Larry J. Copeland, MD, professor in Obstetrics & Gynecology, College of Medicine at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center—The James, discusses the importance of germline testing in ovarian cancer.

One area that could be improved upon is increasing awareness of germline genetic mutations in ovarian cancer, says Copeland. The community, particularly patients, need to be more aware of family members who have had breast cancer and ovarian cancer. This is especially important because those with a family history of cancer are at a higher risk of developing cancer and they probably deserve more intense scrutiny as they age, concludes Copeland.

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Larry J. Copeland, MD, discusses the importance of germline testing in ovarian cancer.

Dr. Copeland on the Importance of Germline Testing in Ovarian Cancer

Larry J. Copeland, MD, professor, Obstetrics & Gynecology, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center—James, discusses the prevalence of ovarian cancer in the United States.

The prevalence trends of ovarian cancer are up, says Copeland. The prevalence trends are up, not because of the frequency of occurrence, but because patients are living longer. Additional research has the potential to exaggerate the prevalence of ovarian cancer even further.

The etiology of ovarian cancer has made it challenging to develop preventative and early detection strategies, says Copeland. Currently, tube removal is implemented as a preventative strategy.

Going forward, additional investigation is needed to understand how blood work, urine analysis, and imaging can aid in early detection of ovarian cancer, concludes Copeland.

Larry J. Copeland, MD, discusses the prevalence of ovarian cancer in the United States.

Dr. Copeland on the Prevalence of Ovarian Cancer in the United States

Larry J. Copeland, MD, professor, Obstetrics & Gynecology, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center—James, discusses the use of PARP inhibitors in ovarian cancer.

Historically, drugs are tested in the recurrent setting before they are moved up into the frontline setting, says Copeland. The same is true of the PARP inhibitors which are approved for use in the recurrent setting and have emerged in the frontline maintenance setting.

Notably, a small percent of patients who receive PARP inhibitors will develop a preleukemia-type syndrome, says Copeland. Long-term data will determine whether these drugs should continue to be used in the treatment paradigm, as was the case with melphalan, concludes Copeland.

Larry J. Copeland, MD, professor, Obstetrics & Gynecology, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center–James, discusses the use of PARP inhibitors in ovarian cancer.

Dr. Copeland on the Use of PARP Inhibitors in Ovarian Cancer

Larry J. Copeland, MD, professor, Obstetrics & Gynecology, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center—James, discusses the role of chemotherapy in ovarian cancer.

Platinum-based chemotherapy is a standard frontline therapy, says Copeland. However, there is debate as to the optimal delivery method. Intravenous, intraperitoneal, and dose-dense delivery are all potential options for patients.

Additionally, whether to use bevacizumab (Avastin) as up-front therapy or as secondary treatment remains an unanswered question, says Copeland. Moreover, PARP inhibitors have also been added to the frontline space and may complicate treatment decisions, explains Copeland. Ongoing clinical trials may help clarify the relative value of these available options, concludes Copeland.

Larry J. Copeland, MD, discusses the role of chemotherapy in ovarian cancer.

Dr. Copeland on the Role of Chemotherapy in Ovarian Cancer

Larry J. Copeland, MD, professor, Obstetrics & Gynecology, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, discusses the etiology of ovarian cancer.

It is thought that high-grade serous tumors originate from the fimbria of the fallopian tube, says Copeland. 

Historically, women at high-risk of ovarian cancer had the option of receiving tubal occlusion. Now, women could benefit from having their tubes removed entirely as a preventative strategy. Although further study is needed, the procedure could spare patients the added complications associated with getting their ovaries removed as well, concludes Copeland.

Larry J. Copeland, MD, discusses the etiology of ovarian cancer. 
 

Larry J. Copeland, MD

Articles

Dr. Copeland on the Importance of Germline Testing in Ovarian Cancer

Dr. Copeland on the Prevalence of Ovarian Cancer in the United States

Dr. Copeland on the Use of PARP Inhibitors in Ovarian Cancer

Dr. Copeland on the Role of Chemotherapy in Ovarian Cancer

Dr. Copeland on the Etiology of Ovarian Cancer