IGCS 2024 Ovarian Master Sessions: The Era of Targeted Therapies-Recording

Video Transcription

Video Summary

The Ovarian Cancer Master Session highlighted current advances and challenges in ovarian cancer treatment, emphasizing targeted therapies, patient experiences, and novel approaches. Patient advocate Bridget Carr shared her harrowing journey from symptom misrecognition to a stage 3c ovarian cancer diagnosis and treatment, underscoring the lasting fear of recurrence despite remission. Clinical cases illustrated the complexities of managing advanced disease, including chemotherapy, surgery, and PARP inhibitor utilization, with recognition of BRCA mutation impacts.<br /><br />Data presentation by Dr. Sundar showcased population-based survival outcomes in England and Wales, underscoring variability across cancer systems and the utility of public data transparency to improve care. Discussions on biomarker-driven therapies by Dr. Amitosa emphasized the promise of validated biomarkers, such as BRCA and homologous recombination deficiency (HRD), in tailoring treatments, while highlighting challenges due to tumor heterogeneity.<br /><br />Immunotherapy remains an area of active investigation. Though frontline immune checkpoint inhibitors have shown limited success so far, ongoing trials and engineered T-cell therapies offer potential, particularly if combined with strategies to modify the tumor microenvironment.<br /><br />The management of oligometastatic relapse was explored, with surgery and stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) providing local control options depending on disease location and patient status. Integration with systemic therapies remains crucial. Malignant bowel obstruction, a common and distressing complication, demands multidisciplinary care. Innovative ambulatory programs and personalized approaches, including symptom management, nutrition, and palliative care, can improve quality of life and outpatient management.<br /><br />Novel therapeutic horizons include antibody-drug conjugates with improved targeting, adoptive cell therapies, and small molecules addressing DNA repair deficiencies beyond BRCA mutations. Attention to equitable global access to advanced treatments was emphasized.<br /><br />Overall, the session stressed the importance of continued biomarker research, personalized treatment strategies, multidisciplinary care, and incorporating patient perspectives to improve outcomes in ovarian cancer.

Keywords

Ovarian Cancer

Targeted Therapies

Patient Experiences

Bridget Carr

Stage 3c Diagnosis

Chemotherapy

Surgery

PARP Inhibitors

BRCA Mutation

Population-Based Survival

Biomarker-Driven Therapies

Homologous Recombination Deficiency (HRD)

Immunotherapy

Oligometastatic Relapse

Malignant Bowel Obstruction