In the management of ovarian cancer, which combination of treatments is commonly employed?

• A. Radiation therapy
• B. Antibiotics
• C. Debulking surgery followed by chemotherapy
• D. Hormonal therapy

Answer: (C)

Reducing tumor burden surgically followed by systemic chemotherapy is the approach that best addresses both visible disease and microscopic spread in ovarian cancer. Debulking, or cytoreductive surgery, aims to remove as much tumor as possible; achieving minimal residual disease improves survival and makes the remaining cancer cells more susceptible to chemotherapy. After surgery, platinum-based chemotherapy (often with a taxane) targets any remaining cancer cells and helps prevent recurrence.

Radiation therapy is not commonly used as the primary treatment for ovarian cancer because the disease often disseminates within the peritoneal cavity and is not highly radiosensitive, making it less effective. Antibiotics do not treat cancer, and hormonal therapy is not standard for most ovarian cancers, though it may have a role in specific rare tumor types.