Dendritic cell therapy -
Ovarian cancer (ovarian carcinoma)
Traditional treatments & modern immunotherapy
Ovarian cancer is one of the most challenging gynecological tumors. Since early symptoms are usually inconspicuous, the diagnosis is often made only in advanced stages.
Successful treatment requires a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, molecular diagnostics, and, if necessary, additional immunological therapy approaches.
This section outlines the classic therapy options as well as dendritic cell therapy (DCT) as a complementary immunological approach.

Classic treatment options for ovarian cancer
1. Surgery – a central component of treatment
Surgery is crucial in ovarian cancer, as as much tumor tissue as possible must be removed.
Typical surgical procedures:
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Removal of the ovaries and fallopian tubes
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Removal of the uterus, omentum, and affected lymph nodes
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Peritoneal resection if the tumor has spread
Goal: complete tumor reduction (“debulking”) as far as possible.
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2. Chemotherapy
Surgery is usually followed by systemic chemotherapy.
Standard regimen:
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Carboplatin + paclitaxel
It is used adjuvantly or in cases of recurrence and is a central element of therapy.
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3. Maintenance therapies / targeted therapies
Molecular diagnostics (BRCA1/2, HRD status) play an important role today.
Possible targeted therapies:
PARP inhibitors:
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Olaparib
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Niraparib
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Rucaparib
They are used especially in cases of BRCA mutations or HRD-positive tumors.
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4. Antibody therapies
Targeted antibodies are used in selected situations:
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Bevacizumab (VEGF inhibitor)→ inhibits tumor angiogenesis and is often combined with chemotherapy.
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5. Immunotherapy (checkpoint inhibitors)
Its effectiveness in ovarian cancer has been limited so far, but is being intensively researched.
Dendritic cell therapy – an immunological approach to ovarian cancer
Dendritic cell therapy (DCT) is a personalized immunotherapy that aims to activate T cells specifically against tumor cells.
DCT procedure
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Blood sample taken from the patient
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Isolation of monocytes
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Cultivation into dendritic cells
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Loading with tumor antigens (e.g., tumor lysate)
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Maturation into highly active immune cells
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Return as an intradermal injection
Dendritic cells present tumor characteristics to the T cells, which can then specifically recognize tumor cells.
DZT as a supplement to conventional cancer therapy
Many patients use dendritic cell therapy as a complementary treatment to strengthen the immune system and supplement a more individualized therapeutic strategy.
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Possible combinations:
• DCT + chemotherapy
Chemotherapy reduces tumor mass → DCT can support immunological targeting.
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• DCT + PARP inhibitors
If BRCA/HRD positive → combination can influence the immunological environment.
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• DZT + antibody therapy (bevacizumab)
Complements angiogenesis inhibition with immunological activation.
• DZT + immune-boosting infusions
(e.g., glutathione, resveratrol, selenium, artesunate)
→ Strengthening of the immune system during stressful therapies.
Goals of dendritic cell therapy in ovarian cancer
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Activation of tumor-targeted T cells
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Support of immune surveillance
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Supplement to conventional treatments
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Stabilization of general condition
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Accompanying option to improve quality of life
Effectiveness is individual and depends on tumor biology and immune status.
Dendritic cell therapy is a patient-specific immunological approach.
No promises of a cure are made.
