Stakeholder Opinions: Ovarian Cancer Growing Importance as Secondary Indication for Targeted Therapies

Despite being the most common cause of death from gynecological tumors, ovarian cancer has not traditionally attracted the same level of R&D interest as other female cancers. Nevertheless, nearly 60,000 cases of ovarian cancer being diagnosed in the seven major markets each year is, by no means, small and therefore, it remains an important secondary indication for existing and pipeline drugs.

Scope of this title:
-Overview of disease including epidemiology, biology of ovarian cancer, staging and prognostic factors
-Review of current treatment controversies and physician opinion of existing and future treatment strategies
-Evaluation of key drug regimens currently used in first, second and third line for ovarian cancer
-Assessment of late-phase drugs in development for ovarian cancer including key opinion leaders view on their potential

Highlights of this title:
Carboplatin plus paclitaxel remains firmly established as the treatment of choice not only in first line but also in second line given the significant proportion of patients retaining platinum sensitivity. It will be difficult for cytotoxics in development to penetrate the ovarian cancer market unless product differentiation can be ascertained.

Opinion leaders interviewed by We view vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) inhibitors as promising for ovarian cancer. In particular, Genentech/Roches Avastin is considered to have the most potential, so much so that it is believed to be used significantly off-label despite the halting of a Phase II trial due to safety concerns.

There are nine drugs in Phase II development for ovarian cancer including a number of cytotoxic and molecular-targeted therapies. Although quite significant in number, most of the Phase III drugs are being investigated for ovarian cancer as a secondary indication and are unlikely to make a significant impact in the disease.

Reasons to order your copy:
-Evaluate opportunities and risks in the ovarian cancer market by analyzing the clinical and commercial attractiveness of key drug regimens
-Understand current and future competitive dynamics of ovarian cancer to determine the future size and scope of the market
-Assess key success factors that drive the ovarian cancer market to estimate the potential of existing and pipeline drugs for the disease