Ovarian Cancer Treatment

The specialists at the Cancer Institute treat ovarian cancer with the latest technologies, so you are receiving the most effective care possible. And our collaborative, streamlined approach minimizes the stress of multiple appointments. When you arrive for an appointment, you meet with many specialists on the same day. You often begin treatment shortly after diagnosis.

Expert ovarian cancer treatment at AHN

The AHN Cancer Institute is renowned for sophisticated, rapid treatment of ovarian cancer. Our treatment plans use:

• Advanced technology: Our specialists use minimally invasive techniques, like laparoscopic surgery, which uses smaller incisions and results in a quicker recovery.
• Access to clinical trials: Our team evaluates your case every month to determine if there are new clinical trials that may be appropriate for you. We are able to make rapid recommendations for the best and latest treatment options, designed for you.
• Care for the whole person: We understand that cancer involves emotional healing, too. That’s why we have a Navigation Team to help you coordinate logistics and to answer all of your questions. We also have an oncology social worker who can provide emotional support to patients and families and an After Hours Oncology Clinic to provide medical care, day or night. And our support services help you feel your best during treatment.
• Genetic testing: Because up to 20 percent of ovarian cancers are inherited, we know how important it is to understand your genetic history. We offer sophisticated genetic counseling and screening options for you and your family.

Treatment options for ovarian cancer

Often, we can treat ovarian cancer using chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and surgery. Our goal is to treat the cancer in the most minimally invasive, effective way possible.

Treatment options for ovarian cancer include:

• Chemotherapy: These medicines directly kill cancer cells, much like antibiotics kill bacteria. Because the medicines also damage normal cells, side effects can occur, such as hair loss, nausea, or lowered blood counts. Fortunately, the body’s normal cells are more resilient and recover much better than cancer cells, so the side effects are usually temporary. We monitor you carefully and calculate your dose of chemotherapy to maximize effectiveness and minimize side effects. We use the latest, most innovative chemotherapy drugs.
• Hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC): This is a highly concentrated, heated chemotherapy treatment for late-stage abdominal cancers. Doctors deliver chemotherapy directly to cancer cells in the abdomen during surgery.
• Risk-reducing surgery: If you’re at risk for ovarian cancer due to genetic factors or family history, you may want to take every precaution possible. Talk to your physician about risk-reducing surgery. During this preventive surgery, we remove the ovaries and fallopian tubes. We usually use a laparoscopic approach, which is a minimally invasive form of surgery using small incisions, pioneered at the AHN Cancer Institute. It typically results in a quicker, easier recovery.
• Immunotherapy: This process stimulates the body’s immune system to attack cancer cells. We use the latest immunotherapy drugs available.
• Clinical trials: Our oncology team meets monthly to discuss new clinical trials, ensuring you have access to the latest treatment options.

Fertility preservation for women with ovarian cancer

Certain cancer treatments can make it difficult or impossible to conceive a child later. At AHN, you may choose to freeze (cryopreserve) and store unfertilized eggs or fertilized embryos for later use. We’ll connect you with AHN’s fertility treatment specialists and high-risk pregnancy doctors.

Contact us

Call the AHN Cancer Help Line anytime at (412) NURSE-4-U (412) 687-7348 to schedule a cancer-related appointment or to just talk with our nurses about diagnoses, treatments, and side effects.