TREATMENT OPTIONSWHAT EVERYONE SHOULD KNOW

There are many different types of health professionals that could be involved in your cancer care. Gynecologic oncologists are doctors that specialize in diagnosing and treating cancers in the reproductive system. Gynecologic oncologists have extensive training in treating ovarian cancer. After becoming OB/GYN physicians, gynecologic oncologists complete at least an additional three to five years of education specifically about the biology and treatment of gynecologic cancers. Treatment by a gynecologic oncologist can be a significant predictor of whether ovarian cancer patients will receive the standard of care, which can lead to improved survival rates. Gynecologic oncologists are also more likely to completely remove ovarian tumors during surgery.

To help patients find a gynecologic oncologist, the Cancer Prevention and Control Section at the Michigan Department of Health and Human Service ("MDHHS") has launched a new Ovarian Cancer Patient Navigation Phone Line at 844-446-8727. Through this service, individuals will be connected to an Ovarian Cancer Patient Navigator who can provide information about a gynecologic oncologist closest to their area, along with additional resources. For more information on ovarian cancer, resources, and the Patient Navigation Phone Line visit the link here. The Foundation for Women’s Cancer has a search tool to help you find an actively practicing gynecologic oncologist near you. 

Telling Others

Receiving a diagnosis of ovarian cancer is a life-changing event that affects everyone in your life. From friends to family, to co-workers, and more, disclosing a diagnosis of ovarian cancer may feel like a daunting task. The following articles provide tips for planning your ovarian cancer diagnosis discussion with others: Breaking the News: How to Tell Others About Your Ovarian Cancer and Talking to Children About Ovarian Cancer: A Guide for Parents and Caregivers.

Preparing for Your First Appointment  

The Michigan Ovarian Cancer Alliance and the Michigan Oncology Quality Consortium in partnership with the Michigan DHHS has put together an Ovarian Cancer Patient Checklist as a helpful resource in preparing for your medical appointments.  Also available is an Ovarian Cancer Physicians Checklist.  

The Society of Gynecologic Oncologists recommends bringing the following items to your first appointment with your gynecologic oncologist:

• Pathology reports of recent biopsies
• Radiology reports and copies of any x-rays, CT scans, ultrasounds, MRI and PET scans
• Blood test results
• Records from other doctors you have seen, and a list of doctors you are currently seeing for ongoing care
• Current medication list
• Your past medical and surgical history
• Your family medical history, including a list of family members who have had cancer
• A list of questions for the doctor. Check out this list from the Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance for ideas.
• Finally, consider bringing a relative or friend for moral support. They can also help you take notes during the appointment 

Genetic Testing is Key to Determining Treatment Options

Recent research advancements have shown that the genetic makeup of ovarian cancer tumors influences which treatments will be most effective. One of the gene mutations that can cause ovarian cancer is the BRCA mutation. Those with ovarian cancers that contain this mutation may benefit from a treatment called PARP inhibition. This is why after receiving a diagnosis of ovarian cancer, your cancer care team may run genetic tests to look for certain mutations.

Individual Treatment Plans Depend on the Type, Stage, and Grade of Your Cancer 

There are many different types of ovarian cancer, and as such, there are lots of different approaches to treatment. Ovarian cancer is diagnosed and initially treated through surgery. During the surgery, the surgeon examines the reproductive organs and abdomen for cancer, and will send samples of tissue to the pathology laboratory. A pathologist examines the tissue samples to determine if cancer is present, and if it is, the surgeon will proceed by removing as much of the cancer as possible. This is also known as debulking or cytoreduction. In many cases, the uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes are also removed during the surgery. If you are planning to get pregnant in the future, it may be possible to preserve your fertility by only removing one ovary and fallopian tube if the cancer has not spread to both ovaries. Read more about surgery for ovarian cancer at the American Cancer Society. 

Depending on the type of ovarian cancer, you might need other treatments in addition to surgery. First-line treatments are used to help shrink the tumor. You may also receive maintenance therapy, which is a type of treatment to prevent the cancer from coming back.

Common Medical Treatments for Ovarian Cancer

Chemotherapy means using drugs to stop or slow the growth of cancer, and is usually a first-line treatment. Chemotherapy for ovarian cancer typically involves drug types including platinum compounds, taxanes, or both. Examples of platinum compounds include carboplatin and cisplatin. Examples of taxanes include paclitaxel and docetaxel. Chemotherapy drugs are usually given intravenously (IV), or both intravenously and directly into the abdominal (peritoneal) cavity (IV/IP). Treatment with chemotherapy generally happens over a period of several months. Learn more about chemotherapy types and its side effects here.

Certain ovarian cancer patients may be prescribed another type of drug, called PARP inhibitors, for maintenance therapy PARP stands for poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase, which is an enzyme that helps cancer cells stay alive. Want to know more about how this new type of drug works to treat cancer? Check out this video illustration.

Another type of drug that can be used for maintenance therapy is called Avastin (bevacizumab). In order for tumors to grow, they need to expand their blood supply. Avastin works by preventing cancer from growing these new blood vessels.