Ovarian Cancer

Melanie Shepard was diagnosed with stage IIIB ovarian cancer during the pandemic; she shares her experience of receiving treatment and support during these uniquely stressful times.

Kristen Foreman dealt with an ovarian cancer diagnosis at age 33. After removal of her ovaries, she completed chemotherapy, followed by 6 weeks of radiation, during a global pandemic. She now aspires to support others facing similar circumstances.

Women with advanced ovarian cancer now have a new once-daily treatment option. In April 2020, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Zejula (niraparib) for the maintenance treatment of all women with advanced ovarian cancer (including epithelial cancer, fallopian tube cancer, and primary peritoneal cancer) who have responded well to first-line chemotherapy. Maintenance therapy is the treatment of cancer with medication, typically following a first round of treatment (in this case, platinum-based chemotherapy).

Diagnosed with ovarian cancer at age 3, Tiffany R. Easley learned the power of owning one’s story, detailing her powerful “SOAR” survivor mindset.

Annette McElhiney, PhD, notes the psychosocial needs of patients with cancer, survivors, and caregivers. As an ovarian cancer survivor, she describes the help provided by the recently launched “Steps Through Ovarian Cancer” program.

The follow-up results of more than 5 years of the multicenter phase 3 SOLO2 clinical trial of women with ovarian cancer were presented at the 2020 ASCO annual meeting, showing improved survival with the use of Lynparza (olaparib) compared with placebo.

In April 2020, the FDA approved Zejula for long-term maintenance therapy for all patients with advanced ovarian cancer, regardless of any gene mutations.

Julie Silver ran into many “bumps in the road” after she was diagnosed with stage IV ovarian cancer. Despite many difficulties along the way, today her life is filled with gratitude and appreciation.

Late last year, the PARP inhibitor Zejula was approved by the FDA for patients with HRD mutation associated with advanced ovarian, fallopian tube, or primary peritoneal cancer, offering a new treatment option for women with these types of cancer.