Trabectedin: A marine alkaloid with anticancer effects against ovarian cancer

Trabectedin is one of the most important marine alkaloids derived from Ecteinascidia turbinate. It is used as anticancer agent, especially for ovarian cancer treatment. Nowadays, it is recommended as a combination therapy in patients with platinum - sensitive and/or platinum-resistant ovarian cancer. Some clinical studies showed that trabectedin has beneficial effect s against the progression of platinum-sensitive advanced or recurrent ovarian cancer in women. In view of its manageable tolerability profile, it can be recommended as a standard anticancer drug for patients who suffer from platinum -sensitive and/or -resistant ovarian cancer. In this chapter we critically reviewed the anticancer effects of trabectedin against platinum-sensitive and/or -resistant ovarian cancer so far described in literature. Furthermore, we will provide information about chemistry, molecular mechanisms and the recommended doses of trabectedin required to achieve the anticancer effects.