At the Abramson Cancer Center, we take a precision medicine approach to determine the best treatment plan for you, looking at your unique medical history and the genetic makeup of your cancer.
Ovarian cancer is usually treated with a combination of surgery and chemotherapy. Because we have a strong ovarian cancer clinical research program, we are often able to add newer treatment options to your care plan. Individualized immunotherapy, targeted therapy or fluorescent-guided imaging can help increase our ability to detect and treat tumors that might not easily be seen through more traditional methods.
Treatment for ovarian cancer depends on:
- The type of ovarian cancer and how much cancer there is
- The stage and grade of the cancer
- Whether you have extra fluid in your abdomen that causes swelling
- Whether all of the visible tumor can be removed by surgery
- Whether there are changes in your BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes
- Your age and general health
- Whether the cancer is new or recurring
Learn more about ovarian cancer treatments at Penn Medicine:
Integrative medicine for ovarian cancer
While conventional medicine plays a critical role in cancer treatment, integrative medicine and wellness programs can help you enhance your quality of life, minimize or reduce the side effects of cancer and cancer treatment, and promote healing and recovery. Our integrative oncology services for ovarian cancer can supplement traditional cancer treatments.
Our cancer specialists are knowledgeable and supportive of complementary cancer treatments. We can work with you and your family to integrate supportive programs into your overall care plan while ensuring your health and safety.
Services include:
Joan Karnell Supportive Services at Pennsylvania Hospital offers an extensive variety of supportive care programs for patients and families, from diagnosis through survivorship. These programs are available at no cost to the patients treated at Pennsylvania Hospital, and some are open to patients treated elsewhere. These services include social work counseling, nutrition counseling, psychological counseling and spiritual counseling.
The Cancer Appetite and Rehabilitation Clinic focuses on patients with loss of appetite and weight.
Palliative care for ovarian cancer
Palliative care provides physical, emotional and spiritual care that can enhance your quality of life. It can be used to complement traditional cancer therapies or when curative therapies are no longer an option. Services include palliative chemotherapy, radiation therapy and surgery, as well as psychological counseling, art therapy and support groups for patients and families.
Penn Home Care and Hospice Services
Penn Medicine offers a full range of at-home health care services, including specialized therapies and medications, for patients with cancer and cancer-related conditions.
Learn more about Penn Medicine at Home