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Evolving Treatment Strategies for Recurrent Low-Grade Serous Ovarian Cancer
Author(s):
Expert oncologist Premal Thaker, MD, MS, reviews the current treatment landscape for recurrent low-grade serous ovarian cancer and considers the respective roles of various targeted agents in this setting.
Summary:
In the rapidly evolving landscape of recurrent low-grade ovarian cancer, significant progress has been made since the recognition of this entity as a separate histology in 2004. Clinical trials have become crucial in developing innovative therapies, especially for rare tumors constituting less than 10% of ovarian cancer cases. One notable trial involved trametinib, a MEK inhibitor, demonstrating in clinical studies showing that patients with more than three lines of treatment could achieve a notable improvement in progression-free survival from 7.2 months to 13 months.
However, MEK inhibitors exhibit side effects, prompting the exploration of alternatives in subsequent trials. While these didn't match the progression-free survival benefit shown by trametinib, they showed either equivalence or slight improvement compared to standard chemotherapy. BRAF inhibitors, such as dabrafenib and dabrafenib in combination with trametinib, proved beneficial for patients, with the RAMP 201 trial showcasing a promising combination of RAF/MEK and FAK inhibitors.
The primary challenge in treating low-grade ovarian cancer lies in its impact on younger women, making the palliative nature of treatment particularly poignant for those in their 30s, 40s, and early 50s. The goal of treatment shifts from curative to palliative upon recurrence, presenting emotional challenges for patients juggling familial, professional, and health concerns. Despite advancements, the greatest unmet needs in low-grade ovarian cancer treatment persist in achieving curative outcomes.
Premal H. Thaker, MD, MS, expresses optimism in the ongoing progress, citing the historical struggles to distinguish high-grade from low-grade ovarian cancer and the recent strides in both pathological and treatment designations. While acknowledging the realistic challenges, she emphasizes the importance of finding drug combinations as the next step in advancing treatment. The overarching goal remains finding curative treatments, reflecting the collective aspiration of oncologists to render their profession obsolete through successful cancer treatments.
Summary is AI-generated and reviewed by OncLive editorial staff.
