At the Mayo Clinic Comprehensive Cancer Center, patients with ovarian cancer have access to cutting-edge treatments and innovative surgical options that are improving outcomes. Because it is often diagnosed at advanced stages, treatment and recurrence prevention for ovarian cancer can be challenging. Matthew Block, M.D., Ph.D., a medical oncologist and immunologist at Mayo Clinic, explains, “Stage I ovarian cancer can often be cured with surgery, but advanced stages frequently recur despite aggressive treatment.” Ovarian cancer affects women with and without genetic predispositions, so the development of individualized care plans is extremely important.
The Advantage of Collaboration
A key component to individualized care at Mayo Clinic involves collaboration across specialties, or a multidisciplinary approach. Ovarian cancer care is no exception. At Mayo Clinic, gynecologic oncologists, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, radiologists, and pathologists work closely together, creating a unique advantage. “We communicate in real time, allowing patients to start treatment quickly,” Dr. Block notes. This expedites the start of treatment, which can drastically improve patient outcomes.
Innovative Approaches and Therapies
Mayo Clinic is transforming ovarian cancer care through innovative surgical approaches and new therapies. At Mayo Clinic, surgical care may sometimes involve multiple surgeons to maximize tumor removal, a practice not commonly available elsewhere. In some cases, multiple gynecologic oncologists are required, but if the cancer has spread into or near other organs, the surgical team may involve a liver surgeon or other specialists. The priority remains making sure the right people are in the room.
Additionally, intraoperative pathology reviews allow the surgical team to adjust surgical decision making based on real-time findings. Beyond surgery, patients have access to cutting-edge treatments designed to target cancer cells while minimizing harm to healthy tissue. These advanced treatments help patients maintain the best quality of life.
Pioneering Immunotherapy and Vaccine Development
One of Mayo Clinic’s most exciting innovations is the development of a first-of-its-kind ovarian cancer vaccine. “The vaccine targets folate receptor alpha, a protein expressed by ovarian cancer cells, to boost the immune system and prevent recurrence,” Dr. Block explains. Early clinical trials have shown strong immune responses and encouraging remission rates, with additional trials now underway. This exciting development could completely transform ovarian cancer care.
Cutting-Edge Research and Clinical Trials Improve Access
Through Mayo Clinic’s Ovarian SPORE program, or Specialized Program of Research Excellence, patients can access groundbreaking clinical trials unavailable anywhere else and the latest therapies and diagnostics, improving the standard of care moving forward. This drive to find bold new solutions sets Mayo Clinic apart as a leader in ovarian cancer care.
Looking Ahead
With unmatched expertise, a unique multidisciplinary model, and their commitment to innovative research, Mayo Clinic is giving patients immediate and long-term hope. “Mayo Clinic is one of the best places in the world for ovarian cancer patients,” Dr. Block emphasizes. “Our integrated approach and clinical trials offer the best chance for long-term remission today—and better therapies for the future.”
If you or a loved one is diagnosed with ovarian cancer, request a consultation to learn how Mayo Clinic can help—visit careinfo.mayoclinic.org/ovarian-cancer-mn for more information.
