Treatments for Stage 4 Ovarian Cancer

Stage 4 ovarian cancer is diagnosed when cancer cells have spread or metastasized to other places besides the ovaries. There are a number of treatment options available, which can improve symptoms, prolong life or increase the chances for curing the disease.

Clinical Trials

• Clinical trials are studies that evaluate the effectiveness of new technology and medications in battling ovarian cancer. Women who are in treatment for stage 4 ovarian cancer can choose to go through clinical trials. Before participating in a clinical trial, discuss the risk and benefits with your doctor.

Debulking Surgery

• Debulking surgery is an operation performed to remove as much of the ovarian cancer as possible. The number of cancer cells diminish once the cancer is removed, allowing a better chance for chemotherapy to kill the rest of the cancer cells. Fewer cancer cells means a decreased chance that the cells will become resistant to chemotherapy.

Chemotherapy

• Chemotherapy is an anticancer drug used to kill cancer cells within the body and is often used in conjunction with debulking surgery. Newer trials of chemotherapy are being used such as Platinol or Paraplatin to treat ovarian cancer. Platinol helps prolong life and is showing promise at preventing recurrences. Chemotherapy is often given in six cycles that occur every three weeks.