internal and external reviewers plus one chair, the SRB assesses the rationality, feasibility, and ethical considerations of all clinical trials to be conducted by KGOG. Upon SRB approval, the principal investigator will present the proposal to the Operating Committee based on the discussions that took place within the Tumor Site Committee and SRB, and the Operating Committee attendees will discuss whether to proceed with the study. If more than two-thirds of attendees agree during the second review, the study is approved as a KGOG protocol. If not approved, decisions may include re-review, deferral, or rejection. Once the Protocol Committee approves the full protocol, the principal investigator drafts a research contract with KGOG and obtains a research number through the KGOG Secretariat to recruit participating institutions. The development process of new protocols is detailed in Figure 2.
Figure 2.
Flow-chart of development of a new protocol in KGOG.
As of January 2024, KGOG is composed of a comprehensive national network of 76 institutions and hospitals, with a total of 207 gynecological oncologists, statisticians, radiation oncologists, pathologists, and medical oncologists as members (Supplementary Figure S1). In proportion to the population and number of patients, most hospitals are located in the metropolitan area, but for this reason, patients have high access to hospitals and can be centrally concentrated, so KGOG covers not only large-scale studies such as Phase III but also small-scale studies. The clinical trials actively conducted by KGOG in 2024 are summarized in Table 3.
Table 3.
Ongoing clinical trials by KGOG in 2024.
| Protocol | Study Title | KGOG-Led or Participated | CRIS ID/ ClinicalTrials.gov ID |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cervix, Vulva, Vagina TSC | |||
| KGOG 1028s | Radiotherapy versus observation in intermediate risk patients after radical hysterectomy for early cervical cancer (R-OBERV): Ancillary analysis of a Korean Gynecologic Group Study | KGOG-Led | -/- |
| KGOG 1036 | A PROBE (prospective specimen collection and retrospective blinded evaluation) study of HPV viral load to improve cervical cancer screening | KGOG-Led | KCT0009466/ - |
| KGOG 1038 | Phase II study of Belotecan monotherapy in patients with recurrent or persistent cervical cancer | KGOG-Led | KCT0004484/ - |
| KGOG 1046 | AFTER trial: Adjuvant chemotherapy vs. radiotherapy for postoperative cervicalcancer—A Phase III trial | Participated | KCT0006893/ - |
| KGOG 1047 | Therapeutic effect of surgical debulking of metastatic lymph nodes in cervical cancer Stage IIICr: A Phase III, randomized controlled clinical trial (DEBULK trial) | KGOG-Led | KCT0007137/ NCT05421650 |
| KGOG 1049 | GOG-3043: A randomized controlled trial of robotic versus open radical hysterectomy for cervical cancer (ROCC trial) | Participated | KCT0009284/ NCT04831580 |
| Uterine Corpus-GTT TSC | |||
| KGOG 2020 | Phase II study of fertility-sparing management using high-dose oral progestin in young women with Stage I endometrial adenocarcinoma with grade 2 differentiation or superficial myometrial invasion | KGOG-Led | KCT0003226/ NCT03567655 |
| KGOG 2024 | Phase 2 trial for chemo-resistant gestational trophoblastic neoplasias with Pembrolizumab (CR-GTP) | KGOG-Led | KCT0005469/ NCT04303884 |
| KGOG 2029 | Randomized comparison between sentinel lymph node mapping and lymph node dissection in early-stage endometrial cancer | KGOG-Led | KCT0006852/ NCT04845828 |
| KGOG 2030 | Development of biomarker predicting high-dose progesterone therapy in reproductive aged women with early-stage endometrial cancer | KGOG-Led | -/- |
| KGOG 2031 | A Phase II trial evaluating the efficacy and safety of repeated high-dose MPA therapy for patients with recurrent early-stage endometrial cancer or atypical endometrial hyperplasia | Participated | jRCTs031200256 * |
| KGOG 2034 | Pelvic and para-aortic lymphadenectomy in patients with Stage I or II endometrial cancer with high risk of recurrence (ECLAT; AGO-OP.6); a multi-center, prospective randomized controlled trial | Participated | KCT0004981/ NCT03438474 |
| KGOG 2035 | A Phase II/III study of Paclitaxel/Carboplatin alone or combined with either Trastuzumab and Hyaluronidase-oysk (HERCEPTIN HYLECTA) or Pertuzumab, Trastuzumab, and Hyaluronidase-zzxf (PHESGO) in HER2-positive, Stage I-IV endometrial serous carcinoma or carcinosarcoma | Participated | KCT0009300/ NCT05256225 |
| Ovary–Fallopian tube TSC | |||
| KGOG 3033 | Prospective study evaluating a strategy of surgery alone and surveillance in FIGO Stage I malignant ovarian germ cell tumor | KGOG-Led | -/- |
| KGOG 3050 | Laparoscopic/robotic vs. open surgery in the treatment of apparently early-stage epithelial ovarian cancer | KGOG-Led | -/- |
