Dr. Muggia on Challenges in Ovarian Cancer Treatment

Franco M. Muggia, MD, professor, Department of Medicine, NYU Langone Medical Center, discusses the current challenges oncologists are facing in the treatment landscape of ovarian cancer.

PARP inhibitors are effective agents in low-grade serous ovarian cancer, for which the major target is estrogen receptors, Muggia explains. Additionally, bevacizumab (Avastin) targets the vascular endothelial growth factor receptor.

Although the drugs in this field (which are mainly taxanes and platinum-based agents) have been effective, researchers need to improve upon increasing the cure rates for these patients. The challenge with this population is that resistance to these therapies often develop. There is also a high recurrence rate, he adds.