{"id":3039,"date":"2018-12-25T03:36:00","date_gmt":"2018-12-25T03:36:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.mybiosource.com\/learn\/?p=3039"},"modified":"2023-03-11T09:37:50","modified_gmt":"2023-03-11T09:37:50","slug":"ovarian-cancer-new-studies-provides-hope-for-better-outcomes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.mybiosource.com\/learn\/ovarian-cancer-new-studies-provides-hope-for-better-outcomes\/","title":{"rendered":"Ovarian Cancer: New Studies Promises Better Survival Outcomes"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n\n
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Table of Contents<\/u><\/strong><\/h3>\n

1. Introduction<\/strong><\/a>
\n\u2022 Overview of Ovarian Cancer
\n\u2022 Age of Onset
\n\u2022 Types of Ovarian Tumors
\n2. Genetic Contribution<\/strong><\/a>
\n\u2022 Somatic Mutations in TP53 Gene
\n\u2022 Inherited Cause: BRCA1 and BRCA2 Mutations
\n3. New Types of Oral Contraceptives Associated with Reduced Risk of Ovarian Cancer<\/strong><\/a>
\n\u2022 Hormonal Contraception Prevents 21% of Ovarian Cancers
\n4. Advances in the Treatment of Ovarian Cancer<\/strong><\/a>
\n\u2022 Current Treatment Options: Surgery and Chemotherapy
\n\u2022 Checkpoint Inhibitor Immunotherapy Drugs
\n\u2022 FDA Approval for Olaparib for BRCA-Mutated Advanced Ovarian Cancer
\n\u2022 Promising Investigational Agent: Mirvetuximab Soravtansine
\n5. Screening Guidelines for Ovarian Cancer<\/strong><\/a>
\n\u2022 Two Tests Used: Transvaginal Ultrasound and CA-125 Blood Test
\n\u2022 False-Positive Results and Unnecessary Surgical Interventions
\n\u2022 USPSTF Recommendations Against Screening for Asymptomatic Women.
\n6. Promise of a vaccine for ovarian cancer<\/strong><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ovarian Cancer<\/span>: New Studies Provides Hope for better Outcomes<\/strong><\/p>\n

Ovarian<\/span> cancer is considered the second most common gynecological malignancy<\/span>, particularly in the western world. Generally, the ovarian cancer develops at the age of 40 but most develop after the age of 60. It is a difficult disease to treat and because of the absence of early warning signs, most of the cases are diagnosed at an advanced stage of the disease presenting poor prognosis. However, with the progression in the surgical procedure and with the advent of new drugs entering the clinic, it has become a chronic disease instead. But, if detected in the initial stage, about 90% of affected individuals could be cured.<\/p>\n

The ovaries are made up of three forms of cells and hence the different types of tumor<\/span>; epithelial tumors, germ cell tumors<\/span> and stromal tumors. Although most of the epithelial tumors are benign<\/span>, an estimated 85% of all ovarian cancers<\/span> are of epithelial ovarian carcinomas. Also, the advances illustrated the significant role for the BRCA<\/span> gene<\/span> and the genetic screening for these mutations<\/span> has resulted in improved preventative measures and accordingly the therapeutic development. The pap tests are not useful for the prediction of ovarian cancer but are only for the detection of cervical cancer<\/span> and in a rare case, an advanced stage of ovarian cancer could be found. Therefore, an early identification of this disease could result in a better prognosis.<\/p>\n

Genetic Contribution<\/strong><\/p>\n

Most of the genetic mutations<\/span> associated with ovarian cancer are sporadic meaning they are acquired and not inherited. In around half of the somatic mutations<\/span> responsible for ovarian cancer, a mutation in the TP53 gene<\/span> is responsible. The protein produced by this gene<\/span> are called tumor<\/span> suppressor and the mutation either reduces or eliminates the function to suppress tumor<\/span> growth. The inherited cause of ovarian cancer is the result of the mutation in BRCA1<\/span> and BRCA2<\/span> which impairs DNA repair<\/span> allowing the mutations<\/span> to continue thus triggering tumor<\/span> growth. The relationship of a woman developing ovarian cancer in her lifetime is around 1.6% compared to 40 to 60% risk among those with BRCA1<\/span> gene<\/span> mutation and 20 to 35% for those with BRCA2<\/span> gene<\/span> mutation.<\/p>\n

\u00a0New Types of Oral Contraceptives Associated with Reduced Risk of Ovarian Cancer<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

According to a study published in the BMJ, the new types of oral contraceptives with lower doses of oestrogens and newer progestogens are associated with reduced risk of ovarian cancer. This now serves as a reassurance among women where around 100 million of them are using hormonal contraceptives<\/span>. The study analyzed the data of around 1.9 million Danish women in the age group of 15-49 between the years 1995 \u2013 2014. The research shows that the cases of ovarian cancer were the highest among those who had never used oral hormonal contraceptives<\/span> and that the use of hormonal contraception<\/span> prevented an estimated 21% of ovarian cancers<\/span> among this study population.<\/p>\n

Advances in the Treatment of Ovarian Cancer<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Although the current treatment options for epithelial ovarian cancer includes surgery and chemotherapy<\/span>, it can result in complete remission and the recurrence rate also appears to be high. Currently, there are several new drugs under development and are being tested in clinical trials to determine their efficacy.<\/p>\n