How is ovarian cancer treated?
Your cancer team will customize treatment based on several factors, including:
- Your overall health
- Your personal and family medical history
- The type and stage of your cancer
- Your goals and preferences
Because your care may involve experts in gynecologic surgery, medical oncology, radiation oncology, and other specialties, you can expect us to consider every possible option that will lead to the most effective results. Our ovarian cancer treatment options are available throughout the Washington D.C., Baltimore, Maryland, and Virginia areas.
Treatment options
Surgery
Surgery is the primary treatment for ovarian cancer, as well as fallopian tube and peritoneal cancer. It's also an important step for accurately staging your cancer. A gynecologic oncologist trained and experienced in ovarian cancer surgery will recommend the procedure most appropriate for you, which may include one of the following:
- Biopsy: Retrieval of a sample of abnormal tissue
- Hysterectomy: Removal of the uterus
- Bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy: Removal of both ovaries and fallopian tubes
- Omentectomy: Removal of the omentum, the fatty layer that covers and pads organs in the abdomen
- Pelvic lymph node dissection: Removal of the lymph nodes and other tissues in the pelvis and abdomen
- Cytoreduction (debulking): Removal of as much of the visible tumor in the abdomen and pelvis as possible
Whenever possible, we use minimally invasive methods to perform surgery, which often leads to less pain, shorter hospital stays, and faster recoveries than open surgery. Minimally invasive procedures may be performed using laparoscopic or robotic-assisted technology, depending on your surgeon's recommendations.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy also plays an important job in ovarian cancer treatment. Using medications that attack cancer cells throughout the body, chemotherapy may be given before surgery to shrink the tumor or after surgery to kill any sign of cancer that may remain. It's typically given by mouth or through an IV. However, in some instances, intraperitoneal chemotherapy may be given directly to the abdominal cavity during surgery.
At MedStar Health, our medical oncologists are experts in tailoring the type and dose of chemotherapy most appropriate for your cancer and stage. They will also closely monitor your tumor's response to the treatment and make any necessary adjustments along the way.
Immunotherapy and targeted therapy
Targeted therapies are medications that change how a cancer cell survives and grows. For many other types of cancer, these innovative drugs are proving to be effective options that may offer fewer side effects than other treatments. For certain women who carry the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene and have recurrent ovarian cancer that isn't responding to other treatments, targeted therapy may be an option. Your medical oncologist will help determine the right treatment approach based on your unique case.
Learn More About Immunotherapy
Learn More About Targeted Therapy
Radiation therapy
Radiation therapy uses high-energy waves to kill cancer cells. It's a common treatment option for many other cancers. This treatment may be used to help manage ovarian cancer symptoms associated with advanced forms of the disease.
Looking for expert cancer care
With multiple locations throughout the region, patients have access to many of the nation’s renowned cancer specialists offering high-quality care, second opinions, and a chance for better outcomes close to where they live and work. Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, one of the nation’s comprehensive cancer centers designated by the National Cancer Institute (NCI), serves as the research engine allowing patients access to clinical trials that often lead to breakthroughs in cancer care.
Our providers
Location: Change location Enter your location
Gynecologic Oncology
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Charles Russell Boice, MD
Gynecologic Oncology
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Louis Alan Dainty, MD
Gynecologic Medical Oncology & Gynecologic Oncology
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Charlotte Ruth Gamble, MD, MPH
Gynecologic Oncology
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Ebony R. Hoskins, MD
Gynecologic Oncology
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Irina Tunnage, DO
Gynecologic Oncology
Show All Gynecologic Oncology
Radiation Oncology
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Luther Lorenzo Ampey, MD
Radiation Oncology
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Katherine S Chen, MD
Radiation Oncology
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Sonali Rudra, MD
Radiation Oncology
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Andrew Satinsky, MD
Radiation Oncology
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Paul Byron Fowler, MD
Radiation Oncology
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Boris G. Naydich, MD
Radiation Oncology
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Kelly E. Orwat, MD
Radiation Oncology
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Stephen Krystjan Ronson, MD
Radiation Oncology
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Kathleen Marie Settle, MD
Radiation Oncology
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Matthew L. Snyder, MD
Radiation Oncology
Show All Radiation Oncology
Our locations
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MedStar Georgetown Cancer Institute at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital
3800 Reservoir Rd. NW Washington, DC 20007
MedStar Franklin Square Cancer Center at Loch Raven Campus
5601 Loch Raven Blvd. Russell Morgan Building First Floor Baltimore, MD 21239
MedStar Georgetown Cancer Institute at MedStar Health Bel Air Medical Campus
12 MedStar Blvd. Ste. 180 Bel Air, MD 21015
MedStar Georgetown Cancer Institute at MedStar Franklin Square Medical Center
9103 Franklin Square Dr. The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Cancer Institute Suite 220 Baltimore, MD 21237
MedStar Georgetown Cancer Institute at MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital
7501 Surratts Rd. Ste. 101 Clinton, MD 20735
MedStar Georgetown Cancer Institute at MedStar Washington Hospital Center
110 Irving Street, NW Washington, D.C., 20010
MedStar Georgetown Cancer Institute at MedStar St. Mary’s Hospital
25500 Point Lookout Rd. First Fl. Leonardtown, MD 20650
MedStar Health: MedStar Georgetown Cancer Institute at MedStar Montgomery Medical Center
18105 Prince Philip Dr. TG100 Olney, MD 20832
Why choose us
At MedStar Health, you can expect personalized treatment options based on the collective recommendations of specialists in several fields. This ensures you benefit from the vast breadth and depth of our team's exceptional experience.
In addition, patients come to us because we offer:
Expert gynecologic cancer care, close to where you live and work. Here, you'll find board-certified gynecologic oncologists, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, pathologists, radiologists, genetic counselors, and other integral healthcare providers who work closely together to deliver the best possible care. With several locations throughout the Maryland and Washington, D.C., region, you won't have to travel far to access the latest treatment options and comprehensive support for any need that arises.
The latest minimally-invasive surgical options, tailored to you. Our board-certified gynecologic oncologists have extensive training and experience in all types of surgery. From complex open procedures to minimally invasive laparoscopic or robotic surgeries, your doctor will help you understand the options that are most appropriate for your cancer type and stage, as well as your quality of life.
Access to an entire network of specialists who can help you fully heal. Our doctors can help address any needs that emerge during diagnosis, treatment, and life afterward. With one electronic health record, our physicians and healthcare workers closely collaborate to coordinate the care you need to feel your best physically and emotionally. Your comprehensive care may involve experts in pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery, gastroenterology, pelvic floor rehabilitation, nutrition, psychology, and other specialties to support your overall well-being.
Awards and recognition
Recipient of an Accreditation with Commendation, the highest level of approval, from the American College of Surgeons’ Commission on Cancer (CoC)
Numerous surgeons, medical oncologists, and surgical oncologists recognized as "Top Doctors" by both Baltimore Magazine and the Washingtonian
Magnet® designation from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC)
Support services
An ovarian cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming, and we're committed to providing the resources, support, and programs you need to thrive during and after treatment. As a patient at MedStar Health, you'll benefit from coordinated care to specialists who can help address any need that arises physically or emotionally.
Learn More About Cancer Support Services
Genetic counseling
Certain genetic mutations (BRCA1 and BRCA2) can increase a person's risk of multiple cancers, including breast, ovarian, and colorectal cancer. If you or an immediate family member—parents, siblings, or children—had ovarian cancer or breast cancer, you may want to consider meeting with a genetic counselor who can help you and your loved ones determine and manage any hereditary risks of developing these cancers.
Learn More About Genetic Counseling
Personalized rehabilitation
If cancer treatment affects your strength, mobility, or day-to-day function, we can help. With renowned experts in rehabilitation, including therapists trained in managing pelvic floor disorders, we specialize in tailoring therapeutic exercises and training programs that can help you improve your quality of life and overall health.
Learn More About Cancer Rehabilitation
Survivorship
Follow-up care is a critical part of managing your health after ovarian cancer treatment. Through our connection with the Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, a National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center, patients have access to a personalized survivorship plan that may help them:
- Monitor for signs of recurrence
- Identify and manage any physical or physiological effects of cancer treatment
- Adopt healthy lifestyle changes
- Get seamless care from other specialists within the MedStar Health network for any related concerns