What is the primary treatment for metastatic ovarian cancer?

The primary treatment for metastatic ovarian cancer is surgical debulking followed by chemotherapy. This approach is based on the understanding that ovarian cancer tends to spread within the abdomen and, in many cases, the most effective initial strategy is to surgically remove as much of the tumor mass as possible. This procedure, known as debulking, can help relieve symptoms and improve the efficacy of subsequent chemotherapy.

After surgical intervention, chemotherapy plays a critical role in targeting any remaining cancer cells and reducing the risk of recurrence. Typically, a regimen combining a platinum-based agent (such as cisplatin or carboplatin) with a taxane (like paclitaxel) is utilized as the first-line treatment following surgery.

While other treatment options, such as radiation therapy and hormonal therapy, can be relevant for certain cases or may play a role in specific circumstances, they are not the mainstay of treatment for metastatic ovarian cancer. Radiation therapy is more commonly used for palliative care or for localized disease, and hormonal therapy is generally not a frontline treatment for ovarian cancer, as it does not typically respond to hormonal manipulation. Targeted therapy may have a role in certain genetically characterized tumors, but it is not considered a primary treatment for metastatic ovarian cancer.