Continued Chemotherapy in Advanced Ovarian Cancer 08/08/2010
Continuing chemotherapy following initial treatment of advanced ovarian cancer may improve survival, according to a study published in Cancer. Ovarian cancer has the highest mortality rate of all gynecologic cancers. It is the fifth leading cause of cancer death among U.S. women, with an estimated 21,550 new cases and 14,600 deaths ...

Olaparib Active Against Advanced Ovarian Cancer and Breast Cancer with BRCA Mutations 07/19/2010
Previously treated advanced breast and ovarian cancer patients with BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation may benefit from treatment with the oral investigational drug olaparib. These findings were recently published in the journal The Lancet.[1],[2] Although most ovarian cancer patients initially respond to platinum-based chemotherapy, most will eventually experience a ...

High Circulating Vitamin D Levels Don’t Reduce Risk of Less Common Cancers 07/12/2010
High levels of vitamin D in the bloodstream do not appear to reduce the risk of seven less common cancers: endometrial, esophageal, stomach, ovarian, pancreatic, kidney, and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. In fact, there was a suggestion that people with the highest vitamin D levels may have an increased risk of pancreatic ...

Combination of Trabectedin and Pegylated Liposomal Doxorubicin Modestly Delays Progression of Recurrent Ovarian Cancer 07/08/2010
The combination of the investigational agent trabectedin with pegylated liposomal doxorubicin (PLD) resulted in a 1.5-month improvement in progression-free survival in women with recurrent ovarian cancer. Final information about overall survival is not yet available. These findings were recently published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.[1] Ovarian cancer is diagnosed ...

Olaparib Shows Promise in High-grade Serous Ovarian Cancer 06/15/2010
Advanced serous ovarian cancer responds to single-agent treatment with olaparib, according to the results of a Phase II study presented at the 2010 annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology.[1] Ovarian cancer has the highest mortality rate of all gynecologic cancers. It is the fifth leading cause of ...

Avastin Delays Progression of Advanced Ovarian Cancer 06/08/2010
In a Phase III clinical trial, the addition of the targeted therapy Avastin® (bevacizumab) to chemotherapy, followed by maintenance therapy with Avastin, slowed cancer progression among women with advanced ovarian, primary peritoneal, or Fallopian tube cancer. These results were presented at the 2010 annual meeting of the American Society of ...

Promising Results for Ovarian Cancer Screening Strategy 06/02/2010
In a study of postmenopausal women at average-risk of ovarian cancer, promising results were obtained with an ovarian cancer screening strategy that combined information about trends in CA-125 blood test results and age, followed as needed by transvaginal ultrasound and referral to a gynecologic oncologist. These results will be presented ...

Chemotherapy Drug Patupilone Fails in Advanced Ovarian Cancer 06/01/2010
The chemotherapy drug patupilone (EPO906) has failed to show a survival advantage over DoxilÒ/CaelyxÒ (pegylated liposomal doxorubicin) in patients with advanced ovarian cancer that is resistant to platinum-based therapy. Novartis reported the results in a press release.1 The Phase III trial was conducted in 168 sites in 22 countries and ...

Olaparib Active Against Advanced Ovarian Cancer in Women with BRCA Mutations 05/05/2010
Olaparib, an investigational targeted therapy, resulted in a 61.5% response rate among women with platinum-sensitive, advanced ovarian cancer and a BRCA gene mutation. These results were recently published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.[1] Although most ovarian cancer patients initially respond to platinum-based chemotherapy, most will ...

One Step Closer to Early Detection of Ovarian Cancer 04/13/2010
A four-biomarker screening assay detected 86% of early-stage ovarian cancers with a 98% specificity level; this leads researchers to conclude that the assay could eventually become the first-line test in a two-step strategy for early detection of the disease. The results of this study were published ...

Test Available for Pre-surgical Evaluation of Ovarian Mass 03/11/2010
For women who require surgery for an ovarian mass, the OVA1™ test may help identify the most appropriate type of surgeon. The test assesses the likelihood that cancer is present; when cancer is likely, surgery may best be performed by a gynecologic oncologist. Each year an estimated 300,000 ...

Regular Aspirin Use May Reduce Risk of Ovarian Cancer 02/17/2010
According to results from the Iowa Women’s Health Study, regular aspirin use may reduce the risk of developing ovarian cancer but does not appear to affect the risk of endometrial cancer. These results were published in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers, and Prevention. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) include drugs ...

Symptoms May Do Little to Improve Early Detection of Ovarian Cancer 02/05/2010
Use of symptoms to trigger medical evaluation for ovarian cancer may not greatly increase early detection of ovarian cancer, and would result in a diagnosis of ovarian cancer in only 1 out of 100 women with symptoms. These results were published in the Journal of the ...

Search for Early Markers of Ovarian Cancer Continues 01/20/2010
Levels of three potential biological markers of ovarian cancer—CA125, human epididymis protein 4, and mesothelin—begin to rise three years before the clinical diagnosis of ovarian cancer, but only become substantially elevated less than a year before diagnosis. Detection of cancer at this stage may not be early enough to improve ...

Farletuzumab Shows Promise in Relapsed Ovarian Cancer 10/07/2009
According to the results of a Phase II clinical trial, the investigational drug farletuzumab may have anticancer activity in the treatment of relapsed ovarian cancer when combined with chemotherapy. These results were presented at a European cancer conference. Many women treated for ovarian cancer will eventually experience a return (relapse) of ...

Number of Obesity-related Cancers Is Growing 10/03/2009
In 2008, excess body weight was responsible for over 124,000 new cancer diagnoses in Europe. These results were presented at a major European cancer conference. Obesity is increasingly being recognized as a risk factor not only for cancer development, but also for worse outcomes after cancer treatment. Links between obesity and ...

Women Report Symptoms Prior to Diagnosis of Ovarian Cancer 09/02/2009
Women commonly report symptoms to their primary care provider during the year before a diagnosis of ovarian cancer. The results of this study, which was conducted in the UK, were published in the British Medical Journal. Ovarian cancer has the highest mortality rate of all gynecologic cancers. It is the ...

Many High-risk Women Opt for Preventive Removal of Breasts and Ovaries 08/19/2009
Many women who are considered to be at high risk for developing breast or ovarian cancer are choosing to undergo preventive mastectomy (removal of breasts) and/or oophorectomy (removal of ovaries) in order to reduce their risk of developing the disease, according to a study published in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers, & ...

Fertility Preservation Appears to Be Safe for Young Women with Early-stage Ovarian Cancer 08/11/2009
Preservation of the non-cancerous ovary and the uterus appears to be safe for young women with Stage IA or IC ovarian cancer and allows women to preserve their fertility. These results were published in Cancer. Women who confront a cancer diagnosis at a young age often must consider how cancer treatment ...

Initiating Treatment Due to Elevated CA125 Marker Does Not Improve Survival in Recurrent Ovarian Cancer 06/02/2009
Initiating Treatment Due to Elevated CA125 Marker Does Not Improve Survival in Recurrent Ovarian Cancer Early treatment for recurrent ovarian cancer based on a rising CA125 marker does not appear to improve overall survival compared with treatment that is started upon presentation of symptoms, according to the results of a study ...

Fertility Drugs Do Not Increase Risk of Ovarian Cancer 02/12/2009
According to the results of a study conducted in Denmark and published in the British Medical Journal, use of fertility drugs does not increase the risk of ovarian cancer.The question of whether fertility drugs increase the risk of ovarian cancer has long been debated, and previous studies have reported ...

Preventive Removal of the Ovaries and Fallopian Tubes Reduces Risk of Breast, Ovarian, and Fallopian Tube Cancers Among Women with BRCA Mutations 02/04/2009
Risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy (RRSO), or the preventive removal of the ovaries and fallopian tubes, is strongly associated with a reduction in the risk of breast, ovarian, and fallopian tube cancers in women who carry a BRCA mutation. The results of this study were published in the Journal of the National ...

Obesity Linked with Increased Risk of Ovarian Cancer 01/07/2009
Among women who have never used postmenopausal hormones, those who are obese are almost twice as likely to develop ovarian cancer as those who are a healthy weight. These results were published in the journal Cancer.Ovarian cancer is the fifth leading cause of cancer death among U.S. women, with ...

Cancer Consultants Offers Free Subscriptions to Women&Cancer Magazine 12/01/2008
Women&Cancer is the premier women's health and wellness magazine. By covering all health and wellness issues with an emphasis on cancer prevention, early detection, management, and survivorship, Women&Cancer empowers women with regard to their own health and recognizes the unique role of women in the overall health of their family ...

Updates in the Management of Gynecologic Cancers 05/27/2008
The 39th Annual Meeting of the Society of Gynecologic Oncologists (SGO) was held in Tampa, Florida, from March 9 to 12, 2008, and was attended by more than 1,000 oncologists and other healthcare professionals.Established to “promote and ensure the highest quality of comprehensive clinical care through excellence in education ...

Results from ChemoFX® Associated with Survival in Ovarian Cancer Patients 05/27/2008
Results provided by the laboratory test ChemoFX® may improve survival among patients with ovarian cancer. These findings were published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology and will be presented at the upcoming 2008 annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology.The ovaries are two small organs located on either ...

Women Share Breast and Ovarian Cancer Testing Results with Family Members 04/25/2008
Women who undergo testing for genetic breast cancer are more likely to share the results with other female family members, including children and their siblings, if they are aware of their relative's opinion of genetic testing. These findings were recently published in the Journal of Family Psychology. The breast ...

Fluctuation in Weight May Influence Risk for Ovarian Cancer 04/11/2008
A large study conducted in Austria reveals that large weight gains or losses may influence an individual's risk for developing certain types of cancer, including ovarian cancer. Complete details of the study were published in the Annals of Oncology.There is no conclusive answer as to why some people will ...

Ovarian Cancer National Alliance Announces Eleventh Annual Conference 04/09/2008
This year the Ovarian Cancer National Alliance will hold their eleventh annual conference, titled “Creating Currents of Change,” on Tuesday, July 8 through Thursday, July 10 at the Omni Shoreham Hotel in Washington, D.C.The mission of the Ovarian Cancer National Alliance and its annual conference is to bring together ...

Specialty Hospitals Associated with Improved Survival in Early Ovarian Cancer 03/18/2008
Hospitals that specialize in care for ovarian cancer are associated with significantly improved survival for women with early ovarian cancer. These results were recently reported in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.Every female is born with two ovaries that are located on either side of the pelvis. Each ...

Statins at Time of Surgery May Improve Survival in Ovarian Cancer 03/13/2008
The use of statins at the time of surgery among women with ovarian cancer improved progression-free and overall survival among patients with ovarian cancer. These results were recently presented at the 2008 annual Society of Gynecologic Oncologists.Ovarian cancer remains the leading cause of death among all gynecologic cancers.  One ...

