Treatment is well-tolerated by patients, targeting DNA damage to stop cancer cells from self-repairing
Detecting ovarian cancer early, while the disease is limited to the ovaries, vastly improves patients’ outcomes. In stage 1, ovarian cancer can be cured in nearly 90% of cases.
Yet only about 20% of ovarian cancers are found in stage 1. Without an effective screening test, the symptoms can go undetected. In many cases, symptoms of the disease can mask as irritable bowel syndrome or changes associated with aging, making it more difficult to diagnose.
Keeping ovarian cancer in mind as a possible diagnosis for patients with vague abdominal symptoms can help providers detect the disease earlier, says Marta Ann Crispens, MD, Director, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center.
“Better outcomes can be achieved the sooner patients receive specialized care by a trained gynecologic oncologist,” Crispens said.
Cancer Care
Treating ovarian cancer
Frequently, the first line of treatment for ovarian cancer is surgery and platinum-based chemotherapy. Disease recurrence is common for ovarian cancer, and many patients with recurring ovarian cancer develop a platinum resistant cancer. Recurrent, platinum resistant ovarian cancer is not currently curable.
According to Crispens, PARP inhibitors are showing promise as an effective treatment for platinum resistant ovarian cancer. A PARP (poly-ADP ribose polymerase) inhibitor targets the DNA damage to stop cancer cells from self-repair. Maintenance therapy with PARP inhibitors is generally well tolerated by patients.
While early intervention remains key to cure ovarian cancer, PARP inhibitors may help improve patient outcomes for recurrent disease.
Refer a Patient
The Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center treats all types of gynecological cancers. To make a gynecological oncology referral, call (615) 343-3700.
Cancer Care
Providers
Marta A. CrispensMD
- Cancers of the Female Reproductive Organs, Cervical Vulvar and Vagina Dysplasia, Gynecologic Cancer, Gynecologic Oncology, Gynecology, Obstetrics and Gynecology