The American Cancer Society estimates that a woman’s risk of developing ovarian cancer is 1 in 73. For the 61% of ovarian cancer patients whose cancer has spread to other organs by the time of diagnosis, the five-year survival rate is only 27%.
But advances are being made in the diagnosis and treatment of advanced ovarian cancer and about a recently FDA approved treatment. Dr. Matulonis talks about the BRCA gene, mutations, and how genetic testing may impact ovarian cancer treatment options.
Dr. Matulonis discusses:
- The signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer
- Who is at risk
- The BRCA gene mutation and how it impacts ovarian cancer diagnosis and treatment
- The treatment options available specifically for women with BRCA mutated advanced ovarian cancer
Dr. Ursula Matulonis is Associate Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School and is the Director of the Gynaecological Oncology Program at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston.
This interview is provided by AstraZeneca
There are no contraindications for LYNPARZA.
LYNPARZA may cause serious side effects that can lead to death including bone marrow problems and lung problems. Some people who have ovarian cancer or who have received previous treatment with chemotherapy or certain other medicines for their cancer have developed bone marrow problems called Myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) or Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) during treatment with LYNPARZA. Symptoms of low blood cell counts are common during treatment with LYNPARZA, but can be a sign of serious bone marrow problems, including MDS or AML.
You will undergo blood tests before, and every month during, treatment with LYNPARZA to monitor your blood cell counts. Symptoms to discuss with your healthcare provider include weakness, weight loss, fever, frequent infections, blood in your urine/stool, shortness of breath, feeling very tired, and bruising or bleeding more easily.
Tell your healthcare provider if you have any new or worsening symptoms of lung problems, including shortness of breath, fever, cough, or wheezing.
Avoid pregnancy when taking LYNPARZA and tell your healthcare provider right away if you are, or think you have become, pregnant.
Avoid grapefruit, grapefruit juice and Seville oranges during treatment as they may increase the levels of LYNPARZA in your blood.
The most common side effects are anemia, nausea or vomiting, tiredness or weakness, diarrhea, indigestion or heartburn, headache, loss of appetite, changes in how food tastes, changes in kidney function blood tests, sore throat or runny nose, upper respiratory infection, cough, pain in the joints, muscles, and back, rash, and pain or discomfort in the stomach area.
