There are different types of ovarian cancer. Each of them is different in their origin, patient types, and treatment plans. Epithelial Ovarian Cancer is the most prevalent of all the types; it also includes cancers of the fallopian tubes and primary peritoneal cancer.
Diagnoses are usually late as symptoms are more vague; hence, the Modified Goff Symptom Index (GSI) identifies the following symptoms to watch out for:
A positive GSI (occurrences of symptoms more than 12 months a year) manifests 65.5% sensitivity and 84.7% specificity in detection.
The advent of Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) and concomitant bioinformatics has revolutionised the landscape of ovarian cancer care. Such genomic profiling unmasks tumour heterogeneity and enables personalised treatment offered based on:
Cancer detection early in the disease course from the best gynecologic oncology hospital in Delhi has included:
Classification of Ovarian Cancer
Women who form high-risk groups encompass the following:
The protective aspects include:
In women carrying BRCA, the Risk-Reducing Salpingo-Oophorectomy (RRSO) is done between 35 and 40 (for BRCA1) and 45-50 (for BRCA2). This decreases the risks of breast cancer when performed before the age of 50.
Surgery
Early-stage fertility-sparing surgery is an option for young women. Preference is given to Primary Debulking Surgery (PDS), but if not possible, Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy (NACT) followed by Interval Debulking Surgery (IDS) is standard (NCCN guidelines).
Chemotherapy
In the early stage, chemotherapy can be omitted, mainly IA/IB, grade I. Platinum-based regimens such as carboplatin + paclitaxel are first-line therapies in advanced stages and are commonly used with targeted drugs (e.g., PARP inhibitors, Bevacizumab).
Secondary debulking, newer agents (gemcitabine, topotecan), and PARP inhibitors to BRCA-mutated or HRD-positive tumours may be administered to recurrent cancers.
Targeting Cancer Stem Cells
Cancer stem cells, such as CD44, CD117, and ALDH, confer recurrence and resistance in ovarian cancer. Emerging therapies are directed against eradicating the cells in this manner, thus heralding a new age of precision treatment.
The Future of treatment is personalised development in target therapies, gene profiling, advanced surgery, and all other cross-cultural meanings that offer renewed hope in further treatment for even recurrent ovarian cancer. Genetics meets lifestyle and molecular biology in precision oncology, promising better survival and quality of life for women worldwide. To gather more information and personalised treatment for ovarian tumours, book an appointment with Sir Ganga Ram Hospital today.