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Updated: May 13, 2026

Murine Model for Non-invasive Imaging to Detect and Monitor Ovarian Cancer Recurrence
Published on: November 2, 2014
Palliative systemic therapy for women with recurrent epithelial ovarian cancer: current options
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada ; Department of Oncology, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.
Objectives:
To review the available systemic treatments for women with recurrent ovarian cancer.
Methods:
A literature review was conducted for recurrent ovarian cancer articles in English, including randomized trials, Phase II trials, or reviews.
Results:
We discuss the efficacy and toxicity outcomes associated with systemic therapy for platinum-sensitive and platinum-resistant ovarian cancer. Clearly, platinum-based combination systemic therapy shows a prolonged progression-free interval compared with single-agent chemotherapy with a low toxicity profile. No clear superior management strategy exists for platinum-resistant/refractory disease. Novel targeted antiangiogenic agents (eg, bevacizumab), angiopoeitin inhibitors (eg, AMG 386), and poly ADP ribose polymerase inhibitors (eg, olaparib) are reviewed.
Conclusion:
Although combination platinum-based chemotherapy has shown benefits for women with platinum-sensitive recurrent ovarian cancer, the optimal treatment strategy for those with platinum-resistant or platinum-refractory disease is not clear. Molecular and genetic targeted therapies may provide opportunities for those women with tumor profiles that show sensitivity for specific agents.
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