Ovarian Cancer Treatment

If you have been diagnosed with ovarian or fallopian tube cancer, ask to be referred to a gynecologic oncologist. This specialist treats cancers of the reproductive system and can help you understand your options.

Your treatment plan will depend on the type and stage of cancer, your overall health, previous treatments, and your goals, including whether preserving fertility is important to you. Many people receive more than one type of treatment. Options may include:

• Surgery: Often used to remove the cancer and determine how far it has spread. The procedure depends on your diagnosis and individual circumstances.

• Chemotherapy: Medicines used to destroy cancer cells or slow their growth. Chemotherapy may be given before or after surgery.

• Targeted therapy: Medicines that act on particular features of the cancer. Testing may help determine whether a targeted treatment is appropriate.

 

Hormone therapy, radiation therapy, or immunotherapy may also be considered in certain situations. Your gynecologic oncologist can explain which options apply to your diagnosis, their potential benefits and side effects, and whether a second opinion would be helpful.

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Considering a Clinical Trial

Clinical trials help researchers evaluate treatments and improve cancer care. Depending on the study, a participant may receive a new approach, a standard treatment, or a comparison of the two. Participation is voluntary, eligibility varies, and a new treatment is not guaranteed to work better. Ask your care team whether a trial may be an option for you.

You can explore these resources and discuss any studies you find with your care team:

• Women’s Cancer Research Foundation clinical research and completed trials

• National Cancer Institute ovarian cancer treatment trials

• ClinicalTrials.gov