| KGOG 3051 | NRG-GY019: A randomized Phase III, two-arm trial of Paclitaxel/Carboplatin/maintenance Letrozole versus Letrozole monotherapy in patients with Stage II-IV, primary low-grade serous carcinoma of the ovary or peritoneum | Participated | KCT0005153/ NCT04095364 |
| KGOG 3053 | NRG CC-008 clinical trial: A non-randomized prospective clinical trail comparing the non-inferiority of salpingectomy to salpingo-oophorectomy to reduce the risk of ovarian cancer among BRCA1 carriers (SOROC) | Participated | KCT0007701/ NCT04251052 |
| KGOG 3055 | JGOG3024: Prospective cohort study of variant carriers with BRCA1 and BRCA2 | Participated | -/ NCT03296826 |
| KGOG 3058 | ESPOIR: Effectiveness and safety of PARP-inhibitor therapy in recurrent ovarian cancer patients in the real world; Ambidirectional multi-center cohort study | Participated | -/- |
| KGOG 3059 | PMFO: A cohort study to assess the safety and efficacy of PARP inhibitor maintenance after first-line therapy of Korean women with advanced ovarian/fallopian/peritoneal cancer | Participated | -/- |
| KGOG 3060 | Effectiveness of routine intensive CA125 monitoring in ovarian cancer: A pragmatic randomized study | KGOG-Led | KCT0007454/ - |
| KGOG 3062 | Phase III randomized clinical trial for Stage III epithelial ovarian cancer randomizing between primary cytoreductive surgery with or without hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (OVHIPEC-2) | Participated | -/ NCT03772028 |
| KGOG 3064 | Prospective multi-institutional Phase III trial of salvage systemic therapy with or without stereotactic ablative radiation therapy for recurrent ovarian cancer (SABR-ROC) | KGOG-Led | KCT0007950/ NCT05444270 |
| KGOG 3066 | A multi-center, open-label, single-arm, Phase II study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of JPI-547, a PARP/TNKS dual inhibitor in platinum-resistant, advanced/relapsed ovarian cancer patients previously treated with a PARP inhibitor | Participated | -/ NCT05475184 |
| KGOG 3067 | A randomized Phase II study of secondary cytoreductive surgery in patients with relapsed ovarian cancer who have progressed on PARP inhibitor maintenance (SOCCER-P) | KGOG-Led | KCT0008662/ - |
| Surgery, Developmental Diagnostic, and Therapeutics (DDT) Committee | |||
| KGOG 4005 | The analysis of the patients who have received reoperation within 30 days after debulking operation for primary advanced epithelial ovarian, tubal, peritoneal cancer | KGOG-Led | -/- |
| KGOG 4006 | The analysis of 90-day postoperative mortality after debulking operation for primary advanced epithelial ovarian, tubal, peritoneal cancer | KGOG-Led | -/- |
| KGOG 4007 | Effective drug therapy for recurrent ovarian clear cell carcinoma | KGOG-Led | -/- |
| KGOG 4008 | Study on the clinical utility of circulating tumor DNA methylation in the screening of uterine and ovarian cancers (CIRCUS) | KGOG-Led | -/- |
| KGOG 4009 | Efficacy and safety evaluation of advanced vessel sealing device (Vi-sealer) | KGOG-Led | KCT0008008/ NCT05629611 |
| KGOG 4010 | Assessment of quality of life after low anterior resection or visceral peritoneal stripping during cytoreductive surgery for advanced ovarian cancer requiring tumor resection on the rectosigmoid colon: a prospective cohort study | KGOG-Led | -/ NCT05431530 |
| KGOG 4011 | A prospective randomized controlled trial evaluating the safety and efficacy of patient blood management program in patients with gynecologic cancer | KGOG-Led | -/ NCT05669872 |
* Japan Registry of Clinical Trials.
3.4. Partnership between GOG-P and KGOG
In 2014, GOG integrated with the National Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bowel Project (NSABP) and the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG) to form NRG Oncology. As a result, since 2011, Phase 3 studies on gynecologic oncology have significantly decreased in the United States, and KGOG has faced many limitations in newly participating in NRG studies since the mid-2010s. To overcome these challenges, GOG established the GOG Foundation in 2017, consisting of GOG Partners and the NRG Oncology gynecologic program [35]. After much discussion, the KGOG–GOG collaboration agreement was signed in October 2023, allowing KGOG to participate in GOG Partners studies. This has expanded opportunities for KGOG to participate in major international clinical trials, focusing on SIT. The new study initiation process is displayed in Figure 3, with a legal review conducted by both institutions.
Figure 3.
New study initiation process between GOG-P and KGOG. CDA: Confidential Disclosure Agreement; CRO: Contract Research Organization; CTSA: Clinical Trial Services Agreement; GOG: Gynecologic Oncology Group; KGOG: Korean Gynecologic Oncology Group; RACI: Responsible, Accountable, Consulting, Inform.
Upon receiving the Letter of Authorization (LOA), start-up activities for the project begin, acting as a contractual bridge to the CTSA (Clinical Trial Site Agreement). After LOA execution, negotiations for the Site Clinical Trial Agreement (CTA), budget, and RACI (Roles and Responsibilities) are conducted in parallel with KGOG and the sponsor/CRO through the CTSA. Currently, five study protocols are in the new study initiation process. By establishing a partnership with GOG Partners, information about Asian gynecologic cancer patients will be reflected in new drug information, enabling the selection of more appropriate treatment options. Furthermore, through continuous development, KGOG will be able to keep pace with global trends in the field of gynecologic cancer clinical research.
The KGOG is dedicated to advancing gynecologic cancer research and treatment through core services such as site selection assistance, financial management, investigator meetings, and effective communication. These services ensure efficient study execution, transparent financial transactions, and robust collaboration among researchers. KGOG aims to transform the standard of care in gynecologic oncology through close collaboration with researchers and research organizations both in Korea and worldwide. We are committed to advancing investigator-initiated trials based on national grants and strengthening our partnership with research organizations, led by GOG-P to expand sponsor-initiated studies. By scientifically conducting clinical trials proposed by individual researchers or sponsors, we aim to elevate the standards of gynecologic cancer care.
3.5. Challenges of KGOG in the Future
Over the past 20 years, KGOG has achieved many accomplishments in the field of clinical trials and treatments for gynecologic cancers. However, it is true that there are still several challenges to overcome. First, while the government is streamlining regulatory processes to stimulate the medical market, it has not yet fully met the enthusiasm of researchers and patients for clinical trials. Second, although the patient recruitment rate is higher in Korea compared to the U.S. or Western Europe where clinical trials are more active, the relatively smaller population in Korea can make it difficult for multi-national pharmaceutical companies or contract research organizations (CROs) to prioritize Korea for large-scale, multi-center trials. Lastly, since Korea is a non-English-speaking country, language and cultural barriers must be addressed. All clinical trial documents, including patient consent forms, must be translated into Korean, and professional translators need to be hired to ensure the accuracy and quality of these translations. Therefore, to successfully conduct clinical research in Korea, it is crucial to gain knowledge about the factors that influence clinical research and the methods that can be used to overcome these challenges.
4. Conclusions
As mentioned above, KGOG has grown and developed significantly on its own and with international exchanges over the past 20 years. In the future, KGOG plans to develop KGOG-led investigator-initiated trials in quantity and quality to lead the clinical trials for new drug discovery and development, which have been rapidly growing recently. Additionally, based on solid relationships with international research organizations, KGOG will establish “Global Standards” for gynecologic oncology research and strive to promote gynecologic cancer research beyond East Asia to a global scale through exchanges with GOG-P, ENGOT, and EAGOT.
Supplementary Materials
The following supporting information can be downloaded at: https://www.mdpi.com/article/10.3390/cancers16193422/s1, Figure S1: Distribution of KGOG-Participant Institutions.
Author Contributions
Conceptualization, K.-J.M., N.K.K. and J.-H.K.; methodology, J.-Y.S., M.C.C., S.W.L., K.H.L., M.K.K., S.K., C.H.C., J.-W.L., E.-J.L., K.-Y.E., S.W.K., H.C., S.J.L., M.C.L., J.B., C.W.Y., K.K. and D.-Y.K.; validation, C.L., S.Y.R., S.J., J.-W.K., B.-H.N., S.-B.K., K.T.K., J.-H.N., B.-G.K. and Y.-M.K.; formal analysis, K.-J.M., N.K.K. and J.-H.K.; resources, J.-Y.S. and J.-H.K.; data curation, K.-J.M., N.K.K. and J.-H.K.; writing—original draft preparation, K.-J.M., N.K.K. and J.-H.K.; writing—review and editing, K.-J.M., N.K.K., J.-Y.S., M.C.C., S.W.L., K.H.L., M.K.K., S.K., C.H.C., J.-W.L., E.-J.L., K.-Y.E., S.W.K., H.C., S.J.L., M.C.L., J.B., C.W.Y., K.K., D.-Y.K. and J.-H.K.; visualization, K.-J.M., N.K.K. and J.-H.K.; supervision, S.-B.K., K.T.K., J.-H.N., B.-G.K. and Y.-M.K.; project administration, J.-H.K. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.
Institutional Review Board Statement
Not applicable.
Informed Consent Statement
Not applicable.
Data Availability Statement
Not applicable.
Conflicts of Interest
Author Byung-Ho Nam is the founder and CEO of company Herings. The remaining authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.
Funding Statement
This study was supported by a grant from the National R&D Program for Cancer Control, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Republic of Korea (RS-2024-00344173).
Footnotes
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