This year more than 23,000 women will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer. If caught early, it is one of the more treatable cancers. Unfortunately, however, only 25 percent of ovarian cancers are caught at an early stage. And while its better-known female counterpart, breast cancer, receives considerable media attention, some remarkable advances in the treatment of ovarian cancer have gone relatively unnoticed. That will soon change.

All this month, cancerpage.com will present a major series of articles highlighting the most important—and in some cases revolutionary—advances in the detection, treatment and recovery from ovarian cancer, including:

• An overview of the ovaries, and the female reproductive system in general.

• New insights into causes and risks for ovarian cancer, including genetic, environmental and other factors.

• The most recent advances in screening and detection, and who is benefiting from them.

• Innovative new treatment options, including revolutionary surgical, chemotherapy, radiation and other techniques.

• Coping with side effects from treatment.

• Fertility issues surrounding ovarian cancer and its treatment.

• The different kinds of ovarian cancer, including ovarian epithelial cancer, ovarian germ cell tumor, and ovarian low malignant potential tumor.

• Issues surrounding minorities and ovarian cancer detection and care.

• The emotional impact of ovarian cancer.

• Complementary and alternative approaches for coping with the disease.

• Clinical trials involving ovarian cancer.

• Coping with a recurrence.

Special Series

Impact of Ovarian Cancer Risk Factors Varies by Race

No Benefit with Paclitaxel Consolidation in Advanced Ovarian Cancer

Nanotech Gene Therapy Kills Ovarian Cancer in Mice

Tiny Ovarian Tumors Lurk for Years, Study Finds

Early Periods Predicts Decreased Survival with Ovarian Cancer

Serum Biomarkers Detect Early-Stage Ovarian Cancer

Ultrasound Superior to Symptoms for Predicting Ovarian Cancer

Hormone Replacement Therapy Tied to Ovarian Cancer

No Pulmonary Morbidity after Diaphragm Surgery for Ovarian Cancer

US FDA Staff Question J&J, Zeltia Cancer Drug Data

Blood Biomarker Panel Identifies Early-Stage Ovarian Cancer

ASCO - No Benefit to Treating Ovarian Cancer Relapse Based on Rising CA125 Alone

Oophorectomy Possibly Harmful for Average Hysterectomy Patient

Plant-Based Flavonoid May Cut Ovarian Cancer Risk

CRM197 Enhances Antitumor Effect of Paclitaxel in Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian Cancer Screening Fails to Identify Early Disease

Glucose Levels Predict Outcomes in Ovarian Carcinoma

CA125 and Ultrasound Effective for Ovarian Cancer Screening

Additional Chemo Agent No Benefit in Advanced-Stage Ovarian Cancer

Intraoperative Chemotherapy in Peritoneal Cavity Promising for Ovarian Cancer

Blood, Ultrasound Tests Catch Ovarian Cancer: Study

Annual Screening for Ovarian Cancer in BRCA1/2 Carriers Deemed Ineffective

Fertility Treatment Does Not Raise Ovarian Cancer Risk

Oregovomab Not Effective for Maintenance Therapy in Ovarian Cancer

Silencing MYC Oncogene Has Therapeutic Potential in Ovarian Cancer

FDA Says LabCorp Ovarian Cancer Test Sales Illegal

Trabectedin Shows Promise in Recurrent Ovarian Cancer

Symptom Index Plus CA 125 Improves Ovarian Cancer Detection

Plant-Based Flavonoids May Cut Ovarian Cancer Risk

Obesity Increases Risk of Certain Ovarian Cancers

Topotecan Combo No Extra Help in Ovarian Cancer

Risk of Ovarian Cancer is Not Reduced with Analgesic Use

Comfort Should Be Focus of Late Ovarian Cancer Care

Ovarian Cancers May Begin in the Fallopian Tube

Mifepristone May Improve Cisplatin Efficacy in Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian Cancer Risk Lower with Longer Time on Pill

DES Exposure Might Pose Problems Across Generations

Thalidomide For Recurrent Ovarian Cancer Improves Response

Blood Test Provides Early Detection of Ovarian Cancer

Androgens Not Associated with Risk of Ovarian Cancer

Oral Contraceptives Stave Off Ovarian Cancer Long After Use Stops

Drinking Coffee May Lower Ovarian Cancer Risk

In Ovarian Cancer, Expert Ultrasound Means More Appropriate Treatment

Bevacizumab Combination Promising Against Recurrent Ovarian Cancer

BRCA Mutations Tied to Improved Survival in Ashkenazi Ovarian Cancer Patients

Chronic Inflammation Thought Not Important in Development of Ovarian Cancer

Tea Drinking May Not Curb Ovarian Cancer Risk

Disappointing Results from Ovarian Cancer Drug Trial

Ultrasound Beats CA-125 For Distinguishing Benign From Malignant Adnexal Masses

Paclitaxel-Ceramide Nanoparticulate Overcomes Drug Resistance in Ovarian Cancer

Protective Effect of OC Use Against Ovarian Cancer Wanes After Discontinuation

Prolonged Paclitaxel Infusion Does Not Improve Outcomes in Ovarian Cancer

Guidelines Fail to Identify Most Early Stage Ovarian Cancers

Low-Fat Diet May Lower Ovarian Cancer Risk

High-Dose Chemotherapy Escalation Plus Stem Cells Not Effective in Ovarian Cancer

Fallopian Tube Often Site of Malignancies Related to BRCA Mutations

Age and Other Factors Predict Stage III Ovarian Cancer Prognosis

Inhibin a Potential Marker of Ovarian Cancer in Postmenopausal Women

Survivors of Ovarian Germ Cell Tumors May Retain Fertility After Surgery and Chemo

Ovarian Cancer Vaccine Reinforces Patient's Immune Response to Tumor

Anti-Estrogen Therapy Promising in Some Ovarian Cancers

ASCO - VEGF-Trap Active in Recurrent Refractory Advanced Ovarian Cancer

Ultrasound Screening May Catch Ovarian Cancer Early

Ovarian Cancer - Not So Silent After All

Excess Ovarian Cancer Deaths Attributed to HRT Use

Many Patients Not Getting Best Ovarian Cancer Care

Infertility Drugs Safe After Borderline Ovarian Tumor Treatment

Proteins May Be Biomarkers for Ovarian Cancer

Better Cost Effectiveness, Better Outcomes at Expert Cancer Centers

Low-Dose Combination Oral Contraceptives Protect Against Ovarian Cancer

Pregnancy and Oral Contraceptives Offer Strongest Anti-Ovarian Cancer Effects

Lymphadenectomy Improves Survival in Early Ovarian Cancer

First-Line Gemcitabine/Carboplatin Promising for Advanced Ovarian Cancer

Symptom Screening May Detect Ovarian Cancer Earlier

Ovarian Cancer Rates Lower in Sunny Latitudes

Intraperitoneal Platinum/Taxane Chemo Seen Best for Ovarian Cancer

LPAAT-Beta an Emerging Prognostic, Diagnostic, Therapeutic Target in Ovarian Cancer