Combination of Biomarker Tests Highly Accurate in Detecting Ovarian Cancer 02/15/2008
A combination of six biomarker tests that is still in clinical trials appears to be highly accurate in detecting ovarian cancer. These results were recently published in the journal Clinical Cancer Research.Ovarian cancer is the most deadly gynecologic cancer. A main reason for its high mortality rate is the ...

Experience of Technician Affects Accuracy of Gynecologic Ultrasound in Ovarian Cancer Screening 02/07/2008
The expertise of the technician performing a gynecologic ultrasound not only affects the accuracy of the test results but also initial management of patients with suspected ovarian cancer. These results were recently published in The Lancet Oncology.Ovarian cancer is the most deadly gynecologic cancer. This is largely due to ...

Oral Contraceptives Reduce Risk of Ovarian Cancer 01/25/2008
According to an article recently published in the Lancet, oral contraceptives reduce the long-term risk of ovarian cancer and have prevented approximately 100,000 deaths from ovarian cancer.Ovarian cancer is the most deadly gynecologic cancer. The disease is referred to as the “silent killer” because it does not produce clearly ...

Caffeine Associated with Lower Risk of Ovarian Cancer 01/22/2008
According to an article recently published in the journal Cancer, increased caffeine intake lowered the risk of developing ovarian cancer, while alcohol intake had no impact on risk. Smoking increased the risk of mucinous ovarian cancers (a subtype of ovarian cancer).Ovarian cancer is the most deadly gynecologic cancers. Reasons ...

Further Evidence in Favor of Care for Ovarian Cancer Patients by Gynecologic Oncologists 01/21/2008
According to an article recently published in Gynecologic Oncology, patients under 55 years of age with Stages IC–II ovarian cancer were more likely to receive chemotherapy if they received treatment from a gynecologic oncologist.Ovarian cancer remains the most deadly of all gynecologic cancers. If detected and treated early, patients ...

Optimal Surgical Removal of Cancer Improves Survival in Advanced Ovarian Cancer 12/07/2007
According to an article recently published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, surgical removal of as much cancer as possible in patients with advanced ovarian cancer improves survival.Ovarian cancer is the most deadly gynecologic cancer. A major reason for poor long-term survival in ovarian cancer is that the majority ...

Avastin® Effective for Recurrent Ovarian Cancer 11/19/2007
According to an article recently published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, the targeted agent Avastin® (bevacizumab) appears to be effective and well tolerated for the treatment of recurrent ovarian cancer.Ovarian cancer is the most deadly of gynecologic cancers. A significant reason that survival rates for ovarian cancer are ...

Low-fat Diet Reduces Risk of Ovarian Cancer 10/17/2007
According to an article recently published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, a low-fat diet does not appear to reduce the overall risk of developing cancer among women. However, a long-term low-fat diet does appear to reduce the risk of ovarian cancer.The role of diet in the ...

Avastin® May Provide Benefit in Recurrent Ovarian Cancer 10/03/2007
According to an article recently published in the International Journal of Gynecological Cancer, the targeted agent Avastin® (bevacizumab) plus chemotherapy may provide anticancer activity in patients with recurrent ovarian cancer.Ovarian cancer is the most deadly of gynecologic cancers. A main reason that survival rates for ovarian cancer are so ...

Oophorectomy Linked with Cognitive Problems 09/12/2007
According to the results of a study published in the journal Neurology, premenopausal women who have one or both ovaries removed face an increased risk of cognitive problems or dementia later in life. Use of hormone replacement therapy until the age of natural menopause appeared to reduce this risk.Women ...

Alvespimycin Benefits Patients with Heavily Pretreated HER2-positive Cancer 09/12/2007
Kosan Biosciences Incorporated reported results from an early-phase clinical trial indicating their targeted agent alvespimycin may provide clinical benefit to patients with human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-positive breast or ovarian cancers who have received extensive prior therapies.Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 is part of a biological ...

Intraperitoneal Catumaxomab Effective for Malignant Ascites in Ovarian Cancer 08/20/2007
According to an article recently published in Clinical Cancer Research, intraperitoneal infusion (administration of medication directly into the abdomen) with the investigative agent Removab® (catumaxomab) helps reduce malignant ascites due to ovarian cancer.Ovarian cancer is the most deadly of gynecologic cancers, with the vast majority of cases diagnosed once ...

Elderly Should Receive Same Therapy for Ovarian Cancer as Younger Patients 07/26/2007
According to results recently published in Gynecologic Oncology, women who are 65 years of age or older with advanced ovarian cancer should receive the same treatment as their younger counterparts.Ovarian cancer is the leading cause of gynecologic cancer-related death in the United States. Relapsed ovarian cancer refers to cancer ...

Intraperitoneal Hyperthermic Chemotherapy May Improve Survival in Ovarian Cancer 07/12/2007
According to an article recently published in Gynecologic Oncology, intraperitoneal administration of hyperthermic chemotherapy may improve survival among patients with Stage III ovarian cancer.Ovarian cancer remains the most deadly of gynecologic cancers.  Cure rates for all stages combined are less than 40%. Stage III ovarian cancer refers to cancer ...

Gemzar® and Doxil® Similarly Effective Against Platinum-resistant Ovarian Cancer 07/11/2007
According to the results of a Phase III clinical trial published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, the chemotherapy drugs Gemzar® (gemcitabine) and Doxil® (pegylated liposomal doxorubicin) are similarly effective against ovarian cancer that is resistant to platinum-based chemotherapy.Ovarian cancer is the leading cause of gynecologic cancer-related death in ...

Doxil® plus Eloxatin® Highly Active in Recurrent Ovarian Cancer 07/02/2007
According to an article recently published in Gynecologic Oncology, the chemotherapy combination consisting of Doxil® (pegylated liposomal doxorubicin) plus Eloxatin® (oxaplatin) provides high anticancer activity in patients with recurrent ovarian cancer.Ovarian cancer is the leading cause of gynecologic cancer-related death in the United States. Relapsed ovarian cancer refers to cancer ...

Further Evidence Suggesting Survival Associated with Surgeon Experience in Ovarian Cancer 06/28/2007
According to results recently published in Gynecologic Oncology, further data provides additional evidence that women with ovarian cancer have improved survival if treated in a specialized center.Ovarian cancer is the deadliest of gynecologic cancers. Standard treatment depends upon the stage, or extent of spread of the cancer, but typically ...

Femara® Effective for Hormone-positive Ovarian Cancer 06/21/2007
According to results recently published in Clinical Cancer Research, Femara® (letrozole) provides both anticancer responses and disease stabilization in a significant portion of patients with recurrent, estrogen receptor-positive epithelial ovarian cancer.Ovarian cancer is the most deadly of gynecologic cancers. Epithelial ovarian cancer is the most common type of ovarian ...

Women Encouraged to Watch for Ovarian Cancer Warning Signs 06/20/2007
According to a consensus statement developed by the American Cancer Society, the Gynecologic Cancer Foundation, and the Society of Gynecologic Oncologists, certain symptoms are more likely to occur in women with ovarian cancer than women in the general population. Women who experience these symptoms are encouraged to discuss them ...

Postmenopausal Hormones Linked with Increased Risk of Ovarian Cancer 05/21/2007
According to the results of a study published in The Lancet, current users of postmenopausal hormones have a slightly increased risk of developing and dying from ovarian cancer.Estrogen, with or without progestin, is an effective treatment for many menopausal symptoms.

HRT Linked to Ovarian Cancer 04/26/2007
According to results published in an early online article in the Lancet, use of hormone-replacement therapy (HRT) is linked to an increased risk of developing ovarian cancer.Ovarian cancer is the most deadly form of gynecologic cancer. The majority of patients with ovarian cancer are diagnosed once the disease has ...

Women with Ovarian Cancer Receive Optimal Treatment from High-volume Specialists 04/17/2007
According to an early online publication in the journal Cancer, women with ovarian cancer receive optimal therapy if treated by a gynecologic oncologist who performs a high volume of surgeries for ovarian cancer either in a hospital in which a high volume of these procedures are performed or in a ...

Surgery to Remove Recurrent Ovarian Cancer Provides Favorable Survival 03/30/2007
According to an article recently published in Gynecologic Oncology, patients with ovarian cancer who have a recurrence in a lymph node have favorable survival when the involved lymph node is entirely or almost entirely removed. Ovarian cancer is the deadliest form of gynecologic cancer. Initial surgical removal of as much ...

Low-dose Contraceptives Reduce Risk of Ovarian Cancer 03/12/2007
According to an article in Obstetrics and Gynecology, women who used oral contraceptive pills containing low doses of both estrogen and progestin had a significantly reduced risk of ovarian cancer.Ovarian cancer is the most deadly of gynecologic cancers. Early stages of ovarian cancer often do not cause recognizable symptoms. ...

Doxil®/Paraplatin® Effective in Recurrent Ovarian Cancer 02/21/2007
According to an article recently published in the Annals of Oncology, treatment consisting of Doxil® (pegylated liposomal doxorubicin) and Paraplatin® (carboplatin) may improve survival in patients with relapsed ovarian cancer.Ovarian cancer is the leading cause of gynecologic cancer-related death in the United States. Relapsed ovarian cancer refers to cancer ...

Paraplatin®/Cytoxan® a Possible Alternative for Ovarian Cancer 02/20/2007
According to an article recently published in the Annals of Oncology, the chemotherapy combination consisting of Paraplatin® (carboplatin) plus Cytoxan® (cyclophosphamide) may be an effective alternative to the standard combination of Paraplatin and Taxol® (paclitaxel) for the treatment of advanced ovarian cancer.The two ovaries are located in the female ...

Further Evidence that Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy Improves Survival in Stage III Ovarian Cancer 02/08/2007
According to an article recently published in the journal Cancer, initial treatment including intraperitoneal chemotherapy improves survival in patients with Stage III ovarian cancer.Approximately 25,000 new cases of ovarian cancer are diagnosed in the U.S. each year. Patients with Stage III ovarian cancer have cancer that has spread from ...

Quality of Life Assessed for Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy in Ovarian Cancer 02/06/2007
According to an article recently published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, intraperitoneal chemotherapy tends to have greater side effects during and immediately following treatment than intravenous chemotherapy. However, neurotoxicity (damage to the nervous system) was the only side effect that remained greater for an extended time among patients ...

Perceptions of Ovarian Cancer Influence Decisions Regarding Prophylactic Oophorectomy 02/01/2007
According to a study conducted in the Netherlands, BRCA1/2 carriers who choose gynecologic screening rather than prophylactic oophorectomy (preventive removal of the ovaries) are more likely to view ovarian cancer as a curable disease. These results were published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.Inherited mutations in two genes—BRCA1 and ...

