Gynecologic oncology
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Gynecologic oncology · Dec 1994
ReviewChemotherapy in advanced ovarian carcinoma: current standards of care based on randomized trials.
The mainstay of the treatment of advanced (stage III or IV) ovarian carcinoma is systemic therapy. The following review bases conclusions regarding standards of care on large, randomized trials of chemotherapy in advanced ovarian carcinoma. As of 1976, "standard" chemotherapy was single alkylating agent usually with melphalan. ⋯ These data suggest that a combination of taxol plus cisplatin should be considered the standard of care for patients with advanced ovarian carcinoma. Ongoing trials seek to define further the role of taxol in frontline chemotherapy for ovarian carcinoma. In conclusion, the standard chemotherapy for advanced ovarian carcinoma should be considered a combination of taxol plus a platinum compound.
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Advanced epithelial ovarian cancer is a highly chemosensitive solid tumor with response rates of 70-80% to first-line chemotherapy, including a high proportion of complete responses. The majority of patients, however, eventually relapse and ultimately die of chemoresistant disease. Response rates to salvage agents are modest, and duration of response is relatively short. ⋯ Therapies focusing on novel molecular targets include antiangiogenesis agents, antimetastatic agents, and signal transduction inhibitors. Immunotherapy, including radioimmunotherapy, immunotoxins, and direct antitumor effects of monoclonal antibodies, may be useful. Greater understanding of the molecular pathology of ovarian cancer may help us develop more rational and effective treatment.