Polycystic-Size Ovaries Common in Healthy Adolescents

RF Ablation May Be Useful in Ovarian Cancer Metastatic to the Liver

Longterm HRT Use Ups Ovarian Cancer Risk

Fanconi Anemia Gene Suppression Linked to Familial Ovarian Cancer

Family Breast Cancer History Ups Ovarian Cancer Risk

Obesity May Make Ovarian Cancer More Aggressive

Optimistic Women with Ovarian Cancer Fare Better

Genetic Evidence Supports Endometriosis as Ovarian Cancer Precursor

Study Links Stress to Poorer Outcome in Cancer

Gemzar Approved for Ovarian Cancer

Ovary Removal Curbs Cancer Risk in High-Risk Women

Exercise Does Not Reduce Risk of Ovarian Cancer

Stem Cells Help Ovarian Tumors Persist

Excess Pounds May Raise Ovarian Cancer Risk

Orphan Drug Status for New Ovarian Cancer Drug

IL-18 and FGF-2 Complement CA125 in Detecting Ovarian Cancer

Pre-Maintenance CA-125 Level Predicts Risk of Ovarian Cancer Relapse

US Advisers Against New Indication for Gemzar

FDA Staff Questions Lilly Drug For Ovarian Cancer

Phenoxodiol Modulates Apoptotic Pathways in Cancer Cells

Ovarian Cancer Survival Influenced by MD Specialty

Finding The Best Treatment For Recurrent Ovarian Cancer

Aspirin Derivative Active Against Cisplatin-Resistant Ovarian Cancer Cells

High Dairy Diet May Up Ovarian Cancer Risk

Gynecologic Oncologists Have Better Outcomes Than Surgeons Treating Ovarian Cancer