Psychosocial Needs of Survivors of Gynecologic Cancers Must Be Addressed 01/29/2007
According to an article recently published in Gynecologic Oncology, nearly one-third of survivors of a gynecologic cancer suffer from anxiety or post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms.Patients who are survivors of cancer often struggle with psychological or emotional distress. In order to improve a patient's quality of life, these issues must ...

Removal of Lymph Nodes Improves Survival in Early Ovarian Cancer 01/22/2007
According to an article recently published in Obstetrics and Gynecology, extensive removal of lymph nodes around the site of cancer (lymphadenectomy) significantly improves survival among women with Stage I ovarian cancer.Ovarian cancer is the most deadly gynecologic cancer. The reason for its deadly nature is that most women do ...

Postmenopausal Estrogen Use Linked to Increased Risk of Ovarian Cancer 01/10/2007
According to results of a study published in the British Journal of Cancer, use of estrogen alone in postmenopausal women appears to increase a woman's risk of developing ovarian cancer.[1]As women reach menopause and beyond, more than 80% will experience symptoms such as ...

Smoking Increases Risk of Mucinous Ovarian Cancer 12/01/2006
According to an article recently published in Gynecologic Oncology, smoking significantly increases the risk of developing mucinous ovarian cancer. Fortunately, stopping smoking returns the long-term risk to that of the general population.Ovarian cancer is the most deadly type of gynecologic cancer. Although cure rates are high if the cancer ...

More Evidence that Extensive Surgery to Achieve Optimal Cytoreduction Improves Survival in Advanced Ovarian Cancer 12/01/2006
According to a recent article published in Gynecologic Oncology, the removal of extensive cancer spread to the upper abdomen to achieve optimal cytoreduction in women with advanced ovarian cancer significantly improves survival.Approximately 25,000 new cases of ovarian cancer are diagnosed in the U.S. each year. Regardless of the stage ...

Thalomid® Safe and Potentially Effective for Recurrent Ovarian Cancer 12/01/2006
According to an article recently published in Gynecologic Oncology, Thalomid® (thalidomide) appears safe and may provide an effective treatment option for patients with recurrent ovarian cancer.Ovarian cancer is the most deadly form of gynecologic cancer in the United States. This is largely due to the fact that the majority ...

Study Explores Cancer Risk Among Those with Family History of Early-onset Breast Cancer 11/13/2006
According to the results of a study published in the European Journal of Cancer, individuals with a first-degree family history of early-onset breast cancer (breast cancer diagnosed before the age of 50 in a parent, sibling, or child), are more likely than the general population to develop several types ...

Postmenopausal Hormone Therapy Linked with Increased Risk of Ovarian Cancer 10/10/2006
According to the results of a study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, long-term use of estrogen alone or estrogen plus progestin appears to increase a woman's risk of developing ovarian cancer. As women reach menopause and beyond, more than 80% will experience symptoms such as hot ...

Study Explores Risk of Breast, Uterine, and Ovarian Cancer in Women with AIDS 09/29/2006
According to the results of a study published in the British Journal of Cancer, women with AIDS have a lower risk of endometrial (uterine) cancer than women in the general population; risk of breast cancer was lower among women with AIDS in the pre-HAART (highly active antiretroviral therapy) era, ...

Physical Exam Does Not Detect Recurrences of Ovarian or Peritoneal Cancers 09/28/2006
According to an article recently published in the journal Gynecologic Oncology, physical examinations only detected 35% of cancer recurrences among patients with ovarian or peritoneal cancers. Ovarian cancer is the most deadly form of gynecologic cancer for women in the United States. This is largely due to the fact that ...

Risk of Death with Preventive Oophorectomy Evaluated 09/18/2006
According to an article recently published in Lancet Oncology, a prophylactic bilateral oophorectomy may be associated with an increased risk of death among premenopausal women who do not receive subsequent estrogen. However, further study is necessary to confirm this association. A bilateral oophorectomy is a surgical procedure in which both ...

Addition of Gemzar® to Paraplatin® Improves Progression-free Survival in Ovarian Cancer 09/18/2006
According to an article recently published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, the addition of Gemzar® (gemcitabine) to Paraplatin® (carboplatin) improves progression-free survival among women who received prior therapies for the treatment of ovarian cancer. Ovarian cancer is the eighth most common cancer among women. It is considered to be ...

Doxil®/Gemzar® Effective for Recurrent Ovarian Cancer 08/31/2006
According to an article recently published in Gynecologic Oncology, the chemotherapy combination consisting of Gemzar® (gemcitabine) and Doxil® (pegylated liposomal doxorubicin) is effective for patients with ovarian cancer that has stopped responding to standard therapies. Ovarian cancer is one of the most deadly gynecologic cancers because it tends to be ...

Radical Surgery for Ovarian Cancer May Improve Survival 08/30/2006
According to an article recently published in the Journal of Surgical Oncology, patients with advanced ovarian cancer may achieve long-term survival when undergoing radical surgery and intraperitoneal chemotherapy. Future trials that directly compare these treatment methods will reveal more about clinical outcomes among patients with this disease. The two ovaries ...

Obesity Associated with Decreased Survival in Ovarian Cancer 08/28/2006
According to an early online publication in the journal Cancer, women with ovarian cancer who are obese have a shorter time before cancer recurs and a shorter survival compared to women who are not obese. The ovaries are two small organs located in the pelvis of females. They are responsible ...

Maintenance Therapy Improves Outcomes in Ovarian Cancer 08/25/2006
According to an article recently published in Gynecologic Oncology, maintenance chemotherapy with taxanes appears to improve outcomes for patients with ovarian cancer. The ovaries are two small organs located deep in the female pelvis. They are responsible for storing and releasing eggs. Unfortunately, long-term outcomes for most patients with ovarian ...

HER3 Expression Associated with Decreased Survival in Ovarian Cancer 08/16/2006
According to an early online publication in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, expression of the human epidermal growth factor receptor-3 (HER3) is associated with a significantly worse survival in patients with ovarian cancer. The ovaries are two small organs located on both sides of the pelvis in females. The ovaries ...

Changes in CA-125 During Ovarian Cancer Treatment Provide Information About Prognosis 08/11/2006
Among women undergoing induction (first-line treatment) chemotherapy for ovarian cancer, two specific measures of the protein CA-125 (CA-125 half-life and CA-125 nadir) provide information about prognosis. These results were published in the Annals of Oncology.Ovarian cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer death among women in the U.S.; ...

Menopausal Symptoms After Prophylactic Oophorectomy Only Partially Relieved by Hormone Replacement Therapy 08/03/2006
Among young women who have their ovaries removed to reduce cancer risk, use of hormone replacement therapy provides partial relief from hot flashes but does not seem to improve sexual function. These results were published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology. Some women are at increased risk of developing cancer ...

Addition of Hycamtin® to Standard Therapy Does Not Improve Survival in Advanced Ovarian Cancer 08/03/2006
According to results recently published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, the addition of Hycamtin® (topotecan) to the standard chemotherapy combination including carboplatin (Paraplatin®) and Taxol® (paclitaxel) did not improve survival compared to carboplatin/paclitaxel in the treatment of advanced ovarian cancer. Ovarian cancer is the fourth leading cause ...

Further Evidence that Avastin® Provides Disease Stabilization in Recurrent Ovarian Cancer 07/28/2006
According to results recently published in the journal Gynecologic Oncology, treatment with single-agent Avastin® (bevacizumab) provides anticancer responses and disease stabilization in a large portion of patients whose cancer has progressed following multiple prior chemotherapy regimens. Patients with ovarian cancer that has recurred or progressed following prior therapies, referred to ...

Radiation Effective to Ease Symptoms of Advanced Ovarian Cancer 07/28/2006
According to results recently published in the journal Gynecologic Oncology, radiation therapy may provide effective relief for patients with advanced ovarian cancer experiencing symptoms related to their cancer. Approximately 25,000 new cases of ovarian cancer are diagnosed in the U.S. each year. Unfortunately, ovarian cancer is often diagnosed at advanced ...

Gemzar® Approved for Recurrent Ovarian Cancer 07/18/2006
The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has just approved the chemotherapy agent Gemzar® (gemcitabine) for the treatment of recurrent ovarian cancer. The approved indication includes the use of Gemzar in combination with Paraplatin® (carboplatin) in patients whose cancer has returned or progressed at least six months following ...

Radical Surgery Drastically Reduces Ovarian/Fallopian Tube Cancer Risk Among BRCA1/2 Carriers 07/13/2006
According to an article recently published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, surgery to remove the ovaries and fallopian tubes reduces the risk of developing ovarian or fallopian tube cancers by 80% among women with BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations. BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations are known genetic abnormalities that ...

Effect of Preventive Removal of the Ovaries Varies by Type of BRCA Mutation 06/13/2006
According to results presented at the 2006 annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), preventive removal of the ovaries and fallopian tubes reduces the risk of breast and ovarian cancer in women with BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutations. The reduction in breast cancer risk, however, was ...

Avastin® Active Against Refractory Ovarian Cancer 05/23/2006
Two recent publications in the journal Gynecologic Oncology suggest that Avastin® (bevacizumab) may have a role in the treatment of refractory ovarian cancer. Approximately 25,000 new cases of ovarian cancer are diagnosed in the U.S. each year. Unfortunately, ovarian cancer is often difficult to treat and the cancer often recurs, ...

Combination of Markers Improves Identification of Ovarian Cancer 05/19/2006
According to a study published in the International Journal of Cancer, testing for serum levels of three markers—CA-125, IL-18, and FGF-2—more accurately detects ovarian cancer than testing for CA-125 alone. Due to a lack of definitive symptoms, the majority of women with ovarian cancer are not diagnosed until their cancer ...

CA-125 May Not Be Reliable Marker for Response to Doxil® In Ovarian Cancer 05/03/2006
According to results presented at the 2005 annual meeting on Women's Cancer™, early CA-125 levels were not consistently reliable as a measure of response to Doxil® (doxorubicin HCl liposome injection) in women with recurrent ovarian cancer. Ovarian cancer is the most deadly form of gynecologic cancer. Since women are not ...

CD24 Expression in Cancer Cells Associated with Poorer Survival in Ovarian Cancer 04/27/2006
According to an article recently published in the International Journal of Gynecologic Cancer, expression of the protein referred to as CD24 is associated with significantly poorer outcomes, including survival, among women with ovarian cancer. Ovarian cancer is considered to be a deadly cancer; this is because the vast majority of ...

Change in CA-125 Linked with Ovarian Cancer Prognosis 04/25/2006
Among women with advanced ovarian cancer, a decline in serum levels of CA-125 during platinum-based chemotherapy was linked with better survival. These results were published in the journal Gynecologic Oncology. Over the past 10 years, platinum-based chemotherapy regimens (regimens containing carboplatin or cisplatin) have become the mainstay of treatment for ...

