Ovarian Cancer - Medications

Gene Therapy. Gene therapies generally work in one of two ways:

One approach involves genes that are used to convert inactive agents into cancer-fighting drugs.
The other major approach uses genetic therapies to repair molecular defects that are causing uncontrolled cell proliferation. For example, some investigators are using techniques to deliver a normal p53 gene, which suppresses cancer cell growth, into ovarian cancer cells.

Antiangiogenesis Agents. Angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels that feed the growth of a cancerous tumor, is a critical process in the spread of ovarian cancer. Drugs that block this process are under investigation for ovarian cancer and include thalidomide, gefinitib (Iressa), and carboxyamido-triazole (CAI).

Aromatase Inhibitors. Aromatase inhibitors block aromatase, an enzyme that is a major source of estrogen in many body tissues. The include anastrozole (Arimidex) and letrozole (Femara). A 2002 study suggested they might be beneficial for certain patients who have biologic markers indicating that their cancer cells are sensitive to these agents.

Retinoids. Laboratory studies have found that retinoids, which are compounds derived from vitamin A, inhibit ovarian cancer cell growth. Certain retinoids, including fenretinide, are being investigated for treating and preventing ovarian cancer.

Epothilones. Epothilones are a new class of anti-cancer agents that are similar to taxanes (e.g., paclitaxel) but are more potent. Currently one of these agents, called only BMS-247550, is being studied in a late-phase trial for ovarian cancer.

Imatinib. Imatinib (Gleevec) is a new agent that blocks an enzyme called tyrosine kinase. It is proving to be beneficial for some leukemia patients and is now being studied in late-phase trials for ovarian cancer.