By Day 3 Post an explanation of the pathophysiology of the type of cancer you selected and describe the drug treatments used for patients with this type of cancer. Then, explain short-term and long-term implications of the cancer and the drug treatments for patients.

The Pathophysiology of Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian cancer is a type of cancer that originates in the ovaries, which are the female reproductive organs responsible for producing and releasing eggs for fertilization. Ovarian cancer can develop in different parts of the ovary, including the epithelial cells lining the surface of the ovary, the germ cells that produce eggs, and the stromal cells that provide structural support to the ovary. The pathophysiology of ovarian cancer begins with the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the ovary (Anzar et al., 2020). These cells can form a mass or tumour that can grow and spread to other body parts, including the fallopian tubes, uterus, and other nearby organs. The exact cause of ovarian cancer is not fully understood, but risk factors such as a family history of ovarian cancer, genetic mutations, age, and hormonal imbalances may increase the likelihood of developing the disease. Epithelial ovarian cancer is the most common type of ovarian cancer, accounting for about 85-90% of cases (Kim et al., 2018). This type of cancer usually develops from the cells lining the surface of the ovary, called the epithelium. Epithelial ovarian cancer can be further classified into subtypes based on the appearance of the cells under a microscope. For example, serous ovarian cancer develops from cells that produce a watery fluid, while mucinous ovarian cancer develops from cells that produce a mucus-like substance. Germ cell ovarian cancer is a less common type that develops from the cells that produce eggs (Tudrej et al., 2019). These tumours are often benign, but in some cases, they can be malignant and spread to other parts of the body. Stromal cell ovarian cancer is another rare type that develops from the cells that provide structural support to the ovary (Goyeneche et al., 2020). These types of tumours can produce hormones and cause hormonal imbalances. As ovarian cancer progresses, the tumour can invade nearby tissues and organs, such as the fallopian tubes, uterus, and bladder. Cancer can also spread to distant body parts through the lymphatic system or bloodstream, forming new tumours in other organs, such as the liver, lungs, and bones. This process is known as metastasis and is a critical factor in determining the stage and prognosis of ovarian cancer (Akhtar et al., 2019). The pathophysiology of ovarian cancer involves the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the ovaries, which can form tumours and spread to other parts of the body. Different types of ovarian cancer can develop from different cell types in the ovary, and the progression of the disease is characterized by the invasion of nearby tissues and organs and the spread of cancer cells to distant sites.

The Drug Treatments used for Patients with Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian cancer is a type of cancer that begins in the ovaries, the female reproductive organs responsible for producing eggs. Several treatment options for ovarian cancer patients are available, including surgery, chemotherapy, and targeted therapy. Surgery is often the first treatment option for ovarian cancer patients (Falzone et al., 2021). Surgery aims to remove as much cancer as possible. In some cases, this may involve removing one or both ovaries and other nearby organs, such as the fallopian tubes and uterus. Surgery may also involve the removal of lymph nodes to help prevent the spread of cancer to other parts of the body. Chemotherapy is another treatment option for ovarian cancer patients (Elies et al., 2018). Chemotherapy involves the use of drugs to kill cancer cells. These drugs may be given orally or through injection into a vein. Chemotherapy is often given in cycles, with a period of treatment followed by rest. The number of cycles and the type of drugs used will depend on the stage and type of ovarian cancer. Targeted therapy is a newer type of treatment used in some cases of ovarian cancer (Lee et al., 2019). Targeted therapy drugs work by targeting specific molecules or proteins involved in the growth and spread of cancer cells. These drugs may be used alone or in combination with chemotherapy. Targeted therapy is often based on the specific characteristics of the tumour, such as the presence of specific genetic mutations. The drug treatments used for patients with ovarian cancer include surgery, chemotherapy, and targeted therapy. The treatment choice will depend on several factors, including the stage and type of ovarian cancer and the patient’s overall health and preferences. A comprehensive treatment plan may involve a combination of these therapies to achieve the best possible outcome for the patient.