Sedentary Lifestyle Increases Ovarian Cancer Risk 04/21/2006
According to a study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology, women who are sedentary for a greater number of hours per day have an increased risk of developing ovarian cancer. Cancer prevention is an important and active area of public health research. Physicians and individuals both recognize that the ...

Dietary Flavonoids May Decrease Risk of Ovarian Cancer 04/04/2006
According to results presented at the 97th annual meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR), dietary intake of flavonoids may decrease the risk of developing ovarian cancer. However, further study is necessary to confirm this finding. Ovarian cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer death among women ...

Gemzar®/Paraplatin® Followed by Taxol®/Paraplatin® as Initial Therapy in Advanced Ovarian Cancer 03/28/2006
According to an article recently published in the journal Gynecologic Oncology, the chemotherapy regimen consisting of Gemzar® (gemcitabine) plus Paraplatin® (carboplatin) followed by Taxol® (paclitaxel) plus Paraplatin® provides progression-free survival of over one year and is reasonably well tolerated in the treatment of advanced ovarian cancer. Ovarian cancer is the ...

Updated Guidelines for Treatment of Ovarian Cancer 03/27/2006
The National Comprehensive Cancer Network, an alliance of 20 leading cancer centers, announced that it has updated its guidelines for the treatment of ovarian cancer. The updated guidelines include changes and additions to treatment options for several subgroups of ovarian cancer patients. Ovarian cancer is the fourth leading cause of ...

Addition of Ellence® to Standard Chemotherapy Does Not Improve Outcomes in Advanced Ovarian Cancer 03/02/2006
According to an article recently published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, the addition of the chemotherapy agent Ellence® (epirubicin) to the standard chemotherapy regimen of Paraplatin® (carboplatin) and Taxol® (paclitaxel) does not improve outcomes compared with carboplatin/paclitaxel only in advanced ovarian cancer. Ovarian cancer is the fourth leading cause ...

Prophylactic Removal of Ovaries Improves Survival in BRCA1 or BRCA2 Carriers 02/16/2006
According to a recent early online article published in The Lancet Oncology, women who have mutations within the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes have significantly improved survival if they undergo prophylactic surgery to remove their ovaries. Inherited mutations in two genes—BRCA1 and BRCA2—have been found to greatly increase the lifetime risk ...

Sequential High-Dose Chemotherapy with Stem Cell Support Promising for Recurrent or Refractory Ovarian Cancer 02/13/2006
According to an article recently published in the International Journal of Gynecologic Oncology, three treatment regimens consisting of high-dose chemotherapy and autologous stem cell transplantation appear promising for the treatment of patients with ovarian cancer that has stopped responding to standard therapies. Since ovarian cancer tends to be diagnosed at ...

Pre-Surgery Blood Levels of Protein May Predict Outcome in Ovarian Cancer 02/10/2006
According to a recent article published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, levels of the protein tissue factor (TF) prior to surgery may help to predict patient prognosis in ovarian cancer. Ultimately, more accurate understanding of a patient's prognosis may help guide individualized treatment options. Ovarian cancer is the fourth ...

Study Confirms Better Quality of Life with Paraplatin® than Platinol® for Ovarian Cancer 02/07/2006
Treatment of ovarian cancer with the chemotherapy drugs Paraplatin® (carboplatin) and Taxol® (paclitaxel) results in better quality of life than treatment with Platinol® (cisplatin) and Taxol. These results were published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.  Ovarian cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer death among women in the ...

Doxil®/Eloxatin® May Provide a Treatment Option in Advanced, Recurrent Ovarian Cancer 02/06/2006
According to a recent article published in Gynecologic Oncology, the chemotherapy combination consisting of Doxil® (pegylated liposomal doxorubicin) plus Eloxatin® (oxaliplatin) may provide an effective treatment option for patients with advanced ovarian cancer that has progressed or recurred following treatment including a platinum chemotherapy agent. Ovarian cancer is one of ...

Surgical Removal of Cancer Spread to the Diaphragm Improves Survival in Ovarian Cancer 02/06/2006
According to a recent article published in Gynecologic Oncology, the removal of cancer spread to the diaphragm in women with ovarian cancer significantly improves survival. Approximately 25,000 new cases of ovarian cancer are diagnosed in the U.S. each year. Regardless of the stage (extent of spread) of ovarian cancer, the ...

Gynecologic Oncologists Offer High-Quality Care for Ovarian Cancer 02/01/2006
According to a study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, ovarian cancer patients treated by gynecologic oncologists have somewhat better outcomes than ovarian cancer patients treated by general gynecologists. Patients treated by gynecologic oncologists also have clearly better outcomes than those treated by general surgeons. A ...

Surgery by Gynecologic Oncologists Improves Survival in Ovarian Cancer 01/23/2006
According to a recent article published in the journal Cancer, women with ovarian cancer whose surgery is performed by a gynecologic oncologist have improved survival compared to women whose surgery is performed by a general gynecologist. Approximately 25,000 new cases of ovarian cancer are diagnosed in the U.S. each year. ...

Prophylactic Surgery Reduces Gynecologic Cancer Risk in Women with Lynch Syndrome 01/19/2006
Preventive surgery to remove the uterus and ovaries appears to greatly reduce the risk of developing endometrial or ovarian cancer among women with Lynch Syndrome. These results were published in the New England Journal of Medicine. Lynch Syndrome, also known as hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC), results from inherited mutations in ...

Color Doppler Prior to Surgery Highly Accurate in Distinguishing Cancerous and Benign Ovarian Masses 01/12/2006
According to a recent article published in the International Journal of Gynecology and Obstetrics, the addition of color Doppler imaging (CDI) to standard sonography greatly improves the accuracy of distinguishing between cancerous and non-cancerous ovarian masses prior to surgery. Ovarian cancer is the leading cause of death from gynecologic disease ...

Minimizing Residual Disease Associated with Improved Survival for Ovarian Cancer 01/11/2006
According to a recent article published in the journal Obstetrics & Gynecology, removing as much cancer as possible—even through very aggressive surgical procedures—is associated with significantly improved survival in patients with stage III ovarian cancer. Approximately 25,000 new cases of ovarian cancer are diagnosed in the U.S. each year. Patients ...

Surgeon Tendency Affects Surgical Outcomes in Ovarian Cancer 01/11/2006
According to a recent article published in Gynecologic Oncology, a surgeon's tendency to perform aggressive surgery greatly affects the rate of optimal surgery in patients with ovarian cancer. Approximately 25,000 new cases of ovarian cancer are diagnosed in the U.S. each year. Patients with stage III ovarian cancer are considered ...

Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy Improves Survival in Ovarian Cancer 01/05/2006
According to an article recently published in the New England Journal of Medicine, chemotherapy administered directly into the peritoneal (abdominal) cavity in addition to intravenous chemotherapy improves survival by nearly 1.5 years for patients with stage III ovarian cancer. Approximately 25,000 new cases of ovarian cancer are diagnosed in the ...

Tea Consumption May Reduce Risk of Ovarian Cancer 12/19/2005
Compared to women who seldom or never drink tea, women who drink two or more cups of tea per day have a 46% lower risk of developing ovarian cancer. These results were published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA). Ovarian cancer has the highest mortality rate of ...

Sonography May Help Predict Recurrences in Asymptomatic Women with Gynecologic Cancers 12/01/2005
According to a recent article published in Gynecologic Oncology, the use of ultrasound, or sonography, appears highly accurate in detecting cancer recurrences in women diagnosed with gynecologic cancers who display no other symptoms of a recurrence. Gynecologic cancers may include cancers of the cervix, ovaries, uterus, fallopian tubes, or vulva. ...

Initial Surgery for Ovarian Cancer at Specialized Centers May Improve Survival 12/01/2005
According to a recent article published in Gynecologic Oncology, patients with ovarian cancer who undergo initial surgery at a medical center with expertise in surgery for their disease appear to achieve a significant survival benefit. Approximately 25,000 new cases of ovarian cancer are diagnosed in the U.S. each year. Standard ...

Sonography More Accurate than Pelvic Examination for Ovarian Exam 11/11/2005
According to results recently published in Gynecologic Oncology, transvaginal sonography (TVS) is significantly more accurate in defining the dimensions of ovaries (an important identifier of ovarian cancer) than pelvic examination, particularly in older women who are overweight or have increased uterine weight. Ovarian cancer is one of the most deadly ...

Weekly Topotecan Effective for Recurrent Ovarian Cancer 11/07/2005
Results of a phase II clinical trial, presented at the 23rd annual Chemotherapy Foundation Symposium held in New York, suggest that weekly treatment with the chemotherapy drug topotecan is effective for patients with recurrent ovarian cancer. Ovarian cancer is one of the most deadly gynecologic cancers because it tends to ...

Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy in Advanced Ovarian Cancer 11/04/2005
Patients with advanced ovarian cancer who had the chemotherapy drug topotecan administered directly into their abdominal cavity survived for a median of three years without cancer recurrence, according to results presented at the 23rd annual Chemotherapy Foundation Symposium. Approximately 25,000 new cases of ovarian cancer are diagnosed in the U.S. ...

Thalidomide for Recurrent Ovarian Cancer Has Benefits but Does Not Improve Overall Survival 11/03/2005
According to study results presented at the 2005 annual Chemotherapy Foundation Symposium in New York, patients with recurrent ovarian cancer who are treated with the combination of thalidomide and the chemotherapy drug topotecan have improved response rates and delayed cancer progression, but not better overall survival, compared to patients ...

Relief for Women Undergoing Prophylactic Oophorectomy 11/01/2005
Among women with a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation, the reduced risk of breast cancer that results from surgical removal of the ovaries is sustained even if these women take short-term hormone replacement therapy, according to a study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology . Inherited mutations in two genes—BRCA1 and ...

Symptoms of Early Ovarian Cancer Not Adequately Screened 10/31/2005
According to a recent publication in the journal Cancer, many women who are diagnosed with ovarian cancer were aware of symptoms of the disease between 3 years and 4 months prior to diagnosis. However, these women were not referred to appropriate testing. Since ovarian cancer is highly aggressive, this ...

Phase II Trial Suggests Benefit of Hormonal Therapy for Recurrent Ovarian Cancer 10/20/2005
According to the results of a phase II clinical trial published in the British Journal of Cancer, the combination of Nolvadex® (tamoxifen) and Zoladex® (goserelin) was well tolerated by patients with chemotherapy-resistant ovarian cancer and produced an anti-tumor response in half the patients treated. Ovarian cancer is one of the ...

Risk of Ovarian Cancer in Young Endometrial Cancer Patients 10/06/2005
According to a study published in the journal Obstetrics and Gynecology, roughly 25% of young women with endometrial cancer may also have ovarian cancer. Endometrial cancer refers to cancer that begins in the lining of the uterus. With approximately 36,100 new cases each year, endometrial cancer is one of the ...

