Ovarian Cancer Treatments

Specialists at Houston Methodist Neal Cancer Center are leaders in the diagnosis and treatment of ovarian cancer, including epithelial, stromal and germ cells tumors. We provide expert cancer care at each of our eight locations across the Greater Houston, Texas area. 

Our oncologists work as a team to deliver the most advanced treatments for ovarian cancer, including surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy and radiation therapy. We also offer access to innovative clinical trials that can provide promising new ovarian cancer treatments not yet available to the public. 

Houston Methodist Hospital is nationally ranked by U.S. News & World Report for cancer. In addition, we are considered high performing by U.S. News & World Report for ovarian cancer & uterine cancer.

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Stages of Ovarian Cancer

If you receive an ovarian cancer diagnosis, your oncologist will also determine the stage to understand the cancer size, location and metastasis (spread). Cancer staging helps your health care team know what areas of the body are affected and in need of treatment: 

 

• Stage 1 – Cancer is detected in one or both ovaries, or in fallopian tubes. It has not yet spread. 
• Stage 2 – Cancer is detected in one/both ovaries and nearby pelvic tissues, but not lymph nodes. 
• Stage 3 – Cancer has spread to the abdominal cavity outside of the pelvis or into lymph nodes. 
• Stage 4 – Cancer has spread to distant organs such as the lungs, liver or spleen. 

Treating Ovarian Cancer

If you receive an ovarian cancer diagnosis, your oncology care team tailors your specific treatment plan to the unique characteristics of your type and stage of ovarian cancer. We will perform molecular and genetic testing to identify specific targeted therapies that may be appropriate for your ovarian cancer. We also consider your individual needs and lifestyle. Our goal is to provide effective treatments while preserving healthy tissue and cells. 

Your care team may use one or more of the following methods to treat and manage your ovarian cancer. 

Surgery

Surgery is the primary treatment for most ovarian cancers. 

The goal of ovarian cancer surgery is to remove as much of the tumor as possible. This procedure may involve removing one or more of the following organs: 

 

• One or both ovaries and fallopian tubes (salpingo-oophorectomy) 
• The uterus and both fallopian tubes (hysterectomy) 
• Fatty tissue in the lower abdominal area that connects, covers and protects organs, called omentum (omentectomy) 
• Pelvic and para-aortic lymph nodes (pelvic or para-aortic lymphadenectomy) 
• Any other tumor-bearing area, including a portion of the small or large intestine, appendix or spleen (cytoreduction, also known as debulking) 

 

For early-stage ovarian cancer, minimally invasive surgical techniques such as laparoscopy can sometimes be used, as well as fertility-sparing procedures in some cases. In later stages, major surgery such as a laparotomy — an open surgery requiring an abdominal incision — may be advised. 

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy uses drugs to stop the growth of cancer cells by killing them or halting cell division and growth. This treatment is typically administered orally (by mouth) or intravenously (with an IV). 

In cases of ovarian cancer, chemotherapy is most often used to destroy any cancer cells that remain after surgery. In some cases, chemotherapy may be given before surgery to help shrink tumors to make them easier to remove. 

Side effects of chemotherapy may vary, depending on the type and dose administered. 

Hormone Therapy

Some ovarian cancers use hormones to grow. Hormone therapy may be used to block hormones to slow or stop the growth of the cancer. 

Targeted Therapy

Targeted therapy is a newer type of treatment for ovarian cancer. It uses drugs that specifically recognize and target cancer cells without harming normal cells.  

Targeted therapeutic drugs often pinpoint specific mutations or proteins that are involved in the growth and survival of cancer cells. Targeted therapy can be taken orally. 

Your doctor may use targeted therapy as an initial treatment or combined with other treatments. An advantage of targeted therapy over chemotherapy is that the targeted drugs are associated with less severe side effects. 

Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy uses high-energy X-rays or other types of radiation to kill cancer cells or keep them from growing in a targeted, specific area. Radiation works by targeting abnormal cells, damaging their DNA so they are unable to reproduce. 

Radiation therapy is seldom used in the initial treatment of ovarian cancer. It may be used to relieve pain and other problems caused by advanced disease. 

Side effects of radiation therapy may vary, depending on the type and dose administered. 

Genetic Testing 

All patients with epithelial ovarian cancer will undergo genetic testing to identify any hereditary cause for their cancer. This testing also helps provide targeted treatment options for the patient. It will also provide valuable information for the patient’s family regarding their risk for developing ovarian cancer.  

You have access to new and potentially promising treatments close to home. Houston Methodist physicians support groundbreaking clinical trials for ovarian cancer.

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