From the Guidelines
Ovarian tumors can be curable, but the outcome depends on several factors including the type of tumor, stage at diagnosis, and individual patient characteristics. The curability of ovarian cancer is highly dependent on the stage at diagnosis, with early-stage disease (Stage I or II) having good cure rates of 70-90% with treatment 1. Advanced ovarian cancer (Stage III or IV) is more challenging to cure completely, with five-year survival rates of 30-40%.
Treatment Overview
Treatment typically involves surgery to remove the tumor, often including the ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, and nearby affected tissues. This is usually followed by chemotherapy with platinum-based drugs like carboplatin or cisplatin, combined with taxanes such as paclitaxel, typically administered every 3 weeks for 6 cycles 1. Some patients may benefit from targeted therapies like PARP inhibitors (olaparib, niraparib) or bevacizumab.
Recent Guidelines
According to the most recent guidelines from 2019, the best outcomes are observed in patients whose primary treatment includes complete resection of all visible disease plus combination platinum-based chemotherapy 1. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) with interval debulking surgery (IDS) should be considered for patients with advanced-stage ovarian cancer who are not good candidates for primary debulking surgery (PDS) due to advanced age, frailty, poor performance status, comorbidities, or disease that is unlikely to be optimally cytoreduced 1.
Key Considerations
Regular follow-up care is essential after treatment to monitor for recurrence. The curability of ovarian cancer has improved with advances in surgical techniques, chemotherapy protocols, and the development of maintenance therapies, but early detection remains crucial for the best outcomes. The most recent and highest quality study recommends that primary treatment of presumed advanced-stage ovarian cancer consist of appropriate surgical debulking plus systemic chemotherapy in most patients 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
Carboplatin injection is indicated for the initial treatment of advanced ovarian carcinoma in established combination with other approved chemotherapeutic agents. Carboplatin injection is indicated for the palliative treatment of patients with ovarian carcinoma recurrent after prior chemotherapy, including patients who have been previously treated with cisplatin
The FDA drug label does not answer the question.
From the Research
Ovarian Tumor Curability
- Ovarian cancer is a complex disease, and its curability depends on various factors, including the stage of diagnosis, type of tumor, and response to treatment 2.
- Approximately 20% of women with advanced-stage ovarian cancer survive beyond 12 years after treatment and are effectively cured 2.
- The probability of cure is contingent on the combination of surgery and chemotherapy effectively eliminating all cancer cells 2.
- Maximal debulking surgery and intraperitoneal chemotherapy can maximize the probability of achieving a cancer-free state, potentially leading to cures in up to 50% of women with advanced-stage ovarian cancer 2.
Treatment Options
- Initial therapy for ovarian cancer comprises surgery and chemotherapy, aiming to eradicate as many cancer cells as possible 2.
- Debulking surgery, chemotherapy, and second-line or maintenance therapy are the three phases of therapy for ovarian cancer 2.
- Treatment options for recurrent ovarian cancer include single agent chemotherapy, combination chemotherapy, and antiangiogenic therapy using bevacizumab 3.
- Platinum-sensitive and platinum-resistant diseases require different treatment approaches, with combination chemotherapy being the standard of care for platinum-sensitive disease 3, 4.
Prognosis and Survival
- Early diagnosis is crucial for improving survival rates, as the earlier the diagnosis, the greater the chance for cure 5.
- The 5-year survival rate for women with ovarian cancer has improved over the years, thanks to better public and professional education, and the combined use of available treatment methods 5.
- Patients with ovarian cancer are now living longer and more comfortably, with an increased chance of long-term survival 5.