The standard treatment for ovarian cancer typically includes which modalities?

• A. Radiation therapy only
• B. Surgery and chemotherapy
• C. Antibiotics
• D. Hormonal therapy

Answer: (B)

Ovarian cancer is treated with both local control and systemic control. The usual plan starts with debulking surgery to remove as much tumor as possible, because reducing tumor burden improves outcomes and sets the stage for effective chemotherapy. After surgery, chemotherapy is given to kill any remaining cancer cells throughout the body, addressing microscopic spread and lowering the risk of recurrence. The typical regimen is a platinum-based agent (like carboplatin) paired with a taxane (such as paclitaxel). Radiation therapy isn’t part of the standard upfront treatment because ovarian cancer is often disseminated and radiation has limited impact on survival in this context. Antibiotics don’t treat cancer, and hormonal therapy isn’t standard for most epithelial ovarian cancers, though it may be used in some rare, hormone-sensitive cases.