The role of targeted therapy in ovarian cancer

Ovarian cancer is the second most common gynaecological malignancy and the leading cause of death from gynaecological cancer. Although in some cases treatment is initially effective, there is a considerable risk of disease recurrence and resistance to therapy. Therapies targeting molecular alterations in tumours offer the promise of significantly improved treatment. So far, the most promising targeted agents are angiogenesis inhibitors and PARP inhibitors. Here, we review the various targeted therapeutic approaches under clinical investigation in phase I and II trials of ovarian cancer and the challenges facing their future success in the clinic.