Recurrent epithelial ovarian cancer: pharmacotherapy and novel therapeutics

Expert Opin Pharmacother. 2007 Oct;8(14):2293-305. doi: 10.1517/14656566.8.14.2293.

Abstract

Epithelial ovarian cancer will strike between 1 - 2% of women in developed countries and, unfortunately, it largely remains a lethal disease due to late-stage at diagnosis and the eventual development of chemotherapy resistance. Ovarian cancer is initially treated with surgical resection and chemotherapy (primarily platinum/taxane combinations) and remission can be attained for the majority of patients. Despite this, most women will recur and require multiple further therapies. The purpose of this paper is to review the existing treatment options, including surgery, traditional chemotherapy as well as upcoming novel and targeted therapies that may one day improve outcomes in this disease.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Agents / chemistry
  • Antineoplastic Agents / pharmacology
  • Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Drug Resistance, Neoplasm / drug effects
  • Drug Resistance, Neoplasm / physiology
  • Drugs, Investigational / chemistry
  • Drugs, Investigational / pharmacology
  • Drugs, Investigational / therapeutic use*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / drug therapy*
  • Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / pathology
  • Ovarian Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Ovarian Neoplasms / pathology
  • Platinum Compounds / chemistry
  • Platinum Compounds / pharmacology
  • Platinum Compounds / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Drugs, Investigational
  • Platinum Compounds