Prophylactic Removal of Ovaries and Quality of Life in High-Risk Patients 10/04/2005
According to a recent article published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, the majority of patients at a high risk of developing ovarian cancer who underwent prophylactic surgical removal of the ovaries and fallopian tubes are happy with their decision and would recommend it to other women at high ...

US Task Force Issues Recommendations on BRCA1/2 Testing 09/15/2005
The United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) has issued guidelines regarding the use of genetic screening for BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations involved in breast cancer. This is the first time this task force has issued any guidelines involving genetic screening in cancer. The USPSTF is an independent panel of ...

Less Aggressive Treatment of Elderly Ovarian Cancer Patients May Not Be Justified 09/09/2005
According to a study published in Gynecologic Oncology, ovarian cancer patients over the age of 80 are less likely than patients 70-79 years of age to be treated with surgery and combination chemotherapy, in spite of having similar health and deriving similar treatment benefit. Ovarian cancer is the fourth leading ...

Low CA-125 Suggests Better Prognosis for Stage I Ovarian Cancer 09/06/2005
According to a study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, women with stage I epithelial ovarian cancer have better survival if they have low pre-treatment levels of CA-125. Although only 15-25% of ovarian cancers are detected early, before the cancer has spread outside the ovary, women who are diagnosed ...

PET Scans Help Predict Response to Chemotherapy in Ovarian Cancer 08/26/2005
According to proceedings of the 52nd annual meeting of the Society of Nuclear Medicine, positron emission tomography (PET) imaging may be a useful tool in determining if women with ovarian cancer are responding to initial cycles of chemotherapy. For those who are not responding, a different therapeutic approach may ...

Symptoms of Early Ovarian Cancer Inadequately Screened 08/26/2005
According to a recent on-line publication in the journal Cancer, many women who are diagnosed with ovarian cancer were aware of symptoms of the disease between 3 years and 4 months prior to diagnosis. However, these women were not referred to appropriate testing. Since ovarian cancer is highly aggressive, ...

Gemzar® Plus Doxil® Offers Promise for Recurrent Ovarian Cancer 08/03/2005
According to study results recently published in Gynecologic Oncology, the combination of the chemotherapy agents Gemzar® (gemcitabine) and Doxil® (liposomal doxorubicin) offers promise for the treatment of women with recurrent ovarian cancer. Ovarian cancer is one of the most deadly gynecologic cancers because diagnosis tends to be at a late ...

Weekly Chemotherapy with Paclitaxel May Be Effective in Epithelial Ovarian Cancer 07/01/2005
The journal Gynecologic Oncology recently reported that weekly chemotherapy with the drug paclitaxel is well tolerated and may improve disease progression among women with advanced epithelial ovarian cancer who have responded to induction therapy. Ovarian cancer is a malignancy originating from various cells within the ovaries. Approximately 25,000 new cases ...

Oral Contraceptive Use Reduces Risk of Ovarian Cancer 06/30/2005
According to an article recently published in the American Journal of Epidemiology, the use oral contraceptives appears to reduce the risk of developing ovarian cancer in both women who use them for less than six months and quit due to side effects as well as those who use them ...

Trabectedin Considered Safe and Promising New Drug For Relapsed Ovarian Cancer 06/14/2005
A recent article in the Journal of Clinical Oncology reports that the new drug Trabectedin is a safe and promising treatment of recurrent ovarian cancer. Ovarian cancer is a malignancy that originates in various cells within the ovaries. Approximately 25,000 new cases of the disease are diagnosed in the United ...

Blood Test May Help Screen for Ovarian Cancer 06/09/2005
According to a recent article published Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, a blood test measuring levels of specific proteins circulating in the blood may provide screening for ovarian cancer in the future. Ovarian cancer is a malignancy that arises from various different ...

Combination of Chemotherapy Does not Improve Outcome in Advanced Ovarian Cancer 05/20/2005
According to the results of a recent study reported at the 2005 annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology, the addition of the chemotherapy drug Hycamtin® (topotecan) to the standard chemotherapy regimen of carboplatin and paclitaxel does not improve outcomes as initial therapy for the treatment of ...

Removal of Lymph Nodes Improves Progression-Free Survival but Not Overall Survival in Advanced Ovarian Cancer 05/09/2005
According to results recently published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, the removal of lymph nodes of the abdomen (aortic) and pelvis improves progression-free survival, but not overall survival at 5 years in patients with advanced ovarian cancer. Ovarian cancer is a malignancy that arises from various different ...

Surgery May Improve Survival Compared to Chemotherapy in Patients with Recurrent Ovarian Cancer 04/13/2005
According to a recent article in Gynecologic Oncology, patients with recurrent ovarian cancer may have improved survival when treated with cytoreductive surgery compared to chemotherapy alone. However, patients who can have all of their visible cancer removed during surgery appear to gain the most benefit. Ovarian cancer is a malignancy ...

COX-2 and P-glycoprotein May Help Predict Response to Chemotherapy in Ovarian Cancer 04/07/2005
According to a recent article published in the International Journal of Gynecologic Oncology, cancer expression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and P-glycoprotein may help predict which patients with advanced ovarian will not respond well to chemotherapy. Ovarian cancer is a malignancy that arises from various different cells within the ovaries. Approximately 25,000 ...

Some Patients Benefit from Secondary Cytoreductive Surgery for Ovarian Cancer 04/01/2005
According to a recent article published in the British Journal of Cancer, specific patient characteristics have been identified that indicate which patients with ovarian cancer appear to benefit from secondary cytoreductive surgery. Ovarian cancer is a malignancy that arises from various different cells within the ovaries. Approximately 25,000 new cases ...

Pertuzumab (Omnitarg™) Demonstrates Activity in Refractory Ovarian Cancer 04/01/2005
According to results presented at the Chemotherapy Foundation Symposium XXII, the monoclonal antibody pertuzumab demonstrates anti-cancer activity in patients with ovarian cancer that has stopped responding to standard therapies. Ovarian cancer is a malignancy that arises from various different cells within the ovaries. Approximately 25,000 new cases of ovarian cancer ...

Doxil® Recommended for Relapsed Platinum-Sensitive Ovarian Cancer 03/23/2005
According to a review recently published in Gynecologic Oncology, Doxil® (pegylated liposomal doxorubicin) is the first choice for non-platinum-based chemotherapy for relapsed ovarian cancer. Ovarian cancer is a malignancy that arises from various different cells located within the ovaries. Ovarian cancer accounts for 4% of cancers among women and is ...

BRCA1 and BRCA2 Mutations Increases Risk for Ovarian Cancer 03/21/2005
A recent article in the journal Gynecologic Oncology reports that women who have breast cancer and are carriers of the mutated BRCA1 or 2 genes have a significantly higher risk of developing ovarian cancer, leading researchers to recommend prophylactic removal of the ovaries. BRCA1 and BRCA 2 are genes formally ...

Carboplatin and Gemzar® Effective for Recurrent Platinum-Sensitive Ovarian Cancer 03/21/2005
According to the results of a study recently published in Gynecologic Oncology, the combination of Gemzar® (gemcitabine) and carboplatin is a promising treatment for patients with recurrent platinum-sensitive ovarian cancer. Ovarian cancer is a malignancy that arises from various different cells within the ovaries. Approximately 25,000 new cases of ovarian ...

Involved Field Radiation Improves Outcomes for Women with Recurrent Epithelial Ovarian Cancer 03/11/2005
According to the results of a study recently published in Gynecologic Oncology, involved field radiation therapy (IFRT) is an effective and well-tolerated treatment option for controlling localized recurrences of ovarian cancer after optimal surgery has been performed. Ovarian cancer is a malignancy that arises from various different cells within the ...

Doxil® Receives Full Approval for Recurrent Ovarian Cancer 03/02/2005
Recently the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted full approval for the drug Doxil® to be used for patients who have ovarian cancer and have experienced disease progression or stopped responding while on a platinum-based chemotherapy. Previously, Doxil® had only been indicated for patients with metastatic disease who had ...

Outcome and Prognostic Factors in Ovarian Germ Cell Malignancies 03/02/2005
According to the results of a study recently published in Gynecologic Oncology, the prognosis for ovarian germ cell malignancies (OGCMs) is excellent if patients are managed with standard treatment initially. Ovarian cancer is a malignancy that arises from various different cells within the ovaries. Approximately 25,000 new cases of ovarian ...

Radiofrequency Ablation Shows Promise in Metastatic Ovarian Cancer 02/23/2005
A small study recently published in Gynecologic Oncology reported that radiofrequency ablation (RFA) may have the potential to improve survival in metastatic ovarian cancer. Ovarian cancer is a malignancy that arises from various different cells within the ovaries. Approximately 25,000 new cases of ovarian cancer are diagnosed in the United ...

Stress and Depression Frequent Among Women Treated for Gynecological Cancers 02/22/2005
According to the results of a study recently published in Gynecologic Oncology , women with gynecologic cancer often experience emotional stress and depression after losing their fertility from cancer treatment. Gynecologic cancers are malignancies that involve any part of the female reproductive organs. Unfortunately many of the areas affected, such ...

Interval Between Surgery and Chemotherapy Does not Affect Survival in Women with Advanced Ovarian Cancer 02/18/2005
According to the results of a recent study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, the time between surgery and the start of chemotherapy with a taxane-based chemotherapy has no predictive value regarding prognosis or survival for women with advanced epithelial cancer. Ovarian cancer is a malignancy that arises from ...

New Test May Predict Poor Survival for Patients with Ovarian Cancer 02/17/2005
A recent article in the journal Gynecologic Oncology reports that a new test that examines insulin-like growth factor (IGF-2) may predict poor survival for patients with epithelial ovarian cancer. Patients with high levels of IGF-2 may wish to undergo more aggressive treatment strategies than their counterparts. Ovarian cancer is a ...

Addition of Radiation to Chemotherapy Shows Promise in Ovarian Cancer 02/04/2005
A recent study in the journal Gynecologic Oncology reports that for patients with epithelial ovarian cancer, radiation to the abdomen and pelvis may be useful in conjunction with chemotherapy. Ovarian cancer is a malignancy that arises from various different cells within the ovaries. Ovarian cancer accounts for 4% of cancers ...

Combination Chemotherapy for Recurrent Ovarian Cancer Shows Promise 02/02/2005
A recent article in the Annals of Oncology reports that women with ovarian cancer who have received multiple chemotherapy regimens may benefit from chemotherapy with Doxil ® (pegylated liposomal doxorubicin) and Navelbine® (vinorelbine). Ovarian cancer is a malignancy that arises from various different cells within the ovaries. Approximately 25,000 new ...

Identification of Bcl-xL Protein May Predict Chemo-resistance in Patients with Ovarian Cancer 02/02/2005
According to the results of a study recently published in Gynecologic Oncology, a protein known as Bcl-xL plays an important role in predicting the success of chemotherapy in women diagnosed with epithelial ovarian cancer. Ovarian cancer is a malignancy that arises from various different cells within the ovaries. Approximately 25,000 ...

