What should you know about letrozole maintenance in ovarian cancer?

Maintenance treatment aims to keep cancer controlled after earlier treatment, such as surgery or chemotherapy. Letrozole reduces oestrogen production, so it may be considered when the tumour’s biology suggests hormone reduction could help. Ovarian cancer is a group of diseases, and not every tumour responds to the same medicines.

The decision may take account of pathology, previous response, menopausal status, symptoms, other health conditions and the balance between expected benefit and side effects. Imaging such as pelvic ultrasound is used only when clinically appropriate; it does not by itself decide whether letrozole is suitable.

Take letrozole at the prescribed time and keep oncology appointments for symptom review and any examinations or tests requested. Tell the team about bone disease, fractures, liver problems, cholesterol concerns, pregnancy possibility and all medicines or supplements.

Possible effects include hot flushes, fatigue, joint or muscle discomfort, mood changes and vaginal dryness. Ask about movement, bone-health assessment and symptom relief before stopping treatment. Your team may discuss genomic tumour profiling, surgery, chemotherapy or supportive care when these fit your situation.

Contact the oncology service promptly for new or worsening abdominal swelling, persistent vomiting, severe pain, a suspected fracture, or symptoms that make it hard to take treatment. Seek urgent help for sudden chest pain, breathing difficulty, fainting, or swelling of the face or throat.

Ask what tumour features support maintenance letrozole, what outcome the team is monitoring, how long treatment may continue, and which symptoms require urgent contact. Ask how ovarian cancer follow-up will be coordinated with imaging, blood tests, surgery or supportive care.