New therapeutic agents in ovarian cancer.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Despite advances in management over recent years, epithelial ovarian cancer remains the most lethal gynaecological malignancy. Methods of early detection, as well as improved therapeutic options, are urgently needed.

RECENT FINDINGS

Currently, a number of targeted therapies, including vascular endothelial growth factor inhibitors, poly-ADP-ribose polymerase inhibitors and folate receptor inhibitors look promising in this arena and this article will review a number of these drugs and the evidence pertaining to their use.

SUMMARY

Much further research is required to define if, when and how best to integrate these novel therapies, and also to define associated biomarkers that predict toxicity and select patients most likely to derive benefit. Individualized therapy is not an impossible dream, but there is still a long way to go.