We know that cancer starts because of a genetic defect or mutation.  Mutations in tumor suppressor genes BRCA and P53 have been found in many cancers including ovarian cancer. There have been studies to correct these genetic mutations using gene therapy.   A Memphis-area physician pioneered a study of the replacement of normal P53 genes using adenovirus (cold virus) a few years back.  

Unfortunately, the toxicity of the treatment prohibits its clinical application.  An exciting development on the horizon involves using seven different proteins from patients’ blood.  This study is currently ongoing at the West Clinic in Memphis, Tennessee, and 24 other cancer centers around the world.  Furthermore, there are more chemotherapy agents that are active in ovarian cancer.  

For many patients with recurrence of their cancer, a relatively long period of stable disease (under control with chemotherapy) is still possible.  Unfortunately, most patients eventually succumb to the disease since the cancer eventually becomes resistant to the chemotherapy.  Thus, more research should be done to conquer this “silent killer.”