How can targeted therapy treat ovarian cancer

Ovarian cancer is one of the most challenging cancers to treat, but advances in medicine are creating new hope. One of the most promising approaches today is called targeted therapy. Unlike traditional chemotherapy, which attacks all rapidly dividing cells (including healthy ones), targeted therapy homes in on specific molecules within cancer cells to stop the disease's growth. Here’s an overview of how targeted therapy works, what options are available, and what to consider when discussing this treatment with your medical team.

What is targeted therapy, and how does it work?

Targeted therapy involves medicines designed to block particular proteins or genes that help cancer cells grow and spread. In ovarian cancer, there are specific changes at the cellular level—known as “biomarkers”—that help certain types of cancer cells thrive. By targeting these biomarkers, the therapy works to hinder cancer progression more precisely, which may mean fewer side effects compared to chemotherapy.

One of the main types of targeted therapy used in ovarian cancer is called PARP inhibitors. PARP is a protein that helps repair damaged DNA in cells. In certain cancers, especially those with mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, blocking PARP proteins prevents the cancer cells from repairing themselves, causing them to die off. This approach has shown encouraging results in slowing down cancer growth.

Who is eligible for targeted therapy?

Whether targeted therapy is an option often depends on the specific type and stage of ovarian cancer and whether you have certain genetic mutations. For example, patients with high-grade serous ovarian cancer (the most common type of ovarian cancer) and those with BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations often benefit most from PARP inhibitors. Your oncologist may recommend a genetic test to determine if these mutations are present, as it helps decide if targeted therapy could work for you.

Patients whose cancer has returned or those whose cancer cells show resistance to standard chemotherapy may also be eligible for targeted therapy. This approach can sometimes be used as a maintenance treatment to keep the cancer in remission for longer after it has responded to chemotherapy.

What are the benefits and side effects?

While targeted therapy can be effective, it is not without potential side effects. Since PARP inhibitors affect DNA repair, they may also affect healthy cells, causing side effects such as nausea, fatigue, anaemia (low red blood cell levels), and, less commonly, an increased risk of secondary cancers. However, for many patients, these side effects are more manageable compared to traditional chemotherapy.

It's also worth noting that targeted therapy offers the benefit of precision—because it targets cancer cells more directly, it may result in a better quality of life by sparing more healthy cells. Your doctor will discuss these benefits and risks in depth to help you make an informed choice.

What should I ask my doctor?

It’s essential to have a conversation with your doctor about targeted therapy if you’re diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Key questions might include:

• Am I a candidate for targeted therapy based on my type of ovarian cancer?
• Are there genetic tests I need to confirm if targeted therapy will work for me?
• What can I expect in terms of side effects compared to chemotherapy?

How will targeted therapy fit into my overall treatment plan?

Targeted therapy is an evolving field, and its role in treating ovarian cancer is expanding. By working closely with your healthcare team, you can explore all treatment options and choose a path that aligns with your specific medical needs and personal preferences.