Ovarian Cancer Deaths Decline among European Women 01/27/2005
A recent article in the International Journal of Cancer reports that among European women, the death rates from ovarian cancer are declining. Ovarian cancer is a malignancy that arises from various different cells within the ovaries. The average lifetime risk for developing ovarian cancer is about 2%. Risk factors that ...

Risk-Reducing Surgery Shows Promise in Detecting Ovarian Cancer 01/18/2005
The results of a study recently published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology indicate that a rigorous standard of surgery and tissue examination might increase the detection of ovarian cancer in women who have genetic mutations of the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes. BRCA1 and BRCA 2 are genes formally known ...

Additional Surgery Does Not Improve Survival For Women With Advanced Ovarian Cancer 01/13/2005
A recent article in the New England Journal of Medicine reports that for patients with advanced ovarian carcinoma, surgery following postoperative chemotherapy does not improve overall survival or progression-free survival. Ovarian cancer is a malignancy that arises from various different cells within the ovaries. Ovarian cancer accounts for 4 percent ...

Hormone Therapy May Increase the Risk of Ovarian Cancer 01/10/2005
A recent article in the Archives of Internal Medicine reports that oral hormone therapy is associated with the risk of ovarian cancer in women who have not undergone a hysterectomy. Ovarian cancer is a malignancy that arises from various different cells within the ovaries. Approximately 25,000 new cases of ovarian ...

New Chemotherapy Regimen Options for Women with Newly Diagnosed Ovarian Cancer 12/20/2004
A recent study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute reports that combined chemotherapy with docetaxel and carboplatin appears to be a viable option for women newly diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Ovarian cancer is a malignancy that arises from various different cells within the ovaries. Approximately 25,000 new ...

Genetic Expression Helps Determine Outcomes of Ovarian Cancer Patients 12/09/2004
According to a recent article published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, expression of genetic components from cancer cells in women with advanced ovarian cancer help predict outcomes to standard therapy and may ultimately guide treatment decisions for these patients. Ovarian cancer is a malignancy that arises from various different ...

Interleukin-2 Plus Retinoic Acid May Improve Outcomes for Recurrent Ovarian Cancer 12/03/2004
At a recent meeting of the European Society for Medical Oncology Congress, researchers reported that treatment consisting of the biologic agents interleukin-2 (IL-2) plus retinoic acid may improve survival for patients with recurrent ovarian cancer. Ovarian cancer is a malignancy that arises from various different cells within the ovaries. Ovarian ...

Doxil® Superior to Topotecan in Recurrent Ovarian Cancer 11/30/2004
A recent phase III study indicates that for patients with recurrent epithelial ovarian cancer, treatment with pegylated liposomal doxorubicin (PLD, Doxil®) significantly prolongs survival when compared to treatment with the drug topotecan. Ovarian cancer is a malignancy that arises from various different cells located within the ovaries. Ovarian cancer accounts ...

Quality of Life Improved With Chemotherapy for Advanced Ovarian Cancer 11/18/2004
Results of a recent study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology indicate that treatment with either cisplatin and paclitaxel or cyclophosphamide and cisplatin had little impact on overall quality of life for patients with ovarian cancer. Ovarian cancer is a malignancy that arises from various different cells within the ...

Chemotherapy Improves Survival in Women with Stage I Ovarian Cancer 10/18/2004
The results of a recent review published in the journal Cancer indicate that adjuvant treatment with platinum-based chemotherapy produces improved survival and reduced risk of recurrence in women with stage I ovarian cancer compared to surgery alone. Ovarian cancer is a malignancy that arises from various different cells within the ...

New Marker May Detect Early Stage Ovarian Cancer 09/28/2004
Results from a recent study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology indicate that a new blood marker, YKL-40, may detect early stages of ovarian cancer with improved accuracy over the standard markers. Ovarian cancer is a malignancy that arises from various different cells within the ovaries. Approximately 25,000 new ...

Blood Test Predicts Ovarian Cancer Outcomes 09/27/2004
A recent study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology reveals that the CA-125 blood test provides more accurate information on the prognosis of ovarian cancer than results from scans or ultrasound following chemotherapy for progressive disease. Ovarian cancer is a malignancy that arises from various different cells within the ...

Combined Use of Ovarian Markers Helps Detect Early Stage Ovarian Cancer 09/23/2004
The Journal of Clinical Oncology recently reported the results of a study which found that combining the results of several different types of tumor markers in ovarian cancer increases the sensitivity of detecting early stage ovarian cancer. Ovarian cancer is a malignancy that arises from various different cells within the ...

OvaRex® May Improve Time to Relapse in Some Patients with Advanced Ovarian Cancer 09/16/2004
The results of a recent study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology indicate that women diagnosed with stages III and IV ovarian cancer with specific prognostic factors may experience a significantly improved period of time to relapse when treated with the immunotherapy agent OvaRex® (oregovomab) following chemotherapy, compared ...

Risk of Ovarian Cancer Increased With Diesel Fuel Exposure 08/23/2004
The results of a recent study published in the International Journal of Cancer indicate that exposure to diesel fuel may increase the risk of ovarian cancer. Ovarian cancer is a malignancy that arises from various different cells within the ovaries. Ovarian cancer is a malignancy that arises from various different ...

Biological Characteristics Affect Outcome in Early Stage Ovarian Cancer 05/07/2004
According to a recent article published in the International Journal of Gynecologic Oncology, biological characteristics of a cancer, such as p53 status and EGFR status affect the outcomes of early stage ovarian cancer. Ovarian cancer is associated with a high death rate, primarily because it is typically diagnosed after the ...

OvaRex® Extends Duration of Time to a Cancer Recurrence in Ovarian Cancer 03/19/2004
According to recent results presented at the annual meeting of the American Society of Gynecologic Oncologists, the monoclonal antibody OvaRex® (oregovomab) extends the time to a cancer recurrence when used as consolidation therapy in advanced ovarian cancer. Ovarian cancer is a common malignancy, with about 25,000 new cases diagnosed ...

Telcyta™ Promising in Refractory Ovarian Cancer 03/19/2004
According to results presented at the 2004 annual meeting of the American Society of Gynecologic Oncologists, the novel agent Telcyta™ (TLK286) as a single agent appears to produce anti-cancer responses and stabilize cancer progression in patients with ovarian cancer that has stopped responding to standard chemotherapy. 1 Ovarian ...

Telcyta™ Produces Responses in Refractory Ovarian Cancer 12/01/2003
According to results presented at the American Association for Cancer Research – National Cancer Institute – European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutic Conference, the agent Telcyta™ (TLK286) plus Paraplatin® (carboplatin) produces significant responses in women with ovarian cancer that has stopped ...

Updated Results Confirm Doxil® Superior to Topotecan in Recurrent Ovarian Cancer 10/16/2003
According to results recently presented at the 2003 European Conference on Clinical Oncology (ECCO), updated results indicate that Doxil® confers a significant survival benefit over topotecan in the treatment of recurrent ovarian cancer. 1 Ovarian cancer is a common malignancy occurring in women in the United States, with ...

Doxil® Plus Navelbine® Effective for Refractory Ovarian Cancer 10/01/2003
According to a recent article published in the Annals of Oncology, the chemotherapy combination consisting of Doxil® and Navelbine® provides anti-cancer activity in patients with refractory ovarian cancer. The ovaries are two female organs located at either side of the pelvis. They are responsible for storing all ...

Trabectedin Produces Anti-Cancer Responses in Refractory/Recurrent Ovarian Cancer 09/10/2003
According to results presented at the European Society for Medical Oncology summer educational conference, a novel compound called trabectedin (ET 743) produces anti-cancer responses in some patients with refractory and recurrent ovarian cancer. Ovarian cancer is a common malignancy occurring in women in the United States, with about 25,000 ...

Prolonged Taxol® Delays Time to Cancer Progression but with Significant Toxicity in Ovarian Cancer 07/21/2003
According to results published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, 12 months of maintenance therapy with paclitaxel (Taxol®) delays time to cancer progression, compared to 3 months of paclitaxel in patients with advanced ovarian cancer. However, patients treated with additional paclitaxel experience more side effects and no overall ...

Gemzar®/Paclitaxel/Paraplatin® Active in Ovarian Cancer 07/08/2003
According to results presented at the 2003 annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology, the chemotherapy combination consisting of Gemzar® (gemcitabine), paclitaxel (Taxol®) and Paraplatin® (carboplatin) is active in the treatment of ovarian cancer. Ovarian cancer is a common malignancy, with about 25,000 new cases ...

Combined Intravenous and Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy Appears Promising for Ovarian Cancer 04/16/2003
According to a recent article published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, the combination of intravenous and intraperitoneal chemotherapy results in impressive 2-year survival rates in patients with stage III ovarian cancer. Patients diagnosed with stage III ovarian cancer have cancer that has spread from the ovaries and pelvic ...

Adjuvant Chemotherapy Should be Considered for Patients with Early-Stage Ovarian Cancer 04/03/2003
According to an article published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, patients with early-stage ovarian cancer have improved recurrence-free survival following adjuvant platinum-based chemotherapy. The ovaries are two organs located on either side of the uterus. The ovaries contain eggs that are released monthly, known as ...

Xyotax™ A New Form of Paclitaxel Appears as Effective with Fewer Side Effects 03/11/2003
According to results presented at the EORTC-NCI-AACR symposium on molecular targets and cancer therapeutics, a new form of paclitaxel called Xyotax™ (CT-2103) appears to be just as effective as paclitaxel while producing fewer side effect.1 Paclitaxel (Taxol®) is the most commonly used chemotherapy agent in the world. However, some ...

Doxil®-Based Treatment for Ovarian Cancer 03/03/2003
According to results of recent clinical trials, Doxil® produces anti-cancer responses in patients with ovarian cancer that has stopped responding to standard chemotherapy agents. The ovaries are two female organs that produce eggs necessary for reproduction. Ovaries are located deep in the pelvis on either side of ...

Taxotere® A New Treatment Option for Selected Patients with Ovarian and Peritoneal Cancer 02/24/2003
According to a recent article published in Gynecologic Oncology, the chemotherapy agent Taxotere® (docetaxel) achieves anti-cancer responses in patients with ovarian and peritoneal cancer that has stopped responding to the standard chemotherapy agents paclitaxel (Taxol®) and platinum agents (Paraplatin® or Platinol®). Ovarian cancer is a common malignancy ...

OvaRex® Improves Survival in Some Patients with Recurrent Ovarian Cancer 02/07/2003
According to results presented at the 2003 annual meeting of the Society of Gynecologic Oncology, the addition of the monoclonal antibody OvaRex® (oregovamab) to chemotherapy significantly improves survival in patients with recurrent ovarian cancer who demonstrate an immune response to the therapy. OvaRex® is presently in the final ...

