Ovarian cancer therapy options are flexible and comprehensive. Treatments such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery fall into this category. Some procedures can be performed on an unconscious patient with minimal risk of complications. Different treatments are used for various risks. Some cancers can be treated, and others cannot.
Ovarian cancer therapy choices might vary. Surgery and chemotherapy are two of the most often-used therapies. Hormone therapy and targeted medications are two additional methods. Patients will have checkups regularly and may undergo tests and scans to help doctors determine the best course of treatment and the severity of their illness. Consult a doctor as soon as possible if your symptoms persist or cause concern.
Ovarian cancer treatment often includes chemotherapy. Depending on the medicine, it may be administered intravenously, orally, or through abdominal injection. When treating this type of cancer, carboplatin and paclitaxel are typically combined to kill off the cancer cells. The use of additional drugs specifically designed to treat ovarian cancer depends on cancer's stage.
So far, the most promising evidence about chemotherapy's efficacy in ovarian cancer has come from recent randomized phase III trials. Clinical trials have shown that administering chemotherapy directly into the abdominal cavity increases survival rates. However, not all patients would benefit from this choice. Those with the disease in its later stages would benefit the most from this treatment.
Treatment for ovarian cancer often includes additional measures, such as radiation therapy. There are several positive outcomes associated with this therapy. It is a less risky option for women whose tumors are not widely distributed and is associated with few long-term side effects. Patients experiencing localized disease recurrence may also benefit from radiation therapy.
Using high-powered X-rays, radiation treatment aims to kill cancer cells. It is unusual to use this treatment for ovarian cancer, but it is sometimes administered to alleviate the discomfort associated with the disease. It's also a common choice for those needing palliative care or as a therapeutic option following chemotherapy.
Ovarian cancer treatment is more likely to be successful if it encompasses the entire pelvic and abdominal area. For instance, brachytherapy involves inserting small capsules filled with radioactive material into the body. In brief bursts, these capsules release radiation. Sessions might take anything from half an hour to an hour. The full impact of the therapy may not be seen for a few weeks.