Ovarian cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer affecting female-born patients. About 21,000 people in the US get diagnosed with it every year, and about 14,000 people die from it.[1] Ovarian cancer can be very tricky to detect and diagnose at the onset due to its common symptoms and the location of the tumors. Often, ovarian cancer is not diagnosed until it has already spread to other parts of the body.
There are three types of ovarian cancer, differentiated by their different cellular origins: epithelial tumors, stromal tumors, and germ cell tumors. Epithelial is the most common form, where the tumors form out the outer layer of the ovaries. Stromal begins in the hormone-producing tissue of the ovary, and germ cell begins in the egg-producing cells; both of these variations are less common but still as deadly.
Unfortunately, the most popular forms of cancer treatment, such as chemotherapy, are not as effective for ovarian cancer. In a 2002 study, it was demonstrated that Chemotherapy only had a 60% effectiveness rate in patients with ovarian cancer, and that did not account for how many negative side effects each patient faced.[2] This study highlighted the need for additional treatment developments beyond the traditional approaches.
A novel drug class is currently being studied to determine its effectiveness in fighting ovarian cancer. Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase, or PARP inhibitors, is a type of drug that blocks PARP enzymes in cells, which functions to help DNA repair itself. This type of drug is especially useful in ovarian cancer due to the mechanics of the disease which make its DNA repair process function out of control.[3]
Advances are being made every day to bring an end to cancer, including aggressive cancers such as ovarian. In addition to the groundbreaking science that is being done to bring these solutions to reality, quality and regulatory work must also be done to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the treatment. EMMA International has the expertise to help bring your medical product from concept to commercialization. Contact us at 248-987-4497 or email info@emmainternational.com to learn more!
[1] Timmons, J. / Healthline (Nov 2019) Ovarian Cancer: Facts, Statistics, and You retrieved on 09/12/2021 from: https://www.healthline.com/health/cancer/ovarian-cancer-facts-statistics-infographic#Types-of-ovarian-cancer
[2] Ramin M, Zoyla A, Emery S (Sep 2002) Management of recurrent ovarian cancer: evidence-based decisions retrieved on 09/12/2021 from: https://journals.lww.com/co-oncology/Abstract/2002/09000/Management_of_recurrent_ovarian_cancer_.8.aspx
[3] Clements / UW Medicine (May ) New drug class gives hope to some ovarian cancer patients retrieved on 09/12/2021 from: https://newsroom.uw.edu/news/new-drug-class-gives-hope-some-ovarian-cancer-patients
