Related Experiment Videos
Innovative therapies for advanced ovarian cancer
1Cancer Therapy Evaluation Program, Division of Cancer Treatment and Diagnosis, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, MD 20852, USA.
Abstract:
The emergence of drug-resistant tumors during therapy for ovarian cancer remains an obstacle to improving long-term outcomes. Active areas of ovarian cancer research include clinical evaluation of non-cross-resistant antineoplastic agents that demonstrated single-agent activity in ovarian cancer during the 1990s: oxaliplatin, the new anthracyclines (epirubicin, liposomal doxorubicin), topotecan, oral etoposide, gemcitabine, and vinorelbine. Most of these new agents are currently being evaluated as a component of doublet and triplet combination regimens for advanced ovarian cancer, with use of sequential alternating doublet regimens gaining interest. The potential role of intraperitoneal therapy continues to be investigated. In addition, there are a variety of innovative treatment strategies on the horizon that are targeted at underlying disease processes, including anticancer vaccines, gene therapy, and antiangiogenic therapy. Based on this multitude of investigational questions and the low cure rates currently achieved, all women with advanced ovarian cancer should be offered participation in clinical trials.
Insights
Overcoming drug-resistant ovarian cancer requires exploring new treatments. Clinical trials are crucial for advancing therapies like novel chemotherapy combinations and innovative strategies such as gene therapy.
Area of Science:
- Gynecologic Oncology
- Medical Oncology
- Translational Cancer Research
Background:
- Drug-resistant tumors present a significant challenge in ovarian cancer treatment, hindering improved long-term patient outcomes.
- The 1990s saw the emergence of several non-cross-resistant antineoplastic agents demonstrating single-agent activity in ovarian cancer.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current and emerging therapeutic strategies for advanced ovarian cancer.
- To highlight the importance of clinical trial participation for patients with advanced ovarian cancer.
Main Methods:
- Review of clinical evaluations of novel antineoplastic agents, including oxaliplatin, anthracyclines, topotecan, oral etoposide, gemcitabine, and vinorelbine.
- Discussion of combination chemotherapy regimens (doublet and triplet) and sequential alternating regimens.
- Exploration of intraperitoneal therapy and innovative strategies like anticancer vaccines, gene therapy, and antiangiogenic therapy.
Main Results:
- Several new agents are under investigation in combination regimens for advanced ovarian cancer.
- Sequential alternating doublet regimens are gaining interest.
- Intraperitoneal therapy and novel targeted strategies are areas of ongoing research.
Conclusions:
- Advanced ovarian cancer treatment is actively exploring new chemotherapy agents and combinations.
- Innovative therapies including vaccines, gene therapy, and antiangiogenic approaches are on the horizon.
- Given low cure rates, all women with advanced ovarian cancer should be offered clinical trial participation.