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ABSTRACT
Introduction: In 2008, we published on the application of supportive care to ovarian cancer patients which involves caring for a patient’s symptoms during and/or after treatment with an objective of providing these women with an improved quality of life (QoL). This complex, multi-dimensional field involves all body systems and collaboration among multiple medical specialties.
Areas Covered: In this updated review, we have incorporated new data investigating QoL and supportive care in ovarian cancer, maintaining our format of analyzing the data by separating it into two categories: tumor-related and treatment-related morbidities. The main themes within these categories include nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain, anxiety and depression, fatigue and anemia, small bowel obstruction, sexual dysfunction, and peripheral neuropathy, to name a few.
Expert Commentary: While all of these components are challenging to manage, the oncologist must act as a facilitator who either addresses these needs or send the patient to the appropriate healthcare provider who can address these issues. As we work to meet these supportive care needs, the aim is to improve QoL and with that, hopefully see improved survival outcomes in ovarian cancer patients.
Acknowledgments
The authors would like to acknowledge Daniele Sumner for her assistance with the preparation and editing of this manuscript.
Declaration of interest
The authors have no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.