Analgesic Drug Use May Cut Risk of Ovarian Cancer

Aggressive Surgery Improves Survival in Advanced Ovarian Cancer

Treatment Advance in Ovarian Cancer

BRCA1, BRCA2 Mutations Underestimated in Ovarian Cancer

WHI Trial Seen Flawed; Alternative Hormone Replacement Regimen Proposed

Drinking Tea May Cut Ovarian Cancer Risk

Glucose-Sensitive PET Points to Ovarian Cancer Response

Physical Activity May Protect Against Ovarian Cancer

Ginkgo May Ward Off Ovarian Cancer

In Mice, EGFR Blocker and Photodynamics Combat Ovarian Cancer

Earlier Diagnosis of Ovarian Cancer Possible with Pelvic Imaging and CA125

Turned-Off Genes Linked to Ovarian Cancer

Social Support Strengthens Tumor Microenvironment Immune Activity

Ovarian Malignancy Commonly Coexists with Endometrial Cancer in Young Women

New Blood Test Scrutinized in Large Ovarian Cancer Trial

Genentech Halts Avastin Ovarian Cancer Trial

Ovarian Cancer Screening Approach May Be Flawed

Familial Ovarian Cancer Screening Approach May Be Flawed

Repressor Splicing Factor Gene Stimulates Ovarian Cancer

Bloating, Pain May Precede Ovarian Cancer

High IL-6 Levels Tied to Low Hemoglobin in Ovarian Cancer

ZAC Gene Silencing Tied to Ovarian Cancer Progression

Infertility May be Predictive of Cancer Risk

Short-Term Oral Contraceptive Use Decreases Ovarian Cancer Risk

Echovirus Type 1 Effective in Ovarian Cancer Model

Psychosocial Support Linked to Lower IL-6 Levels with Ovarian Cancer

Anti-MUC1 Antibodies May Protect Against Ovarian Cancer

MRI Technique Helps Track Ovarian Cancer Therapy

Moderate Activity May Reduce Ovarian Cancer Risk

Blood Test Accurately Detects Early Ovarian Cancer

Lymphadenectomy in Ovarian Cancer Does Not Prolong Survival

Genistein May Help Overcome Cisplatin-Resistance in Ovarian Cancer

Routine Appendectomy Indicated During Surgical Staging of Ovarian Cancer

Entremed Drug Gets Orphan Status in Ovarian Cancer

BRAC1 and Ovarian Cancer Explored

Conservative Surgery For Ovarian Tumors Spares Fertility

Caution Urged In Proteomic Field Claims

Increased Clusterin In Ovarian Cancer Linked to Tumor Aggression

Sectioning Spots Malignancy After Salpingo-Oophorectomy

Ovarian Cancer Treatment May Damage Vision

Histone Deacetylase Inhibitors Active Against Ovarian Cancer Cells

Progesterone Receptor Gene Mutants Associated with Ovarian Cancer

Gene Expression Profile Accurately Predicts Ovarian Cancer Outcome

Additional Surgical Debulking No Help In Ovarian Cancer Survival

Ovarian Cancer Risk Increases With Estrogen Use

Two Glasses Of Milk a Day May Up Ovarian Cancer Risk

Oregovomab Trial Doesn't Meet Endpoint But Yields Data For Further Study

Chemotherapy Improves Survival Of Stage I Ovarian Cancer

Blood Test Can Detect Ovarian Cancer

CA-125 Blood Test Best For Predicting Outcome Of Ovarian Cancer

Glycoprotein Detects Early-Stage Ovarian Cancer

IVF May Be Safe After Treatment For Borderline Ovarian Tumor

Cancer Drug Still An Option For Allergic Patients

Markers Help Detect Early Ovarian Cancer

T Cell Subset Fosters Ovarian Tumor Growth

Endometriosis, Primary Infertility Tied To Increase Risk For Ovarian Cancer

Increased Diesel Exhaust Exposure Increases Risk Of Ovarian Cancer

Delaying Pregnancy Lowers Risk of Ovarian Cancer

Late Childbirth Lowers Ovarian Cancer Risk-Study

Biomarker May Point To Early Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian Cancer Risk From Fertility Drugs Found Low

Symptoms Often Precede Ovarian Cancer Diagnosis

Ovarian Cancer Surgery In Maryland Often Performed By Inexperienced Surgeons

Loss Of Gene Promotes Human Ovarian Cancer

Blood Test Could Improve Ovarian Cancer Survival

Activity May Raise Ovarian Cancer Risk In Older Women

Estrogen No Overall Benefit In Disease Prevention

Tumor Marker Predicts Good Ovarian Cancer Outcome

High Dietary Folate Intake Linked to Decreased Risk of Ovarian Cancer

Response To 9-AC As Second-Line Treatment of Ovarian Cancer Modest

Blood Marker Rises Before Miscarriage

Thrombocytosis Linked To Disease Progression in Advanced Ovarian Cancer

Helpline Offers One-to-One Talk on Cancer Risk

Not All Ovarian Cancer Patients Get The Right Care

Adhesion Molecule Tied to Poor Prognosis for Uterine and Ovarian Cancers

Ovarian Cancer Often Best Treated at Major Center

Rare Ovarian Tumor Reported in Teen with Transgenerational DES Exposure

Teen Height, Weight Tied to Ovarian Cancer Risk

CA 125-Targeted Immunotherapy May Prolong Survival in Ovarian Cancer

Gynecologic Surgery May Protect BRCA Carriers Against Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian and Adrenal Venous Catheterization and Sampling Should Be Limited

New Marker Could Improve Diagnosis of Ovarian Cancer

Human Kallikrein 8 Identified As An Ovarian Cancer Marker

Zeltia's Yondelis Shows Promise in Ovarian Cancer

Paclitaxel Plus Platinum Improves Survival in Relapsed Ovarian Cancer

Moderate Exercise Can Help Prevent Cancer, Say Scientists

Endometrial and Ovarian Cancer Often Associated

Normal Component of Blood Uses Cyclin D1 to Stimulate Ovarian Cancer Growth

Younger Women Live Longer with Ovarian Cancer

Better Survival Noted in Ovarian Cancer Patients with BRCA Mutations

Combined IP/IV Chemotherapy Ups Survival in Advanced Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian Cancer Cells Overexpress Collagen to Resist Chemotherapeutic Drugs

