When ovarian cancer comes back, there are several treatment options available. The right approach depends on a few key factors:
- How well previous treatments worked
- How long it's been since the last treatment
- What side effects were experienced before
- How much the cancer has spread Chemotherapy
If the cancer returned Show Full Answer
When ovarian cancer comes back, there are several treatment options available. The right approach depends on a few key factors:
- How well previous treatments worked
- How long it's been since the last treatment
- What side effects were experienced before
- How much the cancer has spread Chemotherapy
If the cancer returned more than 6 months after treatment, it's called "platinum-sensitive," meaning platinum-based drugs like carboplatin are likely to work again.
If it returned within 6 months, it's called "platinum-resistant," and different drugs may be used, such as:
- Paclitaxel
- Pegylated liposomal doxorubicin
- Gemcitabine
- Topotecan Targeted Therapy
Several targeted therapy options exist for recurrent ovarian cancer, including:
- Bevacizumab – stops tumors from growing new blood vessels
- PARP inhibitors like olaparib, niraparib, and rucaparib – make it harder for cancer cells to repair themselves
- Mirvetuximab soravtansine-gynx (Elahere) – approved in 2024 for platinum-resistant epithelial ovarian cancer
- Avutometinib + defactinib (Avmapki Fakzynja Co-Pack) – approved in 2025 specifically for recurrent KRAS-mutated low-grade serous ovarian cancer Surgery
Debulking surgery may be an option to remove as much cancer as possible, depending on overall health and how much cancer can realistically be removed.
Immunotherapy
If the tumor tests positive for a protein called PD-L1 and platinum-based chemo hasn't worked, pembrolizumab may be an option worth discussing with an oncologist.
Palliative Care
Palliative care can be used alongside any other treatment at any stage. It focuses on reducing symptoms like pain and improving quality of life — it's not the same as end-of-life care.
The goals for treating recurrent ovarian cancer are typically to slow or stop cancer growth, reduce symptoms, and maintain the best quality of life possible. Always work closely with an oncology team to find the most suitable plan.
September 7
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