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Updated: Aug 19, 2025
Murine Model for Non-invasive Imaging to Detect and Monitor Ovarian Cancer Recurrence
Published on: November 2, 2014
Advances in small molecule maintenance therapies for high-grade serous ovarian cancer
Margherita Fischetti1, Violante Di Donato1, Innocenza Palaia1
1Department of Maternal and Child Health and Urological Sciences, Sapienza University, Umberto I Hospital, Rome, Italy.
Introduction:
Ovarian cancer is one of the most lethal gynecological tumors with a lack of effective treatment modalities especially in advanced/recurrent disease. Nevertheless, recently, new small molecules have emerged as an effective approach for the management of ovarian cancer patients, especially in the maintenance setting.
Areas Covered:
This review summarizes the role of small molecules used in the management of high-grade serous ovarian cancer. The authors performed a critical review of current evidence and ongoing studies. Of note, tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) and poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitors are the most intriguing medications in this setting.
Expert Opinion:
Protein-targeted therapies against tumor tissues have progressed significantly in the last years due to an enhanced knowledge of the biological and molecular processes of carcinogenesis. Treatment with small molecules allows the targeting of specific proteins involved in cancer biology. TKIs seem promising but further data are necessary to assess the pros and cons of adopting this treatment modality. PARP inhibitors represent the new standard of care for ovarian cancer patients harboring either a BRCA mutation or with homologous recombination deficiency (HRD). Interestingly, the accumulation of data has highlighted that PARP inhibitors provide benefits even in patients with HR proficient tumors.
Insights
New small molecules offer effective treatment for ovarian cancer, particularly in advanced stages. Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitors are becoming a standard care for specific patient groups.
Area of Science:
- Gynecological oncology
- Molecular biology
- Drug discovery
Background:
- Ovarian cancer remains a leading cause of cancer death with limited treatment options for advanced or recurrent disease.
- Recent advancements in understanding cancer biology have led to targeted therapies.
- Small molecule inhibitors offer a promising approach for managing ovarian cancer.
Approach:
- This review critically examines current evidence and ongoing studies on small molecules for high-grade serous ovarian cancer.
- Focus is placed on tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) and poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitors.
- The review synthesizes data on the efficacy and application of these targeted therapies.
Key Points:
- Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) show potential but require further investigation regarding their benefits and risks.
- Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitors are now a standard of care for ovarian cancer patients with BRCA mutations or homologous recombination deficiency (HRD).
- Emerging data suggest PARP inhibitors may also benefit patients with HR-proficient tumors.
Conclusions:
- Small molecules represent a significant advancement in ovarian cancer management, especially in the maintenance setting.
- PARP inhibitors have established a new standard of care for specific ovarian cancer patient populations.
- Continued research into TKIs and broader applications of PARP inhibitors is crucial for optimizing ovarian cancer treatment.
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