Онколог объясняет ключевые факты о яичниковом раке и новые методы лечения

This non-promotional article has been initiated and funded by GSK. This content is made possible by our sponsor. Ovarian cancer is often referred to as a “silent disease” due to the way it can sneak up on you. Because there’s no reliable screening method for women, subtle symptoms can often go unchecked until the cancer has already spread. And that can have devastating consequences. Ovarian cancer accounts for more deaths than any other gynecologic cancer. In 2025, the World Health Organization estimates the disease claimed 223,237 lives globally. These statistics come as no surprise to Leslie Randall, MD, a Gynecologic Oncology Service Line and Clinical Research Director at the Inova Schar Cancer Institute in Fairfax, Virginia. She has dedicated her career to treating patients with this complex disease. A lack of awareness is a significant barrier to getting prompt treatment, she says. “The vast majority of cases are caught in the more advanced stages.” Here, Dr. Randall shares her must-know facts about ovarian cancer, from the warning signs and risk factors to the treatment protocols that are actually moving the needle for the community. Genetics Play A Role While anyone with ovaries can develop ovarian cancer, certain factors can raise your risk. Family history is key, too, particularly when it involves ovarian cancer. Research finds that up to 25 percent of ovarian cancers are linked to inherited mutations—most notably, the BRCA1 and BRCA2, RAD51C, RAD51D, or BRIP1 genes and mutations tied to Lynch Syndrome. Genetic tests can help identify mutations that might increase your risk of ovarian cancer, yet 34 percent of ovarian cancer patients have never had genetic testing done, according to a multinational survey commissioned as part of GSK’s Your Cancer Is Our Challenge initiative, which aims to help address barriers associated with gynecologic cancer. Other factors include a previous diagnosis of endometriosis or breast cancer, which can shift you into a higher-risk category for developing ovarian cancer, as can your reproductive history. “Age is also a risk factor,” Dr. Randall says, with most diagnoses occurring after menopause. Never having been pregnant, starting menstruation early, and entering menopause later in life all translate into more time ovulating—something researchers believe may elevate your risk. A 2024 study showed that long-term estrogen-only hormone therapy can also up your odds. Dr. Randall encourages women to keep up with routine gynecologic care and communicate any relevant medical or family history with their providers. Your Body May Provide Clues Most of us know when to book our annual mammogram or schedule a Pap smear. But when it comes to ovarian cancer, there’s no routine screening test to rely on. That’s why keeping a close eye on symptoms—which tend to be vague and can be easily mistaken for other, less serious conditions—is so important. “The most common symptoms are abdominal bloating and early satiety,” Dr. Randall says. “That means you take two bites of food and you’re full.” Other signs to watch for include pelvic pain, urinary frequency, fatigue, back pain, changes in bowel habits, and menstrual irregularities. Individually, these symptoms may seem to be things you might ascribe to irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), premenstrual syndrome (PMS), perimenopause, or even stress. The real red flag, according to Dr. Randall, is persistence. “If those symptoms escalate or last for two to three weeks or more, then they need to be evaluated,” she says. Treatment Is Patient-Specific Personalized care starts at the very beginning of the ovarian cancer journey. Diagnosis typically involves a combination of imaging (like ultrasound or CT scans), blood tests to identify tumor markers, and a pelvic exam. A tissue biopsy then confirms exactly what type of tumor you’re dealing with. And that detail matters: Understanding the tumor’s biology from the outset helps doctors map out an individualized plan. The amount of information received after diagnosis can feel overwhelming and 73 percent of patients do not feel empowered to overcome their diagnosis, as revealed by the Your Cancer Is Our Challenge survey. Having open conversations with your healthcare providers early in the treatment journey can help you make informed decisions and feel confident in your personalized plan. While treatment typically includes surgery to remove as much of the cancer as possible, followed by chemotherapy, the specifics are rarely one-size-fits-all. Decisions around timing, the extent of surgery, and the types of medications used hinge on factors like genetic makeup, where the cancer started, and its stage of development. Patient preferences and personal goals also play a significant role. Increasingly, oncologists are using a tumor’s genetic biomarkers to determine therapy—an approach that can improve outcomes and reduce side effects. For some patients, that may mean adding currently approved targeted drugs or immunotherapy to the mix. Maintenance Matters For decades, patients entered a watch-and-wait phase after completing chemotherapy. But that’s not without risk in light of this cancer’s high recurrence rates. Nearly 20 percent of patients diagnosed with stage one ovarian cancer will see their ovarian cancer return. Eighty percent of those diagnosed at stage three or four will see their ovarian cancer return. That’s why maintenance therapy—ongoing treatment to prolong the remission period—has become a standard part of ovarian cancer care. It usually involves using targeted medications, such as PARP inhibitors and angiogenesis inhibitors, which help prevent or delay disease recurrence in patients with a complete response to treatment, or slow disease progression in those with a partial response. Maintenance should be thought of as a method for controlling cancer growth, rather than curing it. “The goal is to help extend the benefits of treatment and maintain disease control over time,” Dr. Randall adds. “Ovarian cancer symptoms are difficult to manage, and they have a negative effect on a patient’s quality of life. Having a break from them is meaningful.” However, maintenance therapy isn’t a one-size-fits-all decision either. The selection of an appropriate maintenance therapy is a thoughtful process, taking into account the tumor’s specific genetic profile, prior treatments and your overall health. Understanding these nuances allows doctors to tailor care for your unique situation. Additionally, an important consideration is whether oral pills or infusions are better for your specific needs. The Future Looks Brighter Despite the challenges, Dr. Randall is optimistic. “We’re in an unprecedented time of innovative research that has the potential to deliver meaningful impact for patients,” she says. And the numbers reflect that progress: ovarian cancer mortality has dropped by more than 40 percent since the mid-1970s, with most of the progress taking place in the last 20 years. Catching the disease as early as possible is still the goal. “I hope we make more progress developing screening and diagnostic tests so that patients aren’t coming in at such an advanced stage,” Dr. Randall says. Also on her wish list: more widespread genetic testing so that women can make well-informed choices, such as pursuing preventative surgeries. Finally, because the impact of ovarian cancer goes beyond physical symptoms, a more holistic approach to care is essential. “In this era,” Dr. Randall says, “we have better resources for nutrition, exercise, mental health, and symptom management to best support patients through their care.” NP-GBL-OCU-ADVR-250001 June 2026 This article has been initiated and funded by GSK. This content is made possible by our sponsor. Leslie Randall, MD, is board-certified gynecologic oncologist. She has been compensated by GSK for her participation in this article.