Recurrent Platinum-Sensitive Epithelial Ovarian Cancer

Introduction to Recurrent Platinum-Sensitive Epithelial Ovarian Cancer

Recurrent platinum-sensitive epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) is a type of cancer that most frequently affects women of childbearing age. It is an aggressive form of ovarian cancer that initiates from the surface cells (epithelium) of the ovary and commonly grows and spreads to other abdominal organs as well as the lymph nodes in the pelvis.

When EOC is recurrent it means that the patient has had the cancer categorized as stage III or higher at some point in their medical history. The cancer is considered to be platinum-sensitive if it is responsive to treatments with a type of chemotherapy called platinum-based or platinum-containing drugs.

Causes and Risk Factors for Recurrent Platinum-Sensitive EOC

The exact cause of recurrent platinum-sensitive EOC is not yet known, but there are certain factors which may increase the risk of developing it:

• Women with a family history of ovarian cancer are at an increased risk of developing recurrent platinum-sensitive EOC.
• Those with the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutations may be at a higher risk of developing recurrent platinum-sensitive EOC.
• Obesity can influence the development of recurrent platinum-sensitive EOC.
• Exposure to fertility drugs such as Clomiphene citrate and Gonadotropins may raise the risk of developing recurrent platinum-sensitive EOC.
• Women who have never given birth or undergone a tubal ligation are at a higher risk of developing recurrent platinum-sensitive EOC.

Signs and Symptoms of Recurrent Platinum-Sensitive EOC

The signs and symptoms of recurrent platinum-sensitive EOC typically include:

• Abdominal pain or swelling
• Bloating
• Nausea and vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Weight loss
• Fatigue
• Shortness of breath
• Frequent, urgent urination
• A sensation of pressure in the pelvic region
• Anemia

In addition to the physical symptoms, recurrent platinum-sensitive EOC can also cause mental and emotional distress as women may deal with the physical and mental stress of chemotherapy, the fear of recurrence, and the uncertainty of the disease and its treatment.

Treatment Options for Recurrent Platinum-Sensitive EOC

The treatment options for recurrent platinum-sensitive EOC typically depend on the individual and the severity of the disease, but can include the following:

• Surgery – Surgery may be used to remove as much of the tumor as possible.
• Radiation – Radiation therapy may be used to reduce the size of the tumor and reduce the likelihood of recurrence.
• Chemotherapy – This type of treatment uses powerful drugs to kill cancer cells and can be used to treat recurrent platinum-sensitive EOC.
• Immunotherapy – Immunotherapy can help the body’s immune system fight the cancer by creating new immune cells or blocking certain pathways which can reduce the growth of cancer cells.

Conclusion

Recurrent platinum-sensitive EOC is an aggressive form of ovarian cancer. Although the exact cause of this type of cancer is not yet known, certain risk factors have been identified. Early detection is essential for successful treatment, and the treatment options available can vary from patient to patient depending on the individual and the severity of the disease.