Ovarian Cancer
Ovarian cancer is a disease in which cells of the ovaries divide uncontrollably, invading nearby tissues and possibly spreading to other areas of the body. Approximately 1.2 percent of women will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer at some point during their lifetime, according to the National Cancer Institute.
There are several types of cancerous ovarian tumors, depending on the affected type of cell. The major ones include epithelial tumors, germ cell tumors and stromal tumors.
Precise ovarian cancer tests are crucial for treatment planning, and City of Hope is equipped with state-of-the-art technologies and specialized staff to ensure an accurate, comprehensive diagnosis of ovarian cancer.
Your ovarian cancer is every bit as unique as you are, and that is why City of Hope’s ovarian cancer program focuses on you and your loved ones. This means our physicians will personally consult with you about your disease, treatment options and desired outcomes.
At City of Hope, clinicians and researchers collaborate to develop and evaluate new therapies for better survival and quality-of-life outcomes. Our ovarian cancer patients can access clinical trials for the latest chemotherapy, targeted and hormone therapies, surgical techniques, radiation approaches, and prevention strategies.
When you come to City of Hope, you automatically gain access to an unparalleled array of support services to help you and your loved ones take each step during and after your ovarian cancer treatment.
Patient Stories
Our Expertise
U.S. News & World Report has named City of Hope National Medical Center a best hospital for cancer for nearly two decades, and recognized our gynecologic surgery program as “high-performing.”
As a founding member of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, our doctors help develop and improve evidence-based ovarian cancer treatment guidelines for patients throughout the country.
Our Program Highlights:
- A personalized treatment approach guided by your unique needs and background, including molecular and genetic testing of your cancer to find the most effective therapies
- Our leadership and experience in minimally invasive and complex surgeries — such as cytoreductive (debulking) surgery that extensively removes cancerous tissue and pelvic floor reconstruction to restore continence and reduce discomfort
- Highly precise radiation therapy delivery that can focus on tumors while sparing nearby organs and tissues
- Our extensive experience, such as heated intraoperative peritoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC), which applies drugs directly into the abdominal region for greater cancer-fighting effectiveness
- A comprehensive portfolio of superior cancer-fighting drugs with fewer side effects, including targeted therapy and immunotherapy that attacks ovarian cancer cells with greater accuracy
- Supportive care services to address a wide range of disease-and treatment-related concerns
- Tests, consultations and treatments that are coordinated and provided at our Women’s Center for greater convenience
- A long-term survivorship and follow-up program focused on minimizing recurrence risk and improving quality of life
- Ovarian cancer risk assessment based on genetics, personal, lifestyle and environmental factors
City of Hope is one of the few facilities designated a comprehensive cancer center by the National Cancer Institute.
Our developments in the areas of breakthrough cancer drugs, bone marrow transplants and CAR T cell therapy are recognized internationally.
Our leadership in research and innovation continually enhances our ability to provide novel and differentiated approaches to cancer care.
Ovarian Cancer Care Team
Joshua G. Cohen, M.D., F.A.C.O.G., F.A.C.S., is a board-certified gynecologic oncologist dedicated to offering his patients in Orange County empathy and excellence in clinical care.
Maria de Leon, M.D., is an assistant clinical professor in City of Hope's Division of Gynecologic Oncology, specializing in diagnosis and treatment of cervical, endometrial/uterine and ovarian cancers.
Thanh H. Dellinger, M.D., is a gynecologic oncologist focusing on ovarian cancer, cervical cancer, uterine cancer, robotic surgery and fertility sparing cancer treatments.
Amy Hakim, M.D., is a surgical oncologist dedicated to treating gynecological cancers. In addition to providing gynecological surgery options to treat cancer, Dr. Hakim is also studying the connection these cancers’ connection to then human papillomavirus (HPV) and the HPV vaccine.
Ernest Han, M.D., Ph.D., is a gynecologic oncologist with specialized training in minimally invasive and robotic-assisted surgery.
Stephen Lee, M.D., is a gynecologic oncologist focusing on ovarian cancer, uterine (endometrial) cancer, cervical cancer, and robotic surgery.
Wei-Chien Michael Lin, M.D., is a gynecologic oncologist at City of Hope's Mission Hills and Santa Clarita, California, locations.
Lorna Rodriguez-Rodriguez, M.D., Ph.D., is eagerly continuing her ovarian cancer investigations at City of Hope, which she calls “the perfect environment” that's home to “many amazing scientists and clinicians (with) similar goals about making discoveries to cure cancer.”
Mihae Song, M.D., is a gynecologic oncologist in the Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Surgery, at City of Hope.
Edward Wenge Wang, M.D., Ph.D., is the section chief of the Gynecologic Oncology and assistant professor in the Department of Medical Oncology & Therapeutics Research.
