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Common ovarian cancers (high-grade serous and endometrioid)

Most ovarian cancers fall into this group, and treatment has improved, especially with maintenance pills. You and the people who love you don't have to sort this out alone.

ℹ️ General information to help you and your loved ones talk with your care team, not medical advice. Read our disclaimer.

The quick guide

What it means: Epithelial cancers that start in the cells lining the ovary, fallopian tube or peritoneum. High-grade serous is the most common; high-grade endometrioid is treated similarly.

How it's found: Imaging, CA-125 blood test and surgery or biopsy. BRCA (germline and tumor) and HRD testing guide maintenance.

How common it is: High-grade serous makes up about 7 in 10 ovarian cancers.

How treatment works

🌱 Early-stage

Surgery to remove as much cancer as possible, plus carboplatin and paclitaxel (sometimes chemo first, then surgery).
Maintenance after chemo: PARP inhibitors (Lynparza, Zejula), sometimes with Avastin, guided by BRCA and HRD.

🔁 Advanced or metastatic

Platinum-sensitive recurrence: platinum chemo again, then possible maintenance.
Platinum-resistant: other chemo, Avastin, or Elahere for folate receptor alpha-positive tumors.

Approvals depend on stage and prior treatment. Your care team will decide what fits you.

Drug guides

Biomarker tests that matter

Side effects you may notice

❓ Questions you and your loved ones can ask

Has my tumor been tested for BRCA and HRD?
Is maintenance therapy right for me?
Should I have genetic counseling?

Back to Ovarian cancer overview. Other types: Less common ovarian cancers.

Written by the Cancer Side Effects Guide team from FDA labels and leading cancer centers. Not medical advice. · Last updated: October 15, 2026 · How we write

Not medical advice. This page is general information to help you talk with your care team. It can't replace advice from your doctor or nurse. If you have a fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher during treatment, or any symptom that worries you, call your care team now. In an emergency, call 911.