Dr Mastroyannis on the Continued Investigation of Targeted Therapies in Ovarian Cancer

S. Alex Mastroyannis, MD, MSCE, assistant professor, Department of Ob/Gyn-Gynecologic Oncology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, gynecologic oncologist, University of Colorado Cancer Center-Anschutz Medical Campus, discusses the management of gynecologic cancers, such as metastatic or recurrent ovarian and endometrial cancers.

In an OncLive® State of the Science Summit™, Mastroyannis and colleagues from the University of Colorado Cancer Center each gave presentations on topics spanning gynecologic cancer care. At the event, Mastroyannis highlighted recent updates in the field of ovarian cancer, with a specific focus on the use of hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) in this histology. HIPEC, as explained by Mastroyannis, is a surgical procedure conducted during ovarian cancer operations. Once the visible cancer has been excised, heated cisplatin chemotherapy, reaching temperatures of approximately 40°C, is introduced into the abdominal cavity before it is sealed. The phase 3 OVHIPEC-1 trial (NCT00426257) investigated the efficacy and safety of the addition of HIPEC to secondary debulking surgery in patients with stage III ovarian cancer. At a median follow-up of 10.1 years, 89.3% of patients who underwent surgery plus HIPEC experienced recurrence, progression, or death from any cause, compared with 92.7% of patients who received surgery alone.

Mastroyannis emphasizes that the key message of his presentation was to share the recent developments in the management of gynecologic cancers, particularly ovarian cancer. Over the past few years, oncologists within this treatment field have made substantial progress for patients, he explains. Traditionally, carboplatin and paclitaxel were considered the standard treatments for most patients with gynecologic cancers, Mastroyannis explains. However, targeted therapies for patients with gynecologic cancers are receiving renewed attention, he notes.

Molecular testing and tailored treatment strategies are significantly extending patients’ progression-free survival and overall survival outcomes, Mastroyannis says. A broad range of effective treatment options are emerging beyond standard chemotherapy, he states. Overall, Mastroyannis concludes that oncologists should identify the most appropriate treatments for each patient.