Phenoxodiol Induces Cell Death in Chemoresistant Ovarian Cancer Cells

Prior Chlamydia Trachomatis Infection Linked to Ovarian Cancer

Demethylation of Ovarian Cancer Gene Leads to Cisplatin Resistance

Mutations in Low-grade Serous Ovarian Cancer Suggest Target for Therapy

Incessant Ovulation May Increase Risk of Ovarian Cancer

Fertility Preserved in Most Women with Malignant Germ Cell Ovarian Tumors

Some Ovarian Tumors in Postmenopausal Women Usually Low Risk

BRCA2 N372H Polymorphism Linked to Small Increased Risk of Ovarian Cancer

Women Now Living Longer with Ovarian Cancer

Identifying Best Treatment Options in Ovarian Cancer

UK Updates Advice for Using Taxol in Ovarian Cancer

Gemcitabine-Cisplatin Regimen Successful for Relapsed Ovarian Cancer

Chemo May Keep Ovarian Cancer at Bay

Post-Op Chemotherapy Improves Outcomes of Early Ovarian Cancer

Immune System May Sway Ovarian Cancer Survival

Bristol-Myers' Taxol Set to Lose First Choice Rating in UK for Ovarian Cancer

Potential Early Biomarkers of Ovarian Cancer Identified

The Pill May Cut Long-Term Risk of Ovarian Cancer

Dose-Dense Cisplatin Plus Paclitaxel Effective in Advanced Ovarian Cancer

Refractory Ovarian Cancer Responds to Microtubule Inhibitor in Phase II Trial

Anti-Cancer Compound Sensitizes Ovarian Tumors to Cisplatin

Blood Test May Identify Ovarian Cancer: Study

Chemotherapy Targeted to Endometrial, Ovarian Cancers More Effective, Less Toxic

Hormone Linked to Higher Risk of Ovarian Cancer

CXCR4 Receptor Antagonist Inhibits Ovarian Cancer Stimulation by Chemokine

Apoptotic Agent Yields Favourable Results in Ovarian Cancer

More Evidence Aspirin May Prevent Ovarian Cancer

Surgery Beats Screening to Cut Cancer Risk: Study

Panel of Three Tumor Markers Does Not Identify All Malignant Pelvic Masses

High Calcium Intake May Lower Ovarian Cancer Risk

Strawberries, Raspberries Halt Cancer in Rats

Social Support Might Influence Progression of Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian Cancer Risk in Young Breast Cancer Patients Increased with Family History

Secondary Surgery Predicts Survival in Recurrent Micropapillary Serous Ovarian Cancer

HRT Use Added to Risk Factors for Epithelial Ovarian Cancer

Carboplatin Monotherapy May Be Option for First-Line Ovarian Cancer Therapy

Excess Weight in Teens Linked to Ovarian Cancer

Calcium Intake from Dairy Products Linked to Reduced Ovarian Cancer Risk

Estrogen Hormone Therapy Ups Risk of Ovarian Cancer

Elevated CA 125 Can Be Caused by Liver Disease

Gene Pattern Predicts Uterine Cancer Relapse Risk

Conservative Surgery Safely Preserves Fertility in Some Cases of Ovarian Cancer

New Gene Therapy for Ovarian Cancer Permits Tumor Destruction with Ganciclovir

CT Scan Scoring Model Predicts Resectability in Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian Cancer Therapy Shows Promise in Mice

