scholarly journals Frontline Maintenance Treatment for Ovarian Cancer

2021 ◽  
Vol 23 (8) ◽  
Author(s):  
Osnat Elyashiv ◽  
Yien Ning Sophia Wong ◽  
Jonathan A. Ledermann

Abstract Purpose of Review Advanced epithelial ovarian cancer remains the most lethal gynaecological cancer. Most patients with advanced disease will relapse within 3 years after primary treatment with surgery and chemotherapy. Recurrences become increasing difficult to treat due to the emergence of drug resistance and 5-year survival has changed little over the last decade. Maintenance treatment, here defined as treatment given beyond primary chemotherapy, can both consolidate the response and prolong the control of disease which is an approach to improve survival. Recent Findings Here we review maintenance strategies such as targeting angiogenesis, interference of DNA repair through inhibition of PARP, combinations of targeting agents, and immunotherapy and hormonal therapy. Summary Much has been learnt from the success and challenges of these treatments that have in the last few years which led to significant reduction in disease recurrence, changed the guidelines for treatment, and established a new paradigm for the treatment of ovarian cancer.

2006 ◽  
Vol 24 (18_suppl) ◽  
pp. 5077-5077 ◽  
Author(s):  
T. Safra ◽  
R. Bernstein Molho ◽  
D. Grisaru ◽  
S. Spigel ◽  
R. Geva ◽  
...  

5077 Background: The standard chemotherapy for epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) is carboplatin and paclitaxel every 3 weeks together with debulking surgery. This phase II trial was designed to determine the safety and efficacy of weekly carboplatin and paclitaxel treatment in patients with EOC. Methods: Between October 2003 to August 2005, 37 patients with stage Ic-IV epithelial ovarian, tubal or primary peritoneal carcinoma were enrolled into the study. Carboplatin at AUC=2 and paclitaxel at 80 mg/m2 were administered on days 1,8,15 of a 28-day cycle. Cytoreductive surgery was performed as primary treatment or after 3 cycles of neoadjuvant chemotherapy with additional chemotherapy after the surgery. Results: Median age of the patients was 67 (range 49–82). A mean of 6 chemotherapy cycles were administered (range 3–8). Median time of follow-up (from the beginning of chemotherapy until the last follow-up visit) was 15.57 months (range 0.2–26months). Thirty-three patients were evaluable for response. Complete response (CR) was observed in 26 patients (78.8%) and partial response (PR) in 7 (21.8%). By the time of data collection 13 out of 33 women (39.4%) experienced recurrent or persistent disease and one patient (3%) died from progressive disease during 2nd line chemotherapy. Since 20 out of 33 patients are still free of disease and all but one are still alive, it is too early to evaluate time to progression (TTP) and overall survival (OS). The median time to disease recurrence or progression after completion of primary chemotherapy was 7.5+ months (0.2–18.2+). As for toxicity; grade 3 and 4 neutropenia were seen in 5 (13.5%) and one patient (2.7%) respectively. There was no neutropenic fever. Other grade 3 and 4 hematologic toxicities were not observed. Six (16.2%) and 5 (13.5%) patients needed G-CSF and Epoetin support respectively. The main non-hematologic toxicities were alopecia (grade 1) and fatigue (grade 3 in two patients). Only two patients (5.4%) experienced grade 3 neuropathy. Conclusion: Weekly treatment with carboplatin and paclitaxel is feasible and well tolerated. The low toxicity rate especially regarding neuropathy warrants further investigation of this regimen. No significant financial relationships to disclose.


2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (6) ◽  
pp. 837-844
Author(s):  
Judith E den Ouden ◽  
Regina The ◽  
Britt J Myren ◽  
Dorry Boll ◽  
Willemien J van Driel ◽  
...  

IntroductionDespite renewed treatment options for advanced epithelial ovarian cancer, survival remains poor. The Patient Association and the Gynecological Oncology Working Party in the Netherlands have identified a need for a tool to improve shared decision-making. The aim of this study was to develop an evidence-based online decision aid for patients with advanced epithelial ovarian cancer and their medical team.MethodsFirst, we identified the patients’ and clinicians’ needs using surveys and in-depth interviews. Second, we conducted multidisciplinary face-to-face meetings with representatives from all stakeholders (clinicians and patient representatives) to determine the content of the decision aid. Third, we developed the decision aid using standardized criteria and national guidelines. Finally, we tested the usability of the tool with patients and clinicians who participated in the needs assessment.ResultsPatients and clinicians indicated the need for more sources of reliable information that include all treatment options available in the Netherlands. Although most interviewees were satisfied with the level of information available at the time of their own treatment, the majority (90%) of the patients stated that no choice of treatment was offered. We developed a consultation sheet and an online decision aid based on patient interviews and team discussions. The sheet contains a summary of all treatment options and login codes for the decision aid; it will be offered to patients at their first consultation. The decision aid can be used at home and includes information about epithelial ovarian cancer and all available treatment options and questions about quality of life and treatment preferences, delivering a personalized summary for discussion during the following consultation about the primary treatment choices.DiscussionIn cooperation with patients and clinicians, we developed a decision aid for advanced-stage epithelial ovarian cancer patients and their medical team to support shared decision-making, based on a confirmed need for more extensive information sources. The decision aid is currently under assessment in a multicenter implementation trial.


Cancers ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 119 ◽  
Author(s):  
Giovanna Damia ◽  
Massimo Broggini

Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) is the most lethal gynecological cancer. It is initially responsive to cisplatin and carboplatin, two DNA damaging agents used in first line therapy. However, almost invariably, patients relapse with a tumor resistant to subsequent treatment with platinum containing drugs. Several mechanisms associated with the development of acquired drug resistance have been reported. Here we focused our attention on DNA repair mechanisms, which are fundamental for recognition and removal of platinum adducts and hence for the ability of these drugs to exert their activity. We analyzed the major DNA repair pathways potentially involved in drug resistance, detailing gene mutation, duplication or deletion as well as polymorphisms as potential biomarkers for drug resistance development. We dissected potential ways to overcome DNA repair-associated drug resistance thanks to the development of new combinations and/or drugs directly targeting DNA repair proteins or taking advantage of the vulnerability arising from DNA repair defects in EOCs.


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