Saint John’s Health Center provides a multi-disciplinary approach to the treatment of ovarian and other gynecologic cancers and conditions. As experts in cancer diagnosis and translational research, our care teams can offer wide ranging services that are highly personalized to each patient, including access to clinical trials.
Ovarian Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment
Ovarian cancer is a serious condition that often goes undetected until it has spread, making early diagnosis and treatment crucial. Symptoms can be subtle and easily mistaken for other common conditions, but they may include abdominal bloating or swelling, feeling full quickly after eating, pelvic pain, changes in bowel habits, and frequent urination. For ovarian caner symptoms and risk factors, please see Conditions: Ovarian Cancer.
Our Approach to Ovarian Cancer
At Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, our mission is to ease your way, providing the best and most comprehensive care for ovarian cancer. We can identify the slight variations within the disease to ensure the most accurate diagnosis, which results in better identification the most optimal treatment for you. We believe, that by better understanding the genetic profile of the cancer, we can formulate highly effective treatment plans and thereby better outcomes.
By also using minimally invasive techniques including laparoscopic and robotic surgery, highly precise radiation therapy delivery methods, and chemotherapy regimens that are designed to provide the best chance to control or halt cancer, we aim to minimize side effects so that you can maintain quality of life as much as possible. Our care teams are ready to support you.
How do you treat Ovarian Cancer?
Depending on the location and stage of ovarian cancer, its size, your age and overall health, one or more treatment methods may be needed to control the growth and spread of cancer. Common treatments include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and targeted therapy. Our care teams will guide you through the entire process so that you are aware of all treatment options and clinical trials that are available to you. The primary treatment for ovarian cancer typically involves a combination of surgery and chemotherapy.
Surgery for Ovarian Cancer
Surgery aims to remove as much of the tumor as possible to optimize conditions for further treatment and reduce the burden on the body. This surgical procedure, known as debulking, can increase the effectiveness of additional treatments such as chemotherapy or radiation. Reducing the profile and size of the tumor can relieve symptoms and reduce surgical risk, because the tumor may be present in, or putting pressure on, a nearby organ. Debulking also supports helping patients live longer.
Chemotherapy for Ovarian Cancer
Chemotherapy is often used after surgery to target any remaining cancer cells. Common drugs used include carboplatin and paclitaxel, which are administered intravenously or intraperitoneally. Some chemotherapeutic agents can be used together to improve their effectiveness. The intensity of chemotherapy treatments can be customized for the patient, or given in cycles, reducing the onset of side effects and allowing more time for the body to recover between treatments.
Targeting Therapy for Ovarian Cancer
Targeted therapy is another treatment option that focuses on the biology and gentics of the tumor that is involved in the growth and spread of cancer cells. These drug treatments (e.g. bevacizumab or Olaparib) can effectively block the growth and spread of cancer by disrupting specific molecules involved in tumor growth. Because of the nature of targeted therapy, harm is reduced to normal cells because these treatments focus on the biology of the cancer. This helps to reduce treatment related side effects and improved quality of life.
With few exceptions, everyone is genetically different from each other. Our differences can lead to small genetic variations in the same kinds of cancer. Targeted therapies can exploit these differences and be tailored to an individual’s cancer makeup, which can increase the chances of treatment success. Considering which remedies that have worked well for some but not others is an important treatment strategy. Such approaches can save critical time, affording a wider range of treatment for patients.
The use of targeted therapy will depend on several factors, including: the type of ovarian cancer, other treatments that have been tried and their overall effectiveness, and whether the patient has a specific gene change that may respond better to targeted therapy.
Radiotherapy (Radiation Therapy) for Ovarian Cancer
Radiotherapy is another form of treatment that remains effective for many types of cancer and a variety of conditions that impact surgical decisions. Radiation uses high-energy radiation to kill cancer cells, disrupting their ability to reproduce and grow. Though it is less commonly used for ovarian cancer, it may be recommended in specific situations, such as when the cancer has spread to other parts of the body.
Follow-up and Integrative Support
Post-treatment support and integrative care are crucial for helping patients navigate the challenges of recovery and improve their quality of life. This can include nutritional counseling, physical therapy, psychological support, and access to support groups aim at helping patients cope with the emotional and physical challenges of cancer treatment. Other integrative approaches, such as acupuncture and massage can also be beneficial in managing symptoms and improving overall well-being.
Common Questions for Cervical Cancer
What are the symptoms of ovarian cancer?
Symptoms of ovarian cancer can include abdominal bloating or swelling, feeling full quickly after eating, pelvic pain, changes in bowel routine, and frequent urination. These symptoms are often subtle and can be mistaken for other conditions.
How is ovarian cancer diagnosed?
Diagnosis typically involves a combination of physical exams, imaging tests using ultrasound or a CT scan, blood tests, and a biopsy to confirm the presence of cancer cells. Please see Ovarian Cancer: Signs and Symptoms for additional information.
What is the prognosis for ovarian cancer?
The prognosis, or future health forecast, depends on the stage and type of cancer, as well as the patient’s overall health. Types of ovarian cancer include epithelial ovarian carcinoma, germ cell tumors, and stroma cell tumors. Early detection and treatment can significantly improve health outcomes.
How will ovarian cancer treatment affect my daily life and activities?
Treatment of ovarian cancer can cause one or more side effects like fatigue, nausea, and hair loss, which may impact daily activities. It’s important to discuss these with your healthcare team to manage them effectively.
Can I still have children after ovarian cancer treatment?
Fertility can be affected by ovarian cancer treatment, especially if both ovaries are removed. It’s important to discuss fertility preservation options with your doctor before starting treatment.
If you have questions regarding ovarian cancer or would like an expert second opinion, please call today or click here to schedule an appointment.
