Current status of signal transduction modulators in the treatment of gynecologic malignancies.

The introduction of platinum and paclitaxel had a pronounced effect in the prognosis and management of gynecological tumors. Preliminary results suggest that the use of signal transduction modulators, particularly inhibitors of angiogenesis has significant activity in recurrent ovarian cancer. Monoclonal antibodies against VEGF, such as bevacizumab, can be considered in the treatment of recurrent disease. Currently the role of bevacizumab as frontline therapy, in combination with cytotoxic chemotherapy, is being investigated in randomized phase III studies. It is expected that other signal transduction modulators will also have substantial activity in gynecological tumors.