Advanced medical treatment for ovarian cancer

Advanced medical treatment for ovarian cancer uses the latest technologies and therapies in addition to conventional surgery and chemotherapy. In particular, personalized medicine and new treatment options for advanced or recurrent cancer are expected to improve the effectiveness of treatment. This section introduces the main advanced medical technologies and approaches for ovarian cancer.

1. Robot-assisted surgery (da Vinci surgery)

Abstract: Robotic-assisted surgery is a precise and minimally invasive method of removing ovarian cancer using the da Vinci system. The use of a surgical-assist robot allows surgeons to operate with greater precision and minimizes damage to the surrounding tissue.
Advantages: smaller wounds, less blood loss and faster post-operative recovery. It also reduces the risk of complications, as the tumor can be removed while protecting nerves and vital tissues.

2. Laparoscopic surgery

Summary: Laparoscopy

Laparoscopic surgery is a minimally invasive surgical procedure in which a small incision is made in the abdomen and a camera and special surgical instruments are used to remove ovarian cancer. It is particularly applicable when the cancer is detected at an early stage or when there is a low risk of recurrence.

Advantages: shorter hospital stays due to less physical strain and faster post-operative recovery. Post-operative pain and complications are also reduced, enabling an early return to daily life.

3. Molecularly labelled therapies

Abstract: Molecular targeted therapies target specific genes or proteins in cancer cells to inhibit their growth and proliferation. In ovarian cancer, PARP inhibitors (Olaparib and rucaparib) are used for patients with BRCA mutations. These drugs suppress cancer by making it impossible for cancer cells to repair their DNA.
Advantages: less impact on normal cells, more effective and fewer side effects as it targets specific molecules and genes. Particularly effective against advanced and recurrent cancers.

4. immunotherapy (immune checkpoint inhibitors)

Summary: Immunotherapy is a treatment that activates a patient’s immune system to attack cancer cells.Immune checkpoint inhibitors (e.g. pembrolizumab) prevent cancer cells from evading attacks from the immune system.They may also be used against ovarian cancer, particularly against advanced or recurrent cancers.
Advantages: effective in cases where chemotherapy is less effective or for recurrent cancer, with fewer side-effects and long-term therapeutic effects.

5. hormone therapy

Summary: Hormonal therapy may be used for some ovarian cancers because they are hormone-dependent. Drugs that suppress the action of estrogen and progesterone are used to slow the growth of the cancer.
Benefits: used as an alternative or adjunctive therapy to chemotherapy, it is less stressful on the body and can reduce cancer progression.

6. cancer genomic medicine

Abstract: Cancer genomic medicine is a method of analyzing the genetic information of a patient’s cancer cells and providing personalized treatment based on genetic mutations. In ovarian cancer, the BRCA gene and other genetic mutations are examined and the most appropriate molecularly targeted drugs and immunotherapy are selected based on this.
Advantages: the treatment is optimized according to the genetic mutation, resulting in higher therapeutic efficacy and fewer side effects.

7. Hyperthermic chemotherapy (HIPEC) for peritoneal dissemination

Abstract: For advanced ovarian cancer with peritoneal dissemination, hyperthermic chemotherapy (HIPEC) is performed after surgical removal of the tumor by injecting warmed chemotherapy drugs into the abdominal cavity. This directly attacks the remaining cancer cells.
Advantages: effectively kills cancer cells in the abdominal cavity, reducing the risk of recurrence while minimizing systemic side effects.

8. Heavy particle radiotherapy

Summary: Heavy ion beam therapy uses carbon ions, which have more powerful energy than conventional radiation, to destroy cancer cells.The radiation can be pinpointed, even when ovarian cancer has spread to the pelvis or other organs, minimising damage to normal tissue.
Advantages: by precisely focusing radiation on the tumour, it can be highly effective in cases where surgery is difficult or the tumour has recurred.

9. Proton beam therapy

Description: proton radiotherapy is a form of radiotherapy that uses protons to attack cancer cells. Compared to conventional radiotherapy, it concentrates radiation more effectively on cancer cells with less damage to normal tissue.
Advantages: effective in the treatment of advanced and recurrent ovarian cancer that is difficult to treat surgically, especially in the pelvic and abdominal cavities, and allows for precise treatment of cancers in the pelvic and abdominal cavities.

10. Nano knife (irreversible electroporation, IRE)

Description: nano knife is a treatment that delivers electrical pulses to the tumor, destroying cell membranes and killing cancer cells. It is indicated when ovarian cancer is adjacent to blood vessels or vital organs.
Advantages: safe destruction of tumors while protecting blood vessels and vital tissues, useful in cases where surgery is difficult. It is a non-invasive and less burdensome treatment for the patient.

Summary

Advanced medical treatment for ovarian cancer offers a variety of treatment options tailored to individual patients, including robot-assisted surgery, molecular targeted therapy, immunotherapy and cancer genome medicine.This enables treatment with improved efficacy and fewer side effects compared to conventional therapies.

In particular, personalized medicine based on immunotherapy and genetic analysis is advancing for advanced and recurrent cancers, making it possible to optimize treatment according to the patient’s condition. It is important to consult with a specialist and select the most appropriate treatment.

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