Gemzar® may Reduce Platinum Resistance in Recurrent Ovarian Cancer 01/27/2003
According to results from two recent articles published in Gynecologic Oncology, the combination of the chemotherapy agents Gemzar® (gemcitabine) and Platinol® (cisplatin) appears active in patients with recurrent ovarian cancer who have stopped responding to either agent alone. Ovarian cancer is a common malignancy occurring in ...

Doxil®: Improved Therapeutic Profile and More Cost Effective than Hycamptin® in Ovarian Cancer 11/21/2002
According to a recent article published in the Annals of Oncology, Doxil® is more convenient and drastically reduces medical costs while maintaining effectiveness compared to Hycamptin® (topotecan) for the treatment of recurrent ovarian cancer 1. Ovarian cancer that has stopped responding to previous therapies is difficult to treat. ...

Paclitaxel/Platinol® Superior to Cyclophosphamide/Platinol® for Advanced Ovarian Cancer 11/04/2002
According to results presented at the 27th Annual Meeting of the European Society for Medical Oncology, women with advanced ovarian cancer achieve superior long-term survival when treated with the chemotherapy combination consisting of paclitaxel and Platinol® compared to cyclophosphamide and Platinol®. Ovarian cancer is a common malignancy, with about ...

New Biomarker May be More Effective than CA 125 in Monitoring Treatment Responses in Ovarian Cancer 10/03/2002
According to a recent article published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the biomarker N-acetylglucosamine:beta 1,4 galactosyltransferase (B1,4-galactosyltransferase) may be more accurate than CA 125 in detecting response to therapy in patients with ovarian cancer. Ovarian cancer is a common malignancy, with about 25,000 new cases ...

Insulin-Like Growth Factor Associated with Significantly Increased Risk of Ovarian Cancer in Women Under 55 09/05/2002
According to a recent article published in the International Journal of Cancer, high levels of circulating insulin-like growth factor appear to be a strong indicator of an increased risk of the development of ovarian cancer in women under 55 years. Ovarian cancer is a common malignancy, with about ...

Being Overweight Increases Risk of Premenopausal Ovarian and Colon Cancers 08/13/2002
According to two recent articles published in the medical journals Obstetrics and Gynecology and Gut, obesity increases the risk of women developing premenopausal ovarian and colon cancers. In the first study, published in Obstetrics and Gynecology, researchers from Harvard analyzed data from over 109,000 adult females. Of these ...

Femara® may Produce Responses in Hormone-Positive Ovarian Cancer 07/31/2002
According to a recent article published in Clinical Cancer Research, Femara® (letrozole) appears to stabilize recurrent ovarian cancer that is estrogen and/or progesterone-positive. Ovarian cancer is a common malignancy occurring in women in the United States, with about 25,000 new cases diagnosed each year. The ovary makes female hormones ...

Hormone Replacement Therapy Appears to Increase Risk of Ovarian Cancer 07/17/2002
According to a recent article published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, women treated with some forms of hormone replacement therapy may be at a higher risk for developing ovarian cancer, particularly long-term use of estrogen only. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is typically prescribed for women ...

Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy May Slow Disease Progression in Stage III Ovarian Cancer 06/03/2002
According to results recently presented at the 38th Annual Meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology, chemotherapy delivered into the abdomen may delay cancer progression in some patients with stage III ovarian cancer. Ovarian cancer is a common malignancy, with about 25,000 new cases diagnosed each year in ...

Taxotere®/Carboplatin Maintains Effectiveness with Fewer Side Effects Compared to Standard Chemotherapy in Ovarian Cancer 05/30/2002
According to results presented at the 38th annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology, the chemotherapy combination Taxotere® (doxetaxel) and Paraplatin® (carboplatin) appears to maintain effectiveness while reducing side effects compared to paclitaxel (Taxol®) and Paraplatin® in the treatment of ovarian cancer. Ovarian cancer is ...

Preventive Surgery May Drastically Reduce Breast and Ovarian Cancer in Some High-Risk Women 05/23/2002
According to results recently presented at the 38th annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology, the surgical removal of a woman’s ovaries and fallopian tubes appears to drastically reduce the incidence of breast and ovarian cancer in BRCA1 or BRCA2 carriers. If a woman has certain ...

White House Commission on Complementary and Alternative Medicine Policy Releases Final Report 05/14/2002
The White House Commission on Complementary and Alternative Medicine Policy (WHCCAMP) has submitted its final report, which contains administrative and legislative recommendations for maximizing the benefits of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) to all Americans. The Commission was developed in March 2000 to address growing public interest in ...

U.S. House of Representatives Passes Hematological Cancer Research Investment and Education Act 05/13/2002
The U.S. House of Representatives recently passed the Hematological Cancer Research Investment and Education Act in conjunction with Blood Cancer Advocacy Day. The Hematological Cancer Research Investment and Education Act will amend the Public Health Service Act to provide research, information and education about blood cancers. Blood cancers include ...

Physical Condition, Not Age, Should Determine Suitability for Chemotherapy in Recurrent Ovarian Cancer 04/23/2002
According to a recent article published in the journal Cancer, performance status, not age, should determine a patient’s suitability for chemotherapy in recurrent ovarian cancer. Ovarian cancer is a common malignancy, with about 25,000 new cases diagnosed each year in the United States. The ovary makes female hormones ...

Some Hormone Replacement Therapies May Increase Risk of Ovarian Cancer 04/12/2002
According to a recent article published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, women treated with some forms of hormone replacement therapy may be at a higher risk for ovarian cancer. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is typically prescribed for women during menopause. Menopause is a natural phase of ...

Gemzar® Is Active in Patients with Refractory Ovarian Cancer 03/27/2002
According to results presented at the America Society of Clinical Oncology, Gemzar® used as a single agent appears to produce significant activity and may prolong survival in patients with ovarian cancer who have stopped responding to standard therapies. Ovarian cancer is a common malignancy occurring in women in the ...

OvaRex® Promising for Recurrent Ovarian Cancer 03/22/2002
According to proceedings from the annual meeting of the Society of Gynecologic Oncologists (SGO), the combination of OvaRex® plus chemotherapy may significantly improve survival in patients with recurrent ovarian cancer. Ovarian cancer is a common malignancy occurring in women in the United States, with about 25,000 new cases diagnosed ...

Platinol® and Etoposide May Benefit Some Patients with Recurrent Ovarian Cancer 03/15/2002
According to a recent study published in the British Journal of Cancer, evidence suggests that treatment with Platinol® and etoposide may benefit patients with relapsed ovarian cancer previously treated with platinum therapy. Ovarian cancer is a common malignancy occurring in women in the United States, with about 25,000 new ...

New Screening Tool for Ovarian Cancer May Be on the Horizon 03/05/2002
According to an article recently published in The Lancet, preliminary evidence suggests that a protein pattern that can be detected from a small blood sample may have been identified and may one day be an effective screening tool for ovarian cancer. Ovarian cancer is a common malignancy, with about ...

Survival Increased when Advanced Ovarian Cancer Treated by Gynecologic Oncologists 03/05/2002
According to a recent article published in Gynecologic Oncology, treatment by gynecologic oncologists may increase survival duration in women with advanced ovarian cancer. Ovarian cancer is a common malignancy occurring in women in the United States, with about 25,000 new cases diagnosed each year. The ovary makes female hormones ...

Radiation Therapy Relieves Symptoms in Women with Recurrent Ovarian Cancer that No Longer Responds to Chemotherapy 02/26/2002
The use of high-dose radiation therapy, delivered to the abdominal area, may help relieve pain for women who have ovarian cancer that recurs after treatment and no longer responds to the standard platinum-based chemotherapy regimens. Pittsburgh researchers recently reported that such therapy may alleviate pain and other symptoms ...

Topotecan Confirmed Effective for Platinum-Sensitive Recurrent Ovarian Cancer 02/26/2002
Women who have advanced cancer of the ovary are often treated with surgery, followed by a chemotherapy combination that includes the drug, cisplatin. Now, U.S. researchers confirm previous findings that the agent, topotecan, is active against ovarian cancer that recurs (returns) 6 months or more after treatment. Cancer of ...

Repeat Surgery May Increase Survival Time for Women with Recurrent Ovarian Cancer 02/26/2002
Women who have cancer of the ovary are usually treated initially with surgery, followed by chemotherapy or radiation therapy. If the cancer recurs (comes back) after treatment, a combination of chemotherapy drugs is often used to increase survival time and relieve the symptoms of the cancer. Now, researchers ...

High-Dose Chemotherapy with Topotecan for Treatment of Ovarian CancerHigh-Dose Chemotherapy with Topotecan for Treatment of Ovarian Cancer 02/26/2002
Patients with ovarian cancer who fail initial treatment are rarely cured of their disease. Physicians are focused on developing new, more promising treatment strategies for patients with advanced ovarian cancer. Topotecan is a promising chemotherapy agent that has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for treatment ...

Risk Factors for Ovarian Cancer Identified in an Italian Population 02/26/2002
More than 50% of cases of ovarian cancer in 1 group of Italian women were attributable to 6 risk factors, say Italian researchers. This finding contributes to a growing understanding of what causes ovarian cancer and will help to better focus and develop more effective strategies for its ...

Prostasin Identified as Potential Marker for Early-Stage Ovarian Cancer 02/26/2002
Results recently published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute indicate that the protein prostasin may serve as an effective screening marker for ovarian cancer, particularly when combined with CA 125. Ovarian cancer is the most lethal gynecological cancer and is the fifth leading cause of cancer death ...

Oral Contraceptives Do Not Reduce Risk of Ovarian Cancer for Women Who Carry BRCA1 or BRCA2 Mutations 02/26/2002
Contrary to popular belief, the use of oral contraceptives does not reduce the risk of ovarian cancer among women who carry the BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation, according to a study recently published in the New England Journal of Medicine. Ovarian cancer is a common malignancy, with about 25,000 ...

Tubal Ligation May Reduce the Risk of Ovarian Cancer 02/26/2002
Tubal ligation may reduce the risk of ovarian cancer in women with BRCA1 mutations, according to the results of a study recently published in The Lancet. Ovarian cancer is a common malignancy, with about 25,000 new cases diagnosed in the United States each year. Individuals with mutations in the ...

Aspirin May Reduce the Risk of Ovarian Cancer 02/26/2002
Women who regularly take aspirin may have a reduced risk of ovarian cancer, according to study results recently presented at the 32nd Annual Meeting of the Society of Gynecologic Oncologists. Ovarian cancer is a common malignancy, with about 25,000 new cases diagnosed in the United States each year. Ovarian ...

Progestin in Oral Contraceptives Offers Protection Against Ovarian Cancer 02/26/2002
Progestin content in oral contraceptives appears to offer a protective effect against ovarian cancer, with higher levels of progestin resulting in higher levels of protection, according to the results of a study recently presented at the 32nd Annual Meeting of the Society of Gynecologic Oncologists. Ovarian cancer is a ...

Long-term Use of Estrogen Replacement Therapy Could Increase Risk of Ovarian Cancer 02/26/2002
Postmenopausal women who have used estrogen replacement therapy (ERT) for more than 10 years could be at an increased risk of dying from ovarian cancer, according to the results of a study recently published in the Journal of the American Medical Association. Currently, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is commonly ...

Blood Test May Help Diagnose Ovarian Cysts 02/26/2002
Measuring the levels of a specific protein found in a patient’s blood or biopsy sample might help determine the diagnosis and prognosis of ovarian cysts (growths), according to a recent study published in the journal Cancer. These results appear to be valuable in determining whether a cyst is ...

Study Suggests Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer Exist in Patients Prior to Diagnosis 02/26/2002
In order to produce the optimal chance of achieving a cure in patients with ovarian cancer, it is essential that the cancer is diagnosed and treated as early as possible. Unfortunately, due to a lack of definitive symptoms, the majority of women with ovarian cancer are not diagnosed ...

Transvaginal Ultrasound Detects Early Ovarian Cancer and May Improve the Chance for Cure 02/26/2002
Transvaginal ultrasound is effective in the detection of ovarian cancer and should be a routine test as part of annual examinations for women, report the Society of Gynecological Oncologist researchers. Every woman 50 years or older or age 30 with a family history of ovarian cancer is at ...

Preventative Surgical Removal of the Ovaries (Oopherectomy) may Prevent Ovarian Cancer in High-Risk Persons 02/26/2002
Women who have a family history of ovarian cancer have an increased risk of developing ovarian cancer themselves. In addition to family history, genetic testing can also aid in determining a woman’s risk of developing ovarian cancer by testing for a mutation (alteration) in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 ...

Ovarian Transplantation into Forearm May Preserve Endocrine Function and Fertility 02/26/2002
A new procedure involving the permanent placement of a section (cortical strip) from a patient’s ovaries into her forearm may preserve fertility and normal ovarian function in pre-menopausal women who are treated with radiation to the pelvic area or undergo the removal of their ovaries, according to preliminary ...

Taxotere®/Carboplatin As Effective but Less Toxic Than Paclitaxel/Carboplatin for Ovarian Cancer 02/26/2002
Results from a recent multi-center clinical trial indicate that Taxotere® plus carboplatin is just as effective as standard chemotherapy for ovarian cancer with less severe side effects, as reported at the 37th Annual Meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology. Ovarian cancer is a common malignancy occurring in ...

Bone Marrow Test May Help Determine Treatment Options for Ovarian Cancer Patients 02/26/2002
A new bone marrow test for patients diagnosed with ovarian cancer may help determine which patients are at the greatest risk for a cancer recurrence. This may help to more appropriately define initial treatment regimens, according to a recent article published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology. Ovarian ...

Radiation Therapy, Given after Surgery and Chemotherapy, May Help Prevent Recurrences in Women with Advanced Ovarian Cancer 02/26/2002
The use of radiation therapy, delivered to the abdomen and pelvic areas, may help prevent cancer recurrences in women who achieve a complete remission after surgery and chemotherapy for ovarian cancer. Such therapy may be of particular benefit to those with advanced disease, according to a recent report ...

The Combination of Carboplatin and Paclitaxel Represents a Less Toxic Treatment Approach for Women with Ovarian Carcinoma 02/26/2002
The chemotherapy drug cisplatin, while the mainstay of treatment for ovarian carcinoma, is associated with significant chemotherapy side effects including nausea, vomiting, and nerve damage which may be long-standing. In the absence of evidence showing similar outcomes when treating women with ovarian cancer, cisplatin and paclitaxel have remained ...

Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy Prolongs Survival in Stage III Ovarian Cancer 02/26/2002
According to results recently published in Cancer, neoadjuvant chemotherapy appears to substantially prolong survival of stage III ovarian cancer patients with a poor prognosis. Patients who have stage III ovarian cancer have cancer that has progressed from the ovaries and pelvic organs into the upper abdomen or lymph nodes, ...

Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy May Allow More Optimal Treatment of Patients with Ovarian Cancer 02/26/2002
Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (treatment prior to surgery) may allow some patients with inoperable advanced ovarian cancer to undergo surgical removal of their cancer, according to a recent article in the journal Cancer. Ovarian cancer is a common malignancy occurring in women in the United States, with about 25,000 new cases ...

OSI-774 Shows Promise in Advanced Ovarian Cancer 02/26/2002
A novel agent called OSI-774 has shown promise in the treatment of patients with advanced ovarian cancer that has stopped responding to standard therapies, according to results recently reported at the 37th Annual Meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology. Ovarian cancer is a common malignancy occurring in ...

A New Treatment Combination Improves Responses in Ovarian Cancer Patients 02/26/2002
A new treatment combination consisting of 3 chemotherapy agents administered in a staggered time arrangement appears to improve anti-cancer responses in patients with advanced ovarian cancer, according to a recent article published in Journal of Oncology. Ovarian cancer is a common malignancy occurring in women in the United States, ...

Gene Therapy Produces Survival Benefit in Select Patients with Advanced Ovarian Cancer 02/26/2002
Every human being inherits their traits from their parents. Genes are chemical molecules that are responsible for transferring these traits from parents to offspring. Genes contain all of the information needed by every cell in the human body for maintenance and growth. Cancer often develops when an abnormal ...

Stem Cell Transplantation is Beneficial for Patients with Advanced Ovarian Cancer 02/26/2002
According to a recent study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, high-dose chemotherapy followed by an autologous stem cell transplant may prolong survival in women with advanced ovarian cancer. Women who have advanced ovarian cancer are often treated with surgery followed by combination chemotherapy consisting of paclitaxel ...

Carboplatin Represents an Effective and Less Toxic Treatment Approach for Women with Ovarian Cancer 02/26/2002
Women who have advanced cancer of the ovary are often treated with surgery, followed by a chemotherapy combination that includes the drug cisplatin. However, cisplatin is associated with significant side effects including nausea, vomiting, and nerve damage that may be long standing. If side effects become too severe, ...

Paclitaxel and Platinum Remains Standard Chemotherapy for Initial Treatment of Advanced Ovarian Cancer 02/26/2002
Women who have advanced cancer of the ovary are commonly treated with surgery, followed by a chemotherapy combination, often cisplatin and cyclophosphamide. However, according to European researchers, cisplatin and paclitaxel has been shown to be more effective and should be considered the new standard therapy for advanced ovarian ...

Clinical Trial Establishes Doxil® as Preferred Treatment for Patients with Recurrent Ovarian Cancer 02/26/2002
Women who have advanced cancer of the ovary are often treated with surgery, followed by treatment that includes paclitaxel and platinum, a chemotherapy combination. For persons with ovarian cancer that recurs after such treatment, both topotecan and Doxil® chemotherapy have been shown to be effective in producing responses ...

Cisplatin and Topotecan Combo Is Effective as Initial Treatment for Advanced Ovarian Cancer 02/26/2002
Women who have advanced cancer of the ovary are often treated with surgery, followed by a chemotherapy combination that includes the drug cisplatin. Previous studies have shown that cisplatin combined with a new drug, topotecan, is effective against ovarian cancer that recurs (returns) 6 months or more after ...

Interferon-Gamma Given with Initial Chemotherapy Prolongs Survival for Persons with Advanced Ovarian Cancer 02/26/2002
Women who have cancer of the ovary are usually treated initially with surgery, followed by chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Researchers from Austria now report that the use of a combination of chemotherapy and a biologic therapy, called interferon-gamma, injected directly into the abdominal cavity may prolong the survival ...

More Aggressive Chemotherapy Programs Developed for Treatment of Patients with Ovarian Cancer 02/26/2002
Standard first-line treatment of advanced ovarian cancer utilizes a platinum chemotherapy drug such as cisplatin and paclitaxel. Unfortunately, the majority of patients experience cancer recurrence with this "standard therapy". In an effort to improve the treatment of ovarian cancer, clinical trials are being carried out which incorporate new ...

High-Dose Chemotherapy and Autologous Stem Cell Transplant as Treatment for Ovarian Cancer 02/26/2002
High-dose chemotherapy and autologous stem cell transplantation is a treatment strategy that utilizes the administration of high doses of anti-cancer drugs for the purpose of killing cancer cells and infusion of stem cells to restore bone marrow blood cell production. It is important to understand that high-dose chemotherapy ...

A Novel Three-Drug Chemotherapy Combination is Evaluated for First-Line Treatment of Ovarian Cancer 02/26/2002
Patients with advanced ovarian cancer are routinely treated with combination chemotherapy using a platinum compound and paclitaxel. Recent clinical trials support carboplatin substitution for cisplatin in combination with paclitaxel. Carboplatin has fewer side effects, but does not significantly improve a patient’s chance of survival. In order to improve upon ...

Combination Chemotherapy Utilizing Paclitaxel will become the New Standard Treatment for Ovarian Cancer. 02/26/2002
Combination chemotherapy utilizing an alkylating agent and cisplatin has been considered the standard treatment approach for women with advanced ovarian cancer. Recently, a new chemotherapy agent, paclitaxel, has shown promising anti-cancer activity in the treatment of patients with advanced ovarian cancer. In order to evaluate whether paclitaxel could ...

Interval Debulking Surgery Appears to Improve Outcome in Women with Ovarian Cancer 02/26/2002
Debulking surgery is a procedure where physicians attempt to surgically remove as much cancer as possible. Debulking surgery may be beneficial because it can reduce the number of cancer cells that ultimately need to be destroyed by chemotherapy and, therefore, diminish the likelihood of cancers developing a resistance ...

Doxil® Effective and Convenient for Recurrent Ovarian Cancer 02/26/2002
Results from a recent clinical trial confirm previous findings 1 that the chemotherapy agent Doxil® is just as effective as topotecan with fewer side effects and more convenience for the treatment of recurrent ovarian cancer, according to recent results published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology. Ovarian cancer is ...

New Monoclonal Antibody Therapy Promising for Treatment of Ovarian Cancer 02/26/2002
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recently granted “fast track” status to OvaRex®, a monoclonal antibody designed to treat recurrent ovarian cancer. Ovarian cancer is a common malignancy occurring in women in the United States, with about 25,000 new cases diagnosed each year. The ovary makes female hormones ...

A New Drug, Doxil®, Shows Activity in Patients with Advanced Ovarian Cancer 02/26/2002
Treatment for advanced ovarian cancer usually consists of surgery followed by a combination of chemotherapy agents including paclitaxel and a platinum-based compound. However, some women experience a return of cancer following initial treatment. A chemotherapy drug called Doxorubicin has shown to be effective in producing responses and prolonging ...