Intraperitoneal chemotherapy requires expertise and should be the standard of care for optimally surgically resected epithelial ovarian cancer patients

Abstract

Women presenting with epithelial ovarian cancer should be treated in centers with both aggressive surgical and chemotherapy teams prepared to confront the modifiable factors, which can optimize the patient's outcome. This implies experience in extensive cytoreductive surgery, including the removal of the tumor from the upper abdomen. An intraperitoneal (IP) catheter should be left in place for the consideration of IP chemotherapy. The supportive care structures need to be in place with teams prepared to help women complete six cycles of intravenous and IP paclitaxel (Taxol) and IP cisplatin with the least toxicity. Survival figures of 128 months are to be expected when no residual disease is left behind and IP chemotherapy is administered successfully. © The Author 2013. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the European Society for Medical Oncology. All rights reserved.