Ovarian cancer treatment

Treatment for ovarian cancer typically involves a combination of therapies designed to reduce or remove the amount of cancer in your body. Your specific treatment plan will depend on several factors, including:

• The type of ovarian cancer you have and how much cancer is in your body 
• The stage and grade of the cancer 
• Whether you have extra fluid in your abdomen that causes swelling 
• Whether all the visible tumors can be removed by surgery 
• Whether there are changes in your BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes 
• Your age and general health 
• Whether the cancer is new or recurring

At Penn Medicine, a team of specialists, including gynecologic oncologists, radiation oncologists, and medical oncologists, will work together to manage your treatment and address your individual needs.

Our Ovarian Cancer Research Center (OCRC) drives groundbreaking research on ovarian cancer, serving patients from all over the world. The Center’s focus is on early detection, understanding ovarian cancer development, and developing new therapies, including innovative immunotherapies like CAR T cell therapy. With up to 40 percent of ovarian cancer patients participating in clinical trials, we ensure patients can benefit from groundbreaking treatments before they are widely available. This means new hope for patients who’ve exhausted their treatment options or have fewer options for their ovarian cancer stage.

The OCRC’s clinical trials use innovative techniques, including targeted therapies that specifically target cancer cells while sparing healthy tissue, and new combinations of poly-ADP ribose polymerase (PARP) and ataxia telangiectasia and Rad3-related (ATR) inhibitors designed to overcome treatment resistance. We also provide precision surgery trials in which surgeons use intraoperative imaging to identify more of a cancerous tumor than can be seen during traditional surgery. By participating in these trials, patients have the unique opportunity to access experimental treatments that can improve outcomes and quality of life. Talk with your doctor to see if you’re a candidate for a specific clinical trial.

Why choose Penn Medicine for ovarian cancer treatment?

Ovarian cancer treatment can be a difficult journey, but you don’t have to go through it alone. Penn Medicine is here to help provide effective ovarian cancer care with compassion. Our approach to ovarian cancer treatment combines advanced medical therapies with integrative medicine and support programs to enhance patient care and improve quality of life. Our patients have access to various treatment options, including minimally invasive and robotic-assisted surgery, multiple chemotherapy techniques, and targeted radiation therapies. We integrate therapies, clinical trials, and precision medicine to ensure the most effective outcomes for each patient.

In addition to conventional treatments, we provide integrative oncology services to support patients throughout their care journey. Our supportive services, including acupuncture, yoga, nutritional counseling, and stress reduction therapies, complement traditional cancer treatments to help minimize side effects and promote healing. By providing a wide range of treatment options, we address the unique characteristics of your cancer diagnosis, enhancing the likelihood of a successful outcome. When you choose Penn Medicine, you’ll also gain access to a variety of services, programs, and resources to assist you through treatment, including:

• Groundbreaking treatments: Our Ovarian Cancer Research Center (OCRC) is the largest clinical trial department for gynecologic cancers in the southeastern Pennsylvania and New Jersey regions, giving you first access to new treatment options. 
• Immunotherapy for ovarian cancer: As pioneers of multiple immunotherapy treatments for cancer, we give you access to clinical trials aimed at using this innovative method to treat ovarian cancer.  
• Support services: Our supportive care program helps patients and families access social work counseling and psychological and spiritual counseling to assist them throughout their care journey.  
• Palliative care: When curative therapies are no longer an option, Penn Medicine offers palliative care that focuses on improving a patient’s quality of life by addressing their physical, emotional, and spiritual needs.   
• Home care and hospice: Our at-home healthcare, Penn Medicine at Home, includes specialized therapies and medications that meet the needs of patients who are unable to receive treatment in a hospital setting.