Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian Cancer: treatments, trials & survival

Ovarian cancer is often diagnosed at advanced stages. Learn about PARP inhibitors, immunotherapy research, and clinical trials offering new hope.

New Cases (2024)
19,680
5-Yr Survival
50.8%
Annual Deaths
12,740
Trend
Decreasing
See active trials

About Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian cancer is often diagnosed at advanced stages. Learn about PARP inhibitors, immunotherapy research, and clinical trials offering new hope.

According to the National Cancer Institute’s SEER database, an estimated 19,680 new cases of ovarian cancer will be diagnosed in the United States in 2024, with approximately 12,740 deaths. The overall 5-year relative survival rate is 50.8%.

Source: NCI SEER Data: 1975–2022

Treatment options

Current treatment approaches for ovarian cancer depend on the stage at diagnosis, tumor characteristics, and the patient’s overall health. The most common options include:

1
Surgery (Debulking)
2
Chemotherapy (Carboplatin + Paclitaxel)
3
PARP Inhibitors (Olaparib, Niraparib)
4
Targeted Therapy (Bevacizumab)
5
Immunotherapy (clinical trials)
6
Hormone Therapy

Treatment recommendations should always be discussed with a qualified oncologist. The options listed above are based on current clinical guidelines and may vary case by case.

Stages

Staging describes the extent of cancer in the body and is crucial for planning the most appropriate treatment:

Stage I Stage II Stage III Stage IV

Known risk factors

Understanding risk factors can support prevention and early detection. Known risk factors for this cancer include:

BRCA1/BRCA2 mutations
Family history
Age
Endometriosis
Hormone replacement therapy
Never having been pregnant

Not sure where to start?

A patient navigator familiar with ovarian cancer can help you understand your options and connect you with top US hospitals. Free & confidential.

Active clinical trials

Clinical trials offer access to cutting-edge treatments not yet widely available. The trials below are sourced in real time from ClinicalTrials.gov:

Frequently asked questions

The 5-year relative survival rate for ovarian cancer is 50.8%. When diagnosed at an early localized stage, the rate improves to 93%, highlighting the importance of early detection.
PARP inhibitors (olaparib, niraparib, rucaparib) block DNA repair in cancer cells, especially effective in BRCA-mutated ovarian cancers. They are used as maintenance therapy and have significantly improved progression-free survival.
Common symptoms include bloating, pelvic or abdominal pain, difficulty eating or feeling full quickly, and urinary changes. These symptoms are often subtle and easily attributed to other conditions.
There is no reliable screening test for ovarian cancer. CA-125 blood tests and transvaginal ultrasound may be used for high-risk women, but routine screening is not recommended for average-risk women.
You’re not alone

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