Ovarian Cancer: Treatment Options

How is it treated?

There are different types of treatments for Ovarian Cancer, each with the goal of removing, destroying, or controlling the disease. When deciding on a treatment method, doctors consider the patient's stage of life, general health, and the size and location of any tumors. In most cases of Ovarian Cancer, a combination of surgery and either chemotherapy or radiation is used.

Surgery for Ovarian Cancer

Surgery is the most common treatment used for Ovarian Cancer. The goal of the surgery is to remove as much of the visible cancer as possible. Surgery for Ovarian Cancer is usually followed by chemotherapy (or another non-surgical treatment) to try and kill any cancer cells that could not be removed or were undetected at the time of surgery. The following surgical methods are used to treat Ovarian Cancer:

• Oophorectomy - This is the removal of one or both of the ovaries affected by the cancer.
  
  
• Hysterectomy - This is the removal of the uterus and possibly the fallopian tubes to remove any tumors that have spread to these organs. This is usually done in addition to an oophorectomy.
  
  
• Debulking - This procedure is used for advanced cases. The ovaries, fallopian tubes and uterus are all removed, as well as any cancer deposits the surgeon can see, in an effort to remove as many cancer cells as possible from the body. This procedure is used for advanced cases. The ovaries, fallopian tubes and uterus are all removed, as well as any cancer deposits the surgeon can see, in an effort to remove as many cancer cells as possible from the body.
  

Other treatments

• Chemotherapy - Chemotherapy is a systemic, or whole body, treatment, the goal of which is to kill any remaining cancer cells in the body and to keep the cancer from spreading to other organs. The drugs are typically given in cycles of a few days of treatment and then 3-4 weeks of rest, for a period of weeks or months determined by the oncologist. Drugs are administered by mouth or injection to kill the cancer cells. The drugs enter the blood stream and can, therefore, reach areas of the body where the cancer may have spread. When Ovarian Cancer is confined to the abdomen (peritoneal carcinomatosis), chemotherapy may be given directly to the abdominal lining, reducing the number of affected systems and concentrating the drug's effects in the cancer region.
  
  
• Radiation - This is the least common treatment for Ovarian Cancer compared with surgery and chemotherapy. Radiation therapy is the process in which high-energy x-rays are directed at the affected area in order to kill cancer cells. Radiation therapy is local, affecting only the area exposed to the rays. It is typically given five days per week for a period of five or six weeks.
  
  
• Biological Therapy - This is a relatively new and for the most part still experimental method of cancer treatment. It involves using substances to boost the body's own immune system responses to kill the cancer cells. In particular, monoclonal antibodies directed against ovarian cancer have been developed and are now under study.
  
  
• Clinical Trials - There are always new experimental treatments being tested that offer promising results. The effectiveness and side effects of clinical trials are not always known, but they can sometimes improve the chances of survival. Consult your physician or the Rhode Island Cancer Council to find out which clinical trials are being conducted near you and if you are eligible.
  

What are the side effects of the treatments?

Possible side effects from Surgical Treatment

• Infertility - Any surgery that removes the ovaries or uterus prevents the possibility of becoming pregnant.

• Temporary pain or discomfort due to surgical incisions.
  
  
• Early menopause symptoms - Common symptoms are hot flashes and vaginal dryness, and are usually treated with hormone replacement therapy. In the long term, effects of removing the ovaries include osteoporosis and increased risks of coronary artery disease.
  
  
• Incontinence - Temporary incontinence or an inability to move the bowels is sometimes experienced for a short time after surgery.
  

Possible Side Effects from Other Treatments

*Most side effects are temporary and can often be relieved with medication.

• Radiation Therapy
  
  • Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
    
  • Sexual dysfunction
    
  • Irritation to the skin near the radiation site
    
  • Urinary discomfort
    
  • Vaginal dryness
    
  • Fatigue
    
  
  
• Biological
  
  • Fatigue
    
  • Flu-like symptoms
    
  
  
• Chemotherapy
  
  • Nausea and vomiting - Loss of appetite
    
  • Loss of hair
    
  • Mouth sores
    
  • Increased susceptibility to infection
    
  • Premature menopause (permanent)
    
  • Infertility (permanent)
    

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