Top 5 Ovarian Cancer Articles of 2025

This year’s top 5 ovarian cancer articles on AJMC.com covered topics ranging from the link with body mass index (BMI) to physician knowledge gaps in genetic testing and beyond.

Here are the top 5 ovarian cancer articles of 2025; stay up-to-date with all the ovarian cancer content from The American Journal of Managed Care^® here.

5. Ovarian, Uterine Cancers Linked to High BMI Continue to Rise Among Women of Reproductive Age Worldwide

This September article summarizes findings from a Frontiers in Oncology study showing that the global burden of ovarian and uterine cancers attributable to high BMI continues to rise among women of reproductive age, with significant disparities across sociodemographic index (SDI) levels. From 1990 to 2021, age-standardized mortality and disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) for both cancers rose globally, particularly in middle- and low-SDI regions, while declining in high-SDI regions with stronger health systems.

In 2021, ovarian cancer attributable to high BMI resulted in 2022 deaths and 99,915 DALYs worldwide, while uterine cancer led to 2202 deaths and 114,177 DALYs. Disease burden increased with age, peaking among women aged 45 to 49 years. Looking ahead, mortality and DALYs for ovarian and uterine cancers attributable to high BMI are projected to continue rising through 2036.

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4. High Prevalence of Sarcopenia Identified in Patients With Ovarian, Endometrial Cancer

Sarcopenia is highly prevalent among patients with gynecologic cancers, particularly those with endometrial or ovarian cancer, according to findings from a Journal of Cachexia, Sarcopenia and Muscle study summarized in a February article. Although sarcopenia in patients with gynecologic cancers has gained increasing attention, researchers have noted a lack of precise prevalence data in this population. To address this gap, they conducted a meta-analysis to evaluate the prevalence of sarcopenia and its prognostic impact in patients with gynecologic cancers.

Across 24 studies, the pooled prevalence of sarcopenia was 38.8% in this population. Subgroup analyses showed prevalence rates of 23.68% among patients with gynecologic tumors overall, 43.63% among those with ovarian cancer, 42.5% among individuals with endometrial cancer, and 32.23% among those with cervical cancer. Sarcopenia was more common in patients older than 60 years and in those with a BMI greater than 25 kg/m².

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3. GLP-1 Receptor Agonists Show Promise as Adjunctive Treatment for Ovarian Cancer

This July article reported that use of GLP-1 receptor agonists was associated with significantly improved survival in women with ovarian cancer. Although prior research linked GLP-1 receptor agonist therapy to a reduced incidence of 10 of 13 obesity-related cancers, including a 48% reduction in ovarian cancer risk, it remained unclear whether postdiagnosis use could improve ovarian cancer survival outcomes. To address this gap, researchers conducted a retrospective cohort study evaluating the association between GLP-1 receptor agonist use and 5-year all-cause mortality in women with ovarian cancer.

During follow-up, patients using GLP-1 receptor agonists experienced significantly better overall survival than non-users, with all-cause mortality rates of 7.94% vs 19.71% and survival probabilities of 83.98% vs 70.60%, respectively. In the Cox proportional hazards model, GLP-1 receptor agonist use was associated with a 55% reduction in mortality risk, with survival benefits consistent across most subgroups, suggesting the therapy could be added to standard ovarian cancer treatment.

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2. Disparities Persist Despite Declining US Ovarian Cancer Death Rates

Although ovarian cancer mortality in the US declined from 1999 to 2020, disparities persist across age, race, and geographic regions, according to a World Journal of Clinical Oncology study summarized in a July article. Survival rates for stage III and IV ovarian cancer remain low due to late-stage diagnosis. To better understand mortality trends, investigators conducted a retrospective analysis of US women aged 25 and older using the CDC Wide-Ranging Online Data for Epidemiologic Research database, assessing demographic and regional differences in ovarian cancer-related deaths from 1999 to 2020.

During the study period, 337,619 eligible women died from ovarian cancer. Mortality was stable until 2003, then declined significantly. Women aged 65 and older had the highest mortality rate but experienced substantial declines, while younger age groups had much lower rates and consistent declines. By race and ethnicity, non-Hispanic White women had the highest mortality rate, followed by non-Hispanic Black women, though all groups saw declines by 2020. Geographically, mortality was slightly higher in non-metropolitan areas and highest in the Northeast, with declines observed across all regions over time.

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1. Physician Gaps in Genetic Testing Knowledge May Impact Ovarian Cancer Care

Physicians must improve their understanding of the broader implications of genetic testing to optimize the management of patients with advanced ovarian cancer, according to this year’s top article, which summarized a Future Oncology study. Despite global guideline recommendations, many eligible patients are not offered testing, limiting access to biomarker-driven treatments. To explore this gap, researchers conducted a cross-sectional, online survey evaluating physicians’ understanding, perceptions, and experiences with diagnostic genetic testing and management of advanced ovarian cancer in real-world practice.

The survey found that BRCA mutation, homologous recombination deficiency, and homologous recombination repair mutation testing are primarily conducted before or during first-line chemotherapy, with the US reporting the highest testing rates and most physicians confident in interpreting results; treatment decisions were the primary reason for testing. At least 73% of physicians supported offering genetic counseling to all patients with ovarian cancer, with 58% to 92% reporting that their center provided it.

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