Ovarian cancer: Diagnosis and treatment strategies (Review) Original paper

What was reviewed?

This review article focuses on the current advancements in the diagnosis and treatment strategies for ovarian cancer. The review discusses the challenges associated with early detection, which is often complicated due to the subtle symptoms and lack of reliable screening techniques. It explores diagnostic approaches, including serum biomarkers like CA125, HE4, and other molecular markers. The review also covers the promising roles of targeted therapies, such as PARP inhibitors and anti-angiogenesis therapies, in treating ovarian cancer, as well as the evolving potential of immunotherapy. It highlights the need for personalized treatments based on genetic profiles and tumor characteristics, noting the significant progress in molecular-based strategies for ovarian cancer treatment.

Who was reviewed?

This review synthesizes a broad range of studies and clinical research findings on ovarian cancer from various researchers and clinical trials. The studies reviewed focus on ovarian cancer’s molecular genetics, diagnosis, treatment strategies, and therapeutic advancements. The authors discuss the characteristics of different ovarian cancer subtypes, diagnostic markers, and the current and future therapeutic options. Additionally, it evaluates various biomarker studies and therapeutic trials to present a comprehensive understanding of the disease’s clinical management.

Most important findings

The review highlighted several key points. Firstly, ovarian cancer is often diagnosed at an advanced stage due to the lack of effective early screening methods. CA125 remains the most commonly used biomarker, though its sensitivity is limited, especially in early-stage cases. The combination of CA125 and HE4 shows promise in improving diagnostic accuracy. Moreover, new liquid biopsy techniques, such as the analysis of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA), provide a non-invasive alternative to traditional methods. In treatment, targeted therapies like PARP inhibitors (e.g., olaparib, rucaparib, niraparib) have proven beneficial, especially for BRCA-mutated ovarian cancers. The review also points out the significance of anti-angiogenesis therapies, such as bevacizumab, and the increasing importance of immunotherapy, particularly immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) and adoptive cell therapies, as potential future strategies. Finally, the review underscores the need for personalized medicine tailored to the genetic and molecular profiles of individual tumors.

Key implications

The review’s findings have substantial clinical implications. The need for more effective early detection methods is clear, and advancements in liquid biopsy and combined biomarker assays could significantly improve diagnosis. For treatment, the ongoing development and application of targeted therapies, such as PARP inhibitors, hold promise for enhancing progression-free survival, especially in genetically predisposed populations. However, challenges remain in overcoming treatment resistance and improving patient outcomes, particularly in recurrent cases. The potential integration of immunotherapy with targeted therapies is an exciting frontier, offering hope for more durable and personalized treatment regimens. Despite the promise of these therapies, further research is needed to optimize combination strategies, address side effects, and develop cost-effective treatments that can be widely accessible. Personalized treatment approaches based on genetic profiles may revolutionize ovarian cancer care by offering tailored therapies that are more effective and less toxic.