Cutting-edge techniques and innovative research for optimized care at Gustave Roussy 

World Ovarian Cancer Day, observed on May 8, raises awareness about this eighth most common cancer among women, which is often asymptomatic and diagnosed late. As a center of expertise in ovarian cancer surgery—one of the key treatments for the disease—Gustave Roussy also conducts cutting-edge research and offers patients the opportunity to participate in innovative clinical trials.

Ovarian cancer is the most common gynecological cancer, with 5,200 new cases per year*. Ovarian carcinoma is insidious, causing few or no symptoms, and is often diagnosed at an advanced stage in women, especially since no screening test is currently available. Certain signs, such as abdominal discomfort, digestive or urinary problems, and back or pelvic pain—particularly in postmenopausal women—may indicate the presence of the disease.

The Use of High-Quality Surgical Care

Once the diagnostic evaluation is complete, the choice of treatment is discussed collectively during a multidisciplinary team meeting (MDT) and tailored to each individual patient. Specialized and comprehensive surgical resection of all ovarian cancer lesions is a major step in the treatment and care of patients. The quality of this surgery is the most important prognostic factor for the disease, hence the importance of having this procedure performed at a specialized center. To ensure maximum patient safety and strengthen quality standards, a decree on oncology services—scheduled to take effect on June 1, 2023—sets minimum annual activity thresholds for cancer surgery, including gynecologic cancers. 

Ovarian cancer surgery is one of Gustave Roussy’s specialties, and the center relies on practitioners specifically trained in the relevant techniques and procedures. The team is also particularly committed to perioperative care to better manage pain, promote rapid recovery, and improve patients’ quality of life.

Research and Access to Innovative Clinical Trials 

Certain drugs, such as PARP inhibitors (which target a DNA repair enzyme), have proven effective in treating certain types of ovarian cancer and are now being tested for other indications. 

Within the gynecologic cancer research laboratory, ovarian cancer is the focus of several clinical studies (early-phase and Phase I through III trials) and translational research. In particular, the research aims to identify new biomarkers of DNA repair defects to better understand which patients may benefit most from PARP inhibitors and to characterize the impact of chemotherapy on the immunological profile of ovarian cancers.

The research laboratory also works closely with the oncogenetics department, as ovarian cancer may be associated with a genetic predisposition. Some women at risk for this type of cancer may therefore be offered preventive surgery. 

At Gustave Roussy, patients with ovarian cancer can enroll in a clinical trial to benefit from new treatment strategies (such as immunotherapies or combination therapies) or innovative treatments, regardless of the stage of the disease, whether as first-line treatment or in the event of a recurrence. 

Certain specific forms affecting young women

There are various histopathological types of ovarian tumors, and rare forms with a better prognosis affect young women. It is important to be able to recognize them in order to offer these patients more appropriate treatments, particularly for fertility preservation. The radiological and pathological expertise of centers such as Gustave-Roussy is a major asset in the management of these rare forms. Gustave-Roussy is one of the national centers of expertise for the management of rare ovarian tumors (www.ovaire-rare.org)

*National Cancer Institute, 2018