Regional therapy for the treatment of ovarian cancer: HIPEC and intraperitoneal chemotherapy

Abstract

Ovarian cancer is often found in advanced stages and is the leading cause of death from gynecologic malignancies. Therapies have primarily focused on intravenous-based chemotherapies and targeted agents. However, there is strong rationale for targeting the abdominal/pelvic cavity as ovarian cancer typically involves the peritoneal lining and surfaces of organs in the abdominal and pelvic cavity. Recent clinical trials have supported utilizing regional chemotherapies directly into the abdominal cavity. Further studies will be required to determine specific population of ovarian cancer patients that may best derive benefit from this therapeutic approach.