Current trends in chemotherapy for advanced ovarian cancer

Jpn J Clin Oncol. 2022 Aug 5;52(8):806-815. doi: 10.1093/jjco/hyac065.

Abstract

Chemotherapy for advanced ovarian cancer has progressed over the past several decades with the introduction of cytotoxic agents. Various methods, including single agents, combination therapy and changes in the method of administration, have been validated in many clinical trials and have been combined in an attempt to improve the prognosis of advanced ovarian cancer. In recent years, molecular-targeted agents have been added to cytotoxic agents as a treatment option for maintenance therapy; however, their efficacy has been limited, and further development of treatment options is expected. The advent of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitors has considerably improved prognosis and has affected treatment strategies for advanced ovarian cancer over the past few years. With the addition of the recently introduced immune checkpoint inhibitors, future treatment strategies for advanced ovarian cancer may become more complex. In this review, we introduce the latest advances in chemotherapy for advanced ovarian cancer and discuss future perspectives.

Keywords: carcinoma; immune checkpoint inhibitors; maintenance; molecular targeted therapy; ovarian epithelial; poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitors.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Agents* / therapeutic use
  • Carcinoma, Ovarian Epithelial / drug therapy
  • Cytotoxins / therapeutic use
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Ovarian Neoplasms* / drug therapy
  • Poly(ADP-ribose) Polymerase Inhibitors / pharmacology
  • Poly(ADP-ribose) Polymerase Inhibitors / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Cytotoxins
  • Poly(ADP-ribose) Polymerase Inhibitors