Dealing with a recurrence of low-grade serous ovarian cancer (LGSC) is incredibly challenging, especially after already going through a hysterectomy. The good news is that there are still several treatment options available, even for elderly patients.
Treatment choices will depend on overall health, how long it's been since Show Full Answer
Dealing with a recurrence of low-grade serous ovarian cancer (LGSC) is incredibly challenging, especially after already going through a hysterectomy. The good news is that there are still several treatment options available, even for elderly patients.
Treatment choices will depend on overall health, how long it's been since the first treatment, and how much the cancer has spread. Here's a summary of the main options:
- Surgery (debulking): If eligible, surgery to remove as much cancer as possible may still be an option, depending on general health and how much cancer can be removed
- Chemotherapy: If the cancer returned more than six months after initial treatment, platinum-based drugs like carboplatin may still be effective. If it returned sooner, other drugs like paclitaxel or gemcitabine may be used instead
- Hormone therapy: LGSC cells often have estrogen and progesterone receptors, making hormone therapies like tamoxifen or aromatase inhibitors (anastrozole or letrozole) a useful option, particularly after chemotherapy
- Targeted therapy: Bevacizumab may be used alongside chemotherapy. A newer combination drug called Avmapki Fakzynja Co-Pack (avutometinib + defactinib), approved in 2025, is specifically for recurrent KRAS-mutated LGSC
- Radiation therapy: Can help shrink tumors or manage symptoms
- Palliative/supportive care: Focuses on quality of life and symptom management — this can be used alongside any other treatment and is not just for end-of-life care
- Clinical trials: May offer access to newer treatments worth exploring For elderly patients especially, the balance between treatment effectiveness and tolerability is really important. It's worth having an open conversation with an oncologist about which options best match overall health and personal goals. A palliative care team can also work alongside the oncology team to help manage symptoms and maintain the best possible quality of life.
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