The Pill Seen Cutting Baby Boomer Cancer Rates

Test for Ovarian, Uterine Cancers Promising

Hormone Therapy Linked To Risk Of Ovarian Cancer

Osteopontin May Provide Biomarker For Early Ovarian Cancer Detection

Fertility Hormones Do Not Boost Cancer Risk-Study

Paclitaxel Continuation Extends Disease-Free Survival In Advanced Ovarian Cancer

IVF Does Not Increase Cancer Risk On Mothers Or Offspring

Danazol Use For Endometriosis Linked To Ovarian Cancer Risk

Death Risk Higher In Black Ovarian Cancer Patients

Mouse Version of Ovarian Cancer Developed

Fertility Drugs Not Linked To Cancer After 1 Year

BRCA Mutations Tied To Improved Survival In Ovarian Cancer Patients

NICE Recommends Schering-Plough's Caelyx For Advanced Ovarian Cancer

Blood test Shows Promise For Early Detection Of Ovarian Cancer

New Clinical Trials To Test Cancer Gene Therapies This Fall

No Link Found For Fertility Drugs, Ovarian Cancer

New Combination Of Old Drugs Helps Ovarian Cancer Patients

Progestin Largely Responsible For OC's Anti-Ovarian Cancer Effect

Surgery For Borderline Ovarian Tumors Safe, Preserves Fertility

Rise In UK Ovarian Cancer Cases Prompts Call For Action

CA-125 Doubling Predicts Ovarian Cancer Progression When Levels Remain High

Teen Diets Linked to Ovarian Cancer Risk

Antioxidants Do Not Protect Against Ovarian Cancer

Chemotherapy Drug PG-TXL Shows Promise In Early Clinical Trials

Erythropoietin Enhances Tumor Control And Survival In PelvicMalignancy

Physicians Urged To Address Sexual Problems Of Ovarian Cancer Patients

Fluorescent Glow Reveals Early Cancer In Study

Prostasin: A Potential Biomarker For Ovarian Cancer

Diet Rich In Carotenoids May Reduce Ovarian Cancer Risk

DNA Repair Mechanism Makes Tumors Resistant To Chemo Drug

Ovarian Ttransplant Can Preserve Fertility

Biomarkers Could Aid In Evaluation Of New Ovarian Cancer Therapies

Red Meat Consumption Associated With Increased Ovarian Cancer Risk

Ovulation Induction Safe Following Conservative Treatment Of Borderline Ovarian Tumor

Early Ovarian Cancer May Cause Symptoms

Drug Boosts Survival in Ovarian Cancer Patients

Ovarian Cancer Gene Risk Not Reduced By Pill

Pegylated Doxorubicin Comparable To Topotecan For Recurrent Ovarian Cancer

Raising Body Temperature Overcomes Platinum Resistance In Ovarian Cancer

Early Menopause Doesn't Up Risk of Ovarian Cancer

CA 125 Analysis With New Criteria Predicts Ovarian Cancer Progression

Tubal Ligation Linked to Reduced Risk of Ovarian Cancer

Suppression Of IL-6 Might Improve Chemotherapy For Ovarian Cancer Patients

Birth Control May Reduce Risk of Ovarian Cancer

Long-term Estrogen Use Connected To Increased Ovarian Cancer Risk

Certain Oral Contraceptives May Protect Against Ovarian Cancer

Aspirin Use Linked To Lower Ovarian Cancer Risk

Novel Chemo Fights Ovarian Cancer, But Too Toxic

Alza's Caelyx Approved In Canada For Refractory Ovarian Cancer

Serum VEGF A Possible Marker Of Ovarian Tumors

Degree Of Differentiation Predicts Survival In Invasive Epithelial Ovarian Cancer

Antisense Molecule Reduces Tumorigenicity Of Ovarian Cancer Cells

Research Suggests Vaccine Against Ovarian Cancer

Women And Doctors Miss Signs of Ovarian Cancer

Bleomycin, Etoposide, And Cisplatin An Effective Regimen For Ovarian Tumors

P53 Null Mutations Have Independent Effect on Ovarian Cancer Survival

Ovarian Cancer and Clinical Trials

When Ovarian Cancer Returns

The Support Group Route for Ovarian (and Other) Cancer Survivors

Minorities and Ovarian Cancer Risk

Preserving Fertility for Ovarian Cancer Patients

Symptoms Clarified for Ovarian Cancer

Cutting-Edge Research into Treating Ovarian Cancer

A Look Inside The National Ovarian Cancer Coalition

Radiation Therapy and Ovarian Cancer

Chemotherapy Advances for Ovarian Cancer

Surgical Options for Treating Ovarian Cancer

Exhibit Gives Form To The Experience of Ovarian Cancer

Screening and Early Detection: The Crucial Challenges for Ovarian Cancer

Risk Factors for Ovarian Cancer

Understanding Ovarian Cancer

Exercise May Cut Ovarian Cancer Risk

P53 Gene Therapy Shows Promise in Ovarian Cancer

Folate Enhances Delivery of Chemotherapeutic Agents

Ovarian Cancer Awareness Study Aimed at Early Detection

Ovarian Cancer Prognosis Better in Women Who Have Had Breast Cancer

New Research May Explain How Oral Contraceptives Help Prevent Ovarian Cancer

Illustration

The author:

Richard Zmuda