Role of Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy (NACT) Followed by Surgical Cytoreduction in Advanced Epithelial Ovarian Cancer.

OBJECTIVES To study the role of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) followed by surgical cytoreduction in the management of advanced epithelial ovarian cancers. METHODS A prospective hospital based study of patients with advanced epithelial ovarian cancers (stage III and IV) was conducted at Gujarat Cancer & Research Institute, Ahmedabad during August 2008 to August 2010. Total 50 patients were treated with NACT followed by surgical cytoreduction and followed up till August 2010. Response to NACT, optimal cytoreduction rate and overall response rate were analyzed. RESULTS There were 43 patients (86%) with stage III disease and 7 (14%) with stage IV disease. All patients were given NACT and after NACT, complete response occurred in 17 patients (34%), 27 (54%) had partial response. Optimal surgical cytoreduction could be achieved in 36(72%) of the patients. The median follow up was 19 months. CONCLUSIONS NACT followed by surgical cytoreduction is a promising treatment strategy for the management of advanced epithelial ovarian cancers.