Ovarian Cancer Treatment Transforms in Just 10 Years

When Julie Francisco was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2015, her treatment was so aggressive that a friend predicted, "Someday we'll look back and say we really used to do that to patients." Just ten years later, that day has arrived.

Francisco, now 65, underwent 18 weeks of chemotherapy through an IV port in her chest, plus six mega-doses delivered directly into her abdomen through a second port. The combination kept her cancer-free but left her with lasting nerve damage and extreme fatigue. Today, doctors at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center rarely use that punishing approach.

The shift reflects a quiet revolution in ovarian cancer care. Patients now receive tumor testing that identifies specific genetic weaknesses, allowing doctors to select drugs that target their exact cancer type. Surgery timing has become flexible, with some patients receiving chemotherapy first to shrink tumors before operation.

One of the biggest changes involves a treatment called HIPEC, which delivers heated chemotherapy once during surgery rather than through repeated abdominal infusions like Francisco endured. Clinical trials show it improves survival for certain stage 3 patients without the harsh side effects of older methods.

After surgery, many patients now take PARP inhibitor drugs that block cancer cells from repairing their own DNA. These targeted therapies can extend the time before cancer returns by months or even years. Dr. Emese Zsiros, chair of gynecologic oncology at Roswell Park, notes that treatment has become individualized from the start, matching each patient's fitness level and tumor characteristics.

Early detection remains the missing piece. No reliable screening test exists for ovarian cancer, and symptoms like bloating and fatigue are easily dismissed. Francisco spent months feeling "off" and was initially misdiagnosed with a hernia before an ultrasound revealed the truth.

Why This Inspires

Francisco's willingness to share her story highlights what research can accomplish in just one decade. The clinical trials she references, some involving patients who endured difficult experimental treatments, paved the way for gentler care that works better.

Her experience also demonstrates why comprehensive cancer centers matter. Roswell Park offered specialized IP chemotherapy in 2015 when few hospitals did, and now provides cutting-edge options like HIPEC and genetic testing. The staff who cared for Francisco continue working to improve outcomes for future patients.

Research has given today's ovarian cancer patients something Francisco wishes she'd had: effective treatment that doesn't require sacrificing quality of life.