by Polsdorfer R

Some therapies are experimental. They may be used for those in a clinical trial. The goal is to slow or stop the cancer and prolong life. They have shown some good results. However, they may not work for everyone.

Targeted Therapy

This treatment destroys cancer cells or their support systems. For example, some medicines stop the growth of new blood vessels. This can help stop tumor growth. Some medicines disrupt cells in BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. Some medicines that may be used are:

  • Bevacizumab
  • Olaparib
  • Rucaparib
  • Niraparib
  • Veliparib
  • Trametinib

Common side effects include:

  • Nausea and/or vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Headache
  • Loss of hunger
  • Tiredness
  • Joint and/or muscle pain

Hormonal Therapy

In some ovarian cancers, hormones bind to cancer cells. This leads the cancer cells to grow and divide. Hormone therapy stops this process. It prevents certain hormones from binding to cancer cells. These drugs may include:

  • Tamoxifen—to block the effects of estrogen
  • Aromatase inhibitors—to block the production of estrogen
  • Luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) agonists—lowers estrogen by affecting the ovaries

Common side effects include:

  • Hot flashes
  • Vaginal dryness
  • Joint or muscle pain
  • Bone thinning, which can increase the risk of osteoporosis
  • Blood clots (tamoxifen)

Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy uses medicines that affect the immune system. This can help the immune system find and kill cancer cells. These drugs may include:

  • Farletuzumab—Works on the outside of some ovarian cancer cells.
  • Catumaxomab—Works in ovarian cancer cells or immune system cells. It can also help decrease fluid build-up in the belly ( ascites )
  • Vaccines—Bacteria or viruses used to affect the immune system

Common side effects include:

  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Fever
  • Pain

Preserving the Ability to Have Children

Most ovarian cancer treatments can affect fertility. Those who wish to have children should talk to their doctor before treatment. Options may include:

  • Harvesting and preserving eggs for the future
  • Organ-sparing surgery (in early stages)—to keep an ovary, a fallopian tube, and the uterus

    • Preserving fertility may not work for everyone.

    References

    Hormone therapy for ovarian cancer. American Cancer Society website. Available at: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/ovarian-cancer/treating/hormone-therapy.html. Accessed March 28, 2022.

    Ovarian cancer. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/ovarian-cancer. Accessed March 28, 2022.

    Ovarian cancer. Merck Manual Professional Version website. Available at: http://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/gynecology-and-obstetrics/gynecologic-tumors/ovarian-cancer. Accessed March 28, 2022.

    Sex and the adult female with cancer. American Cancer Society website. Available at: https://www.cancer.org/treatment/treatments-and-side-effects/physical-side-effects/fertility-and-sexual-side-effects/sexuality-for-women-with-cancer.html. Accessed March 28, 2022.

    Targeted therapy for ovarian cancer. American Cancer Society website. Available at: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/ovarian-cancer/treating/targeted-therapy.html. Accessed March 28, 2022.

    Treatment option overview. National Cancer Institute website. Available at: https://www.cancer.gov/types/ovarian/patient/ovarian-epithelial-treatment-pdq#section/%5F156. Accessed March 28, 2022.

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