Dr. Marta Crispens
Topic: Ovarian Cancer Recurrence, Innovation, and Patient Support
Guest: Dr. Marta Crispens, Director of Gyn Oncology, Vanderbilt Ingram Cancer Center
Understanding Recurrence & Drug Resistance
Ovarian Cancer is Heterogeneous: High-grade serous carcinoma differs from low-grade; requires personalized treatment.
Recurrence Causes:
- Small resistant cells survive initial treatment.
- 50% of patients lack DNA damage repair defects → poorer outcomes.
Drug Resistance Factors:
- Molecular changes, drug transport issues, tumor microenvironment.
Treatment & Trials
Immunotherapy Challenges:
- PD-1 inhibitors haven’t been as successful in ovarian cancer.
Emerging Solutions:
- IL-4 & macrophage modulation to unlock immune response.
- Cryptic antigens: exposing hidden cancer targets to T-cells.
- CAR-T cell therapy: experimental, promising but early-phase.
Targeted Therapies:
- Antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) like Elahere.
- Exploring less toxic payloads and more specific cancer markers.
Personalized Protocols
Desensitization for Drug Allergies:
- Protocols help allergic patients tolerate key chemo drugs.
- Example: tiny-dose infusions (in hours, not days) with antihistamines.
PARP Inhibitors:
- Standard use: 2 years.
- Few patients may benefit from longer usage—but risks like leukemia warrant caution.
Patient-Centered Guidance
Side Effect Management:
- Be honest with providers.
- Use palliative care for symptom management.
- Consider evidence-based integrative approaches: yoga, acupuncture.
Emotional Navigation:
- First appointments are overwhelming—processing takes time.
- Balance treating cancer and caring for the person, as the provider team.
Call to Action
Support Clinical Trials:
- Join trials at every stage: diagnosis, recurrence, maintenance.
Advocacy:
- Federal research support reductions threaten progress.
- Urge lawmakers to fund science.
Final Messages
“More isn’t always better—but balance is.”— Dr. Marta Crispens
You can also connect with us on social media: