Facing an ovarian cancer diagnosis is a life-changing event, but knowing your treatment options is a powerful first step toward taking control. The approach to treating ovarian cancer is not one-size-fits-all; it is a personalized plan based on the cancer's type, stage, and your overall health. Typically, a team of specialists, including a gynecologic oncologist, will work with you to determine the best course of action. Let's explore the most common treatment options available today, so you can walk into your next appointment with a clearer understanding of your choices.

Surgery: The First and Most Critical Step

Surgery is the main treatment for most types of ovarian cancer. Its primary goal is to remove as much of the cancerous tissue as possible, a procedure known as "debulking" or "cytoreductive surgery." Studies show that patients have better outcomes when a skilled gynecologic oncologist removes the largest amount of the tumor possible. The extent of the surgery depends on the stage of the cancer:

• Early-Stage Cancer: For cancer confined to one ovary, the surgeon may remove only that ovary and fallopian tube. This may be an option for some younger women who wish to preserve their fertility. In most cases, however, a total hysterectomy (removal of the uterus and cervix) and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (removal of both ovaries and fallopian tubes) are performed.


• Advanced-Stage Cancer: If the cancer has spread, the surgery will be more extensive. This can involve removing the ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, and cervix, along with any visible tumors on surrounding organs like the omentum (a fatty tissue in the abdomen), lymph nodes, and sometimes parts of the bowel, spleen, or liver.

Chemotherapy: Targeting Cancer Cells Throughout the Body

Chemotherapy uses powerful drugs to kill cancer cells, control their growth, or relieve symptoms. It's almost always a part of the treatment plan, either alone or combined with surgery. Chemotherapy for ovarian cancer is usually a combination of two drugs, most commonly a platinum compound (like carboplatin) and a taxane (like paclitaxel). It can be administered in several ways:

• After Surgery (Adjuvant Therapy): This is the most common use of chemotherapy, given to destroy any cancer cells that may have been left behind.


• Before Surgery (Neoadjuvant Therapy): If the cancer is too advanced or the patient is not healthy enough forimmediate surgery, chemotherapy can be used first to shrink tumors, making a subsequent surgery more successful.


• Intraperitoneal (IP) Chemotherapy: This method involves delivering the drugs directly into the abdominal cavity through a catheter. It is a more localized treatment that can be very effective in certain cases but may have more severe side effects.

Targeted Therapy: A Precise Approach to Treatment

Targeted therapies are a newer class of drugs that work by targeting specific genes or proteins that help cancer cells grow and survive. Unlike traditional chemotherapy, they are designed to cause less harm to healthy cells. These therapies are often used after chemotherapy to help keep the cancer from coming back, a strategy known as "maintenance therapy."

• PARP Inhibitors: These drugs block a protein (PARP) that helps cancer cells repair their DNA, causing the cells to die. They are particularly effective for women with a BRCA gene mutation or other related genetic defects. Examples include olaparib (Lynparza), rucaparib (Rubraca), and niraparib (Zejula).


• Bevacizumab (Avastin): This drug is an angiogenesis inhibitor that stops tumors from creating new blood vessels to grow. It is often used with chemotherapy to treat more advanced stages of the disease.

Other Treatment Options and Considerations

While less common, other treatments may be part of a comprehensive plan:

• Radiation Therapy: This is rarely a primary treatment for ovarian cancer but may be used to target specific areas where cancer has returned or to relieve symptoms.


• Hormone Therapy: This treatment is more commonly used for rare types of ovarian cancer that are sensitive to hormones.

Side effects are an important consideration with any treatment. They can include fatigue, nausea, hair loss, and nerve damage. Your medical team will provide medications and strategies to manage these side effects and maintain your quality of life throughout treatment.

Final Thoughts

An ovarian cancer diagnosis is a difficult journey, but a clear understanding of your treatment options can make you a more confident partner in your care. By working closely with your medical team, you can decide on a personalized plan that combines the most effective surgical and medical therapies to fight the disease. Don't hesitate to ask questions, seek a second opinion, and explore all the resources available to you. Your proactive involvement in your treatment plan is a critical step toward a better outcome.