Treatment of rare cancers

Rare ovarian cancers represent approximately 20% of all ovarian cancers. They include different types of tumors, classified into three categories: malignant germ cell tumors, tumors of the stroma and sex cords and certain epithelial tumors. The precise diagnosis of these tumors is often difficult and requires the use of pathologists specialized in gynecological pathology.

Non-epithelial malignancies have some common characteristics:

- they affect young women, even adolescent girls.
- they are usually discovered at an early stage, which often gives them a good prognosis.
- they are often chemosensitive, that is to say that chemotherapy has good results in treating them and makes it possible to avoid mutilating surgeries.

These tumors are treated with surgery that involves removing the affected ovary and the peritoneal implants. Chemotherapy may also be indicated. It often uses different molecules than those given in high-grade serous cancers.

In young women wishing to preserve their fertility, an "onco-fertility" consultation is indicated, in order to judge the possibility of preserving the other ovary and the uterus as well as the technique that can be used (removal of oocytes, ovarian cortex, etc.).

Rare ovarian cancers must be treated in specialized centres. A national network labeled by the INCa offers the possibility of accessing a second opinion on pathological diagnosis (“pathological re-reading” to confirm / invalidate the diagnosis), and advice from specialized regional and national RCPs for treatment options: www. ovary-rare.org.

The diagnostic and treatment methods are detailed and accessible on the Rare Gynecological Malignant Tumors website.

Structures that treat women with ovarian cancer must therefore be specialized, trained and offer access to clinical research.