The Outlook reported a study that showed researchers have developed a new treatment option for ovarian cancer. They claim that this technique can increase the tumor shrinkage rate along with prolonging the time until it recur. Doctors at the University of Arizona Cancer Centre at St Joseph’s Hospital said this new treatment measure can improve the response rates of the cancer and delay its progression.
The researchers said ‘Trebananib is a first-in-class peptide-Fc fusion protein (or peptide body) that targets the growth of new blood vessels into tumours (angiogenesis) by suppressing the binding of both angiopoietin 1 and 2 to the Tie2 receptor.’ This mechanism of action is very different from the other agents like bevacizumab that also effect angiogenesis by inhibiting vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). (Read: Regular aspirin use could reduce ovarian cancer risk)
Researchers said that unlike bevaciuzmab, Trebananib does not increases the risks of bowel perforation and hypertension but exerts similar impact on delaying the progression of the cancer and shrinkage of tumor. A randomised clinical trial was carried out among 919 women with recurrent ovarian cancer. Along with the standard chemotherapy they added trebananib drug in the test group and placebo in the control group. Named as TRINOVA-1, the trail was carried out by Professor Bradley J Monk of the Gynaecologic Oncology Division at the University of Arizona Cancer Centre. He said ‘This is a new and exciting targeted medication therapy aimed to treat recurrent ovarian cancer. This cancer in women is nearly fatal and new treatments to treat it are desperately needed. (Read: 20 percent women with ovarian cancer inherit predisposition to disease)
‘The trail also showed that angiogenesis is one of the most complex process in oncology. Many new targets like angiopoietin 1/2 will be required for effective inhibition of the production and growth of new blood vessels that are essential for growth, progression and metastases of the cancerous tissue. He also added that if we can find treatments to cease the cancerous growth by blocking their blood supply, the patients will live a better and longer life. Amgen, the manufacturer of trebananib medication has to file this agent to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The study appears in the journal Lancet Oncology. (Read: New device helps in ovarian cancer treatment)
Are you at risk for ovarian cancer?
Ovarian Cancer or thee cancer of ovareis is the 5th leading cause of death among women worldwide. This makes it a hot topic which is very relevant to today’s age and generation. Ovarian cancer is a term that is used to represent a group of tumors that arise from different tissues within the ovaries (A female reproductive organ in which ova or eggs are produced). Though most cases are benign (less dangerous form which doesn’t spread), some of them may be malignant (spreading to other parts of the body).
Who is at risk?
Although experts have not been able to identify what causes ovarian cancer, there are some factors that may put one person at a higher risk of developing the condition:
- Family history: Women who have one or more family members who have suffered from ovarian cancer, breast cancer or colon cancer are at a greater risk of developing the condition. Experts have found that specific genes such as BRCA 1 and 2 – if inherited – can cause the condition.
- Age: Women over the age of 50 are more likely when compared to their younger counterparts to develop ovarian cancer. The risk doubles in women above the age of 60.
- Childbearing and Menstruation: Studies have found that women who have never given birth are more likely to develop ovarian cancer than those who have children. The study also suggested that the number of children a woman has directly correlates to the decrease in risk of ovarian cancer. Read more about the risk factors, diagnosis and treatment of ovarian cancer
You may also like to read:
- Causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of cancer
- War on Cancer
- Can alternative therapies cure cancer?
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