# Ovarian cancer treatment: surgery, chemotherapy and PARP inhibitors

> Source: World Aid Network — https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/ovarian-cancer/treatment

## In short

Standard treatment is surgery to remove as much tumour as possible, plus platinum-based chemotherapy. Some people have chemotherapy first. PARP inhibitor tablets such as olaparib are used as maintenance for some BRCA-mutated cancers. Bevacizumab is added for some people. Exact combinations follow NICE criteria on the NHS.

High-grade serous carcinoma is the most common subtype and is strongly linked with BRCA changes. World Aid Network funds treatment access overseas, not UK clinics and not research labs.

## What does surgery involve?

Cytoreductive surgery may include hysterectomy, removal of both ovaries and tubes, and omentectomy. Some people have chemotherapy first to shrink disease.

## What drugs are used afterwards?

Carboplatin with paclitaxel is the usual backbone. PARP inhibitors exploit DNA-repair weakness in BRCA-mutated tumours. Bevacizumab is used in some first-line and recurrent settings.

## How does funding overseas differ?

These drugs are NHS-funded in Britain when criteria are met. WAN pays partner hospital bills for patients who cannot afford private oncology in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia.

## Key takeaways

- Surgery plus platinum chemotherapy is the core pathway.
- PARP inhibitors help some people with BRCA-mutated disease.
- Most UK cases are still found at stage 3 or 4.
- WAN funds access overseas, not UK clinics.

## Related pages in this guide

- Overview: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/ovarian-cancer
- Symptoms: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/ovarian-cancer/symptoms
- CA125 & scans: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/ovarian-cancer/tests
- Treatment options: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/ovarian-cancer/treatment

## Frequently asked questions

### Is ovarian cancer curable?

Stage 1 disease is often treated with curative intent and has high survival. Later-stage disease is often treated to control it for as long as possible.

### Will I need my ovaries removed?

Surgery for suspected ovarian cancer usually includes removing the ovaries. Fertility-sparing options are sometimes discussed for selected early cases in specialist centres.

### Does World Aid Network pay for olaparib?

We fund treatment a partner clinician has recommended and that the hospital can deliver. Exact drugs depend on diagnosis, stage and local availability.

## How you can help

World Aid Network funds cancer treatment for patients who cannot pay in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. Donate at https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal/cancer-emergency or https://worldaidnetwork.org/donate?cause=cancer-treatment&appeal=cancer-emergency

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This is general information, not medical advice, published by World Aid Network. Always consult a qualified clinician about your own health.