J Korean Med Assoc.  2023 Jun;66(6):384-392. 10.5124/jkma.2023.66.6.384.

Targeted therapies in ovarian cancer: where we stand and where we are heading

• Lee TS

• KMID: 2543852
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5124/jkma.2023.66.6.384

Abstract

Background
Ovarian cancer is a highly lethal gynecological cancer globally. The standard treatment for this disease is cytoreductive surgery followed by platinum-based chemotherapy. However, most patients develop platinum resistance after multiple relapses and have an inadequate response to second-line chemotherapy. Additionally, molecular heterogeneity poses a challenge to effective treatment.
Current Concepts
Advancements in understanding the molecular mechanisms of cancer progression provide insight into novel targeted therapies, which have emerged as groundbreaking and promising cancer treatment strategies. Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitors and anti-vascular endothelial growth factor monoclonal antibodies are currently the two approved and most effective targeted drugs for ovarian cancer.
Discussion and Conclusion
This review article discusses related clinical trials assessing the efficacy and safety of promising targets in ovarian cancer as well as challenges associated with targeted therapy, including drug resistance, heterogeneity, and toxicity. Additionally, possible solutions to optimize treatment effects are proposed. Targeting these molecular abnormalities will bring us closer to the goal of personalized therapy and improve the prognosis for patients with ovarian cancer.

Keyword

Ovarian cancer; Molecular targeted therapy; Vascular endothelial growth factor; Poly(ADPribose) polymerase inhibitors; 난소암; 표적치료제; 혈관형성억제제; 파프억제제