Ovarian cancer is a dangerous disease that affects the ovaries, which are the female reproductive organs responsible for producing eggs. This type of cancer is often hard to detect in its early stages and can spread quickly throughout the body.

However, the good news is that there is new medicine available that has been shown to boost the blood brigade and provide hope for those battling this disease.

Understanding Ovarian Cancer

Before discussing the new medicine that has been found to help with ovarian cancer, it’s important to understand how this disease works. Ovarian cancer occurs when cells in the ovaries begin to grow out of control and crowd out healthy cells.

These cancerous cells can then spread to other parts of the body through the lymphatic system or bloodstream.

There are several different types of ovarian cancer, each with its own characteristics. Epithelial ovarian cancer is the most common form and accounts for around 90% of all cases. This type of cancer starts in the cells that cover the ovaries.

Germ cell and stromal ovarian cancers are less common and start in the cells responsible for producing eggs and hormones.

Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer

One of the reasons why ovarian cancer is so dangerous is that it often doesn’t cause any noticeable symptoms in its early stages. As the cancer progresses, however, women may experience some of the following symptoms:.

Abdominal pain and bloating
Changes in bowel habits, such as constipation
Feeling full quickly when eating
Frequent urination
Loss of appetite
Pelvic pain and pressure

If you have any of these symptoms, it’s important to see a doctor as soon as possible. While they may not necessarily be a sign of ovarian cancer, they could indicate another medical condition that requires treatment.

Treatment Options for Ovarian Cancer

If ovarian cancer is diagnosed, there are several different treatment options that may be recommended. The most common treatments include:.

Surgery – This involves removing the tumor and any surrounding tissue that may be affected. In some cases, the ovaries and fallopian tubes may also need to be removed.
Chemotherapy – This involves using drugs to kill cancer cells. Chemotherapy can be given before or after surgery and may be administered orally, by injection, or through an IV.
Radiation therapy – This involves using high-energy radiation beams to kill cancer cells. It is not as commonly used for ovarian cancer as surgery and chemotherapy.

The specific treatment plan for ovarian cancer depends on factors such as the stage and location of the cancer, as well as the patient’s overall health. In some cases, a combination of treatments may be used to provide the best results.

Introducing the New Medicine

A recent study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology found that a drug called bevacizumab can help boost the body’s blood brigade to fight ovarian cancer.

Bevacizumab is a type of targeted therapy that works by blocking the formation of new blood vessels, which can starve cancer cells and prevent them from growing and spreading.

The study looked at 390 women with advanced ovarian cancer who had undergone surgery and chemotherapy. Half of the women were given bevacizumab in addition to their other treatments, while the other half were given a placebo.

The women who received bevacizumab had a significantly higher progression-free survival rate than those who did not. Additionally, bevacizumab was found to be well-tolerated by patients and did not cause any serious adverse events.

How Bevacizumab Works

Bevacizumab works by targeting the proteins in the body that promote the growth of new blood vessels. These proteins are known as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and are essential for the growth and spread of cancer cells.

By blocking the production of VEGF, bevacizumab starves the cancer cells of the nutrients and oxygen they need to survive and grow.

Bevacizumab is given as an IV infusion and is typically administered once every two to three weeks.

The exact dosage and frequency of treatment depend on several factors, including the patient’s age, weight, and overall health, as well as the stage and location of the cancer.

Potential Side Effects of Bevacizumab

As with any medication, bevacizumab may cause some side effects. The most common side effects include:.

Fatigue
High blood pressure
Protein in the urine
Headache
Nosebleed
Loss of appetite

In some cases, bevacizumab may also lead to more serious side effects such as blood clots, heart attack, or stroke. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should not use bevacizumab, as it can harm the developing fetus or baby.

Conclusion

Ovarian cancer is a serious disease that affects thousands of women each year. However, the development of new medicine such as bevacizumab provides hope for those battling this disease.

By boosting the body’s blood brigade and starving cancer cells of the nutrients they need to grow, bevacizumab has been shown to improve progression-free survival rates in women with advanced ovarian cancer. While bevacizumab may cause some side effects, it is generally well-tolerated by patients and offers a new treatment option for those who may not have responded well to traditional therapies.