What Is the First-Line Treatment of Ovarian Cancer? Primary Adjuvant Systemic Chemotherapy
In newly diagnosed ovarian cancer, primary adjuvant systemic chemotherapy is the established first-line approach. Treatment strategy is guided by disease stage, with the clinical goal of achieving a complete or partial response.
Clinical Scenario
This protocol applies to patients with ovarian cancer (stage I–IV) who require primary adjuvant systemic therapy following diagnosis. Stage at presentation informs both the choice of regimen and the planned number of treatment cycles.
Treatment Approach
The backbone of first-line treatment is a platinum-based combination chemotherapy regimen. Preferred and alternative regimen options are defined in the full protocol, including combinations that incorporate additional targeted agents for appropriate patients.
Treatment Goals
Complete response (no definitive evidence of disease) or partial response.
References
- Carboplatin/Paclitaxel every 3 Weeks
- Paclitaxel 175 mg/m2 IV followed by Carboplatin AUC 5–6 IV Day 1
- Repeat every 21 Days x 3–6 cycles
- ICON-7 Carboplatin/Paclitaxel + Bevacizumab
- GOG-218 Carboplatin/Paclitaxel + Bevacizumab
- For stage I disease: 6 cycles is recommended for high-grade serous; 3–6 cycles for all other ovarian cancer types. For stage II–IV disease: 6 cycles is recommended.
- No definitive evidence of disease.