Maintenance chemotherapy in the management of epithelial ovarian cancer

Cancer Metastasis Rev. 2015 Mar;34(1):11-7. doi: 10.1007/s10555-014-9537-x.

Abstract

The fundamental goal of maintenance therapy of cancer is to extend a clinically meaningful survival endpoint (overall, symptom-free, progression-free) while at the same time not substantially interfering with a patient's quality of life. Several phase 3 randomized trials in ovarian cancer involving different anti-neoplastics (e.g., paclitaxel, anti-angiogenic agents, olaparib) have revealed an improvement in progression-free survival with generally acceptable side effect profiles, and as a result represent in appropriately selected patients a rational therapeutic strategy.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Angiogenesis Inhibitors / therapeutic use
  • Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Disease-Free Survival
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Maintenance Chemotherapy / methods*
  • Neoplasms, Glandular and Epithelial / drug therapy*
  • Ovarian Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Paclitaxel / therapeutic use
  • Phthalazines / therapeutic use
  • Piperazines / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Angiogenesis Inhibitors
  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Phthalazines
  • Piperazines
  • Paclitaxel
  • olaparib