Chemotherapy for Ovarian Cancer
Chemotherapy (also called chemo) uses drugs to destroy or damage fast-growing cells like cancer cells. It is used to shrink tumors, slow cancer’s growth, relieve symptoms, or help people live longer. Chemotherapy drugs are given in different ways (intravenously, orally by a pill, or by injection).
Chemotherapy is one of the main treatments for ovarian cancer. It may be given before or after surgery.
These are the latest chemotherapy drugs available to treat ovarian cancer. New treatments become available all the time, so this may not be a complete list.
Please note: The side effects listed here do not represent a comprehensive list. It's important to discuss all potential side effects of a drug with your healthcare team. Be sure to tell your healthcare team about any side effects you do have.
All Available Treatments
Treatment Type
Platinum-based
Drug Names
Potential Side Effects
Adverse drug reaction
Diarrhea
Hair thinning/loss
Weight/appetite changes
Low blood counts
Nausea/vomiting
Neuropathy
Taste changes
Important Things to Know
- For most patients, their first chemotherapy treatment will be a platinum drug plus a taxane.
- Low blood counts are a potential side effect that may put you at risk for anemia, infection, or bleeding.
Treatment Type
Taxanes
Drug Names
Potential Side Effects
Adverse drug reaction
Dry eye
Swelling
Flu-like symptoms
Hair thinning/loss
Joint pain/stiffness
Low blood counts
Nausea/vomiting
Neuropathy
Skin/nail changes
Fatigue/weakness
Important Things to Know
- This chemo may help keep cancer cells from repairing their damaged DNA, causing them to die.
- Low blood counts are a potential side effect that may put you at risk for anemia, infection, or bleeding.
Treatment Type
Anti-metabolites
Drug Names
Potential Severe Side Effects
Lung problems
Potential Side Effects
Diarrhea
Fatigue/weakness
Fever
Hand-foot syndrome
Low blood counts
Mouth sores
Nausea/vomiting
Skin/nail changes
Important Things to Know
- A fever may occur within the first 24 hours of administration.
- Low blood counts (especially platelets) are a potential side effect. Low blood counts may put you at risk for anemia, infection, or bleeding.
- Lung problems are a rare but serious possible side effect.
- Mouth sores are a potential side effect that can be painful and affect your oral intake. Speak to your provider about proactive management and an oral care regimen.
Treatment Type
Anthracyclines
Drug Name
Potential Severe Side Effects
Heart problems
Potential Side Effects
Nausea/vomiting
Hair thinning/loss
Low blood counts
Mouth sores
Hand-foot syndrome
Important Things to Know
- This chemo can increase the risk of heart problems. You may have to switch to a different chemo or get an additional medicine to help protect your heart.
- Low blood counts are a potential side effect that may put you at risk for anemia, infection, or bleeding.
- Mouth sores are a potential side effect that can be painful and affect your oral intake. Speak to your provider about proactive management and an oral care regimen.
Treatment Type
Alkylating Agents
Drug Names
Potential Side Effects
Urinary, kidney, or bladder changes
Diarrhea
Fever
Hair thinning/loss
Weight/appetite changes
Low blood counts
Nausea/vomiting
Skin/nail changes
Fatigue/weakness
Important Things to Know
- Low blood counts are a potential side effect that may put you at risk for anemia, infection, or bleeding.
Treatment Type
Microtubule Inhibitors
Drug Name
Potential Side Effects
Adverse drug reaction
Constipation
Diarrhea
Fatigue/weakness
Low blood counts
Nausea/vomiting
Neuropathy
Important Things to Know
- If you have pain in your veins, ask about getting a port.
- Low blood counts are a potential side effect that may put you at risk for anemia, infection, or bleeding.
- Pain may occur at the tumor site after infusion.
Treatment Type
Topoisomerase Inhibitors
Drug Names
Potential Side Effects
Diarrhea
Fever
Hair thinning/loss
Weight/appetite changes
Low blood counts
Nausea/vomiting
Fatigue/weakness
Important Things to Know
- Low blood counts are a potential side effect that may put you at risk for anemia, infection, or bleeding.