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Experimental Treatment for Ovarian Cancer

Many cancer research organizations, such as the National Cancer Institute and MD Anderson Cancer Center, are frequently experimenting with different treatment methods for ovarian cancer. While some help to prolong a patient's survival, others do not.

  1. Modified Chemotherapy Regimen

    • Japanese researchers conducted a clinical trial in which they gave some patients the standard treatment of chemotherapy (six cycles of carboplatin and paclitaxel every three weeks) and others a modified regimen (six cycles of carboplatin every three weeks and a lower dose of paclitaxel once a week). The results proved that those with the modified version had a 25 percent less chance of death than those on the standard treatment.

    Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy vs. Intravenous Chemotherapy

    • According to the Journal of Clinical Oncology, several clinical trials have shown that patients who receive intraperitoneal (IP) chemotherapy, which consists of anticancer drugs delivered directly into the abdomen, have a longer survival rate than those who receive intravenous (IV) chemotherapy. IP chemotherapy has more side effects than IV, so doctors have recommended combining the two. When combined, patients survive 16 months longer than those who only receive IV treatments.

    Experimental Therapy in Recurrent Ovarian Cancer

    • According to an article on www.sciencedaily.com, international researchers have discovered that trabectedin, a drug used to fight other cancers, is also effective in treating recurrent ovarian cancer. When combined with the standard treatment of chemotherapy, patients survived seven to nine months longer than those on the standard chemotherapy alone.

    Ovarian Cancer Vaccine

    • A new vaccine may help to eliminate the recurrence of cancer in patients with epithileal ovarian cancer (the most common type). The vaccine raises blood levels in CD4 T-cells and CD8 T-cells. This boost to the immune system could help to keep the cancer from returning.

    Failed Trials

    • Ovarian cancer research trials are ongoing, and while many have been successful in introducing new treatments, many have failed. It is important to conduct extensive research before taking part in any clinical trial.

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