Palliative systemic therapy for women with recurrent epithelial ovarian cancer: current options

lliative systemic therapy for women with recurrent epithelial ovarian cancer: current options Review (770) Total Article Views Authors: Elit L, Hirte H Published Date February 2013 Volume 2013:6 Pages 107 - 118 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.2147/OTT.S30238 Received: 06 November 2012 Accepted: 14 December 2012 Published: 26 February 2013 Laurie Elit,1,2 Hal Hirte2 1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada; 2Department 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.