Dr Lheureux on Advancements in Targeted Treatment Delivery for Ovarian Cancer

“The future is bright for [ovarian] cancer. There are a lot of potential new targets not only [directed] at cancer cells but also targeting the microenvironment. Still, a lot of questions remain that we need to answer in the future.”

Stéphanie Lheureux, MD, PhD, clinician investigator, site lead, Gynecologic Oncology, Cancer Clinical Research Unit, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre; and associate professor, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, discusses emerging technological advancements in the oncology field that could optimize the delivery, timing, and sequencing of treatment for patients with ovarian cancer and other gynecologic malignancies.

The ovarian cancer treatment paradigm continues to evolve with promising advancements in targeting both cancer cells and the surrounding tumor microenvironment, Lheureux begins. However, significant questions remain that need to be addressed for further progress, she notes. One key consideration is the role of technology in optimizing cancer treatment, according to Lheureux. The ability to deliver therapies at the correct dose and timing is crucial, and advancements in this area are essential for improving patient outcomes, Lheureux emphasizes. Tools to determine the optimal sequence of treatments will help enhance therapeutic efficacy, she says.

One research focus has been antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), which represent a new frontier in cancer therapy, Lheureux states. ADCs aim to deliver treatments directly to cancer cells, potentially increasing the therapeutic index by concentrating the effects of the drug at the tumor site and minimizing damage to healthy tissue, she explains. This targeted delivery could improve the precision and effectiveness of cancer therapies, Lheureux reiterates.

Additionally, innovation in radiation therapy is an area of great interest, especially for gynecological cancers, Lheureux continues. A notable development is the use of brachytherapy for addressing distant metastatic disease, she details. This innovative approach allows for the delivery of high-dose radiation directly to the tumor site, reducing the effect on surrounding healthy tissues, Lheureux explains. Overall, despite considerable excitement around these treatment innovations, there remains much to explore in terms of refining treatment delivery and improving outcomes, she concludes.