Treating Ovarian, Fallopian Tube & Primary Peritoneal Cancer
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Sign Up for FORCE NewslettersOvarian, Fallopian Tube and Primary Peritoneal Cancer Treatment
Ovarian, fallopian tube, and primary peritoneal cancers are all related and often grouped together as "ovarian cancer" because the treatment options are similar for all three. Treatment for these cancers depends on the stage and type of the disease based on pathology results. Tumor biomarker testing and genetic testing can provide additional clues about which treatments may work best for your cancer. For people with metastatic or advanced cancer, these additional tests are usually recommended.
Standard treatment may include a combination of surgery and chemotherapy. People with advanced or recurrent cancers may also be treated with immunotherapy or targeted therapy. Clinical trials may be available for any stage of cancer.
People diagnosed with ovarian, fallopian tube or primary peritoneal cancer who test positive for an inherited mutation in the genes below may have different treatment recommendations or options depending on their gene mutation.
Make sure that you receive a copy of your cancer test results, including your pathology report and your stage. Ask your doctor to explain your diagnosis, test results and treatment options in terms that you can understand. This will allow you to work with your doctor to choose the best treatment for you.
See below for more information on each of these treatment topics.
In the News
Study : More is not better: PARP dose can be safely reduced for people with ovarian cancer
Maintenance therapy with a PARP inhibitor is now the standard of care for many people with advanced or recurrent ovarian cancer. However, PARP inhibitors may have significant side effects. This study shows that reducing the...
More Information on Ovarian, Fallopian Tube and Primary Peritoneal Cancer Treatment
Stages & Subtypes
Treatment for ovarian, fallopian tube and primary peritoneal cancer depends on the stage and type based on pathology results. Learn about how doctors determine the stage and subtype of these cancers.
Standard Therapies
Standard treatment for ovarian, fallopian tube and primary peritoneal cancer may include a combination of surgery and chemotherapy.
Maintenance Therapy
Maintenance therapy may be given to some people after they complete chemotherapy treatment to decrease the chance that the cancer will come back, or to delay the cancer from coming back. Read about maintenance therapy options.
Targeted & Immunotherapies
Targeted therapies are designed to kill cancer cells, while sparing normal cells as much as possible. Immunotherapies are cancer treatments that help the body’s immune system detect and attack cancer cells.
Biomarker Testing
Tumor biomarker testing and genetic testing can provide additional clues about which treatments may work best for your cancer.
Genetic Testing for Inherited Mutations
There are national guidelines that outline who should consider genetic counseling and testing for an inherited gene mutation linked to cancer.