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
Paraplatin® (Carboplatin)
Platinol® (Cisplatin)
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
Abraxane® (albumin-bound paclitaxel, nab-paclitaxel)
Taxol® (Paclitaxel)
Taxotere® (Docetaxel)
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
Alimta® (Pemetrexed)
Gemzar® (Gemcitabine)
Infugem™ (Gemcitabine)
Potential Severe Side Effects
Lung problems
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
Doxil® (Liposomal doxorubicin)
Potential Severe Side Effects
Heart problems
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
Cytoxan® (Cyclophosphamide)
Ifex® (Ifosfamide)
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
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
Etoposide (VP-16)
Camptosar® (CPT-11, Irinotecan)
Hycamtin® (Topotecan)
Important Things to Know
  • Low blood counts are a potential side effect that may put you at risk for anemia, infection, or bleeding.