Objective: Analysis of risk and protective factors and hormone replacement therapy in the aethio- logy and pathogenesis of ovarian cancer. The role of hormone replacement therapy in the com- plex treatment in women with ovarian cancer is discussed. Design: Reviewed article. Setting: Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Hospital Ostrava. Methods: Analysis of epidemiological studies. Conclusion: The role of hormone replacement therapy as a risk factor of ovarian cancer has not been confirmed. Hormone replacement therapy as a part of supportive and symptomatic therapy has been acceptable in a great deal of patients with ovarian cancer.

        Key words: hormone replacement therapy, ovarian cancer