Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian cancer originates in the ovaries, which are part of the female reproductive system responsible for producing eggs and hormones. It is often referred to as a “silent killer” because early-stage symptoms are vague or absent, leading to a frequent diagnosis at an advanced stage. Common symptoms include bloating, pelvic pain, difficulty eating, and urinary urgency.

The most common type is epithelial ovarian cancer, which arises from the surface layer of the ovary. Other types include germ cell tumors and sex cord-stromal tumors, which are less common and typically affect younger women. Risk factors include age, family history, inherited mutations (particularly BRCA1 and BRCA2), endometriosis, and hormone replacement therapy.

Common Therapies for Ovarian Cancer

Treatment typically involves a combination of surgery and systemic therapy:

1. Surgery

   • Debulking surgery: Removal of as much tumor as possible, often including the ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, and affected tissues

   • Surgery is a key part of treatment and may be performed before or after chemotherapy

     
     

2. Chemotherapy

   • Standard first-line treatment after surgery

   • Common drugs:

     • Platinum-based agents: Carboplatin, Cisplatin

     • Taxanes: Paclitaxel, Docetaxel

   • Often given intravenously or directly into the abdominal cavity (intraperitoneal chemotherapy)

   
   

3. Targeted Therapy

   • PARP inhibitors (for patients with BRCA mutations or HRD-positive tumors):

     • Olaparib, Niraparib, Rucaparib (Lynparza, Zejula, Rubraca)

   • Bevacizumab: Anti-angiogenesis drug that blocks tumor blood supply, often used with chemotherapy

   
   

4. Hormone Therapy

   • Occasionally used for low-grade or recurrent ovarian cancers

   • Drugs include Tamoxifen and aromatase inhibitors (Letrozole, Anastrozole)

   
   

5. Immunotherapy

   • Currently under investigation; limited effectiveness so far compared to other cancers, but trials are ongoing for PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors like Pembrolizumab in select patients

     
     

   Ovarian cancer treatment is increasingly guided by genetic and molecular testing to tailor therapy and predict response. Regular follow-up is essential due to the risk of recurrence, especially in advanced-stage disease.