Controversies Regarding Ovarian Cancer Treatments Addressed

Main Category: Ovarian Cancer
Article Date: 11 Nov 2004 - 3:00 PDT


Trials have raised questions on the current management and standard of care for advanced ovarian cancer (AOC). These controversies highlight implications for future clinical research and policy-making, as reviewed in an article published in the International Journal of Gynecological Cancer.

According to the paper, ovarian cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related death in women though unfortunately, the disease is only diagnosed at advanced stages. This study, led by Max S. Mano, Consultant Medical Oncologist, critically analyzes and highlights potential caveats in the controversial issues involved in AOC management.

Surgery, chemotherapy, dosage and duration are among the topics reviewed to "reconstruct the development of the current standard first-line therapy for AOC" due to the crucial questions remaining regarding optimal management even after research has moved forward. Such questions include whether the doublet platinum-cyclophosphamide, used in chemotherapy, was actually the best comparator for now standard platinum-paclitaxel; also questioned was the potential of higher doses.

"Unfortunately, these questions are unlikely to be definitively answered as the interest is now moving towards other more relevant issues, such as the incorporation of biological therapies and new agents into clinical practice," states Mano. "It is however important that oncologists who will be facing patients with their particularities and a wide range of clinical situations, be aware of such controversies as this may occasionally influence their decisions in daily practice."

Mano stresses the importance of avoiding similar mistakes in developing future clinical trials and suggests that this review could be an additional source of reference for policy-makers.

This study is published in the International Journal of Gynecological Cancer. Media wishing to receive a PDF of this article please contact medicalnews@bos.blackwellpublishing.net.

About the Author

Max Mano has done previous work as a research fellow and clinician at the Department of Medical Oncology of the Jules Bordet Institute, inBrussels, Belgium. His interests lie in clinical and translational research in ovarian and breast cancer. Mano has authored numerous papers on various cancer related topics and currently serves as a Consultant Medical Oncologist at the Beatson Oncology Centre in Glasgow, UK. He can be reached for questions and interviews at max.mano@northglasgow.scot.nhs.uk.

About the International Journal of Gynecological Cancer

The International Journal of Gynecological Cancer (IJGC) is published on behalf of the International Gynecologic Cancer Society and the European Society for Gynaecological Oncology. IJGC presents papers from throughout the global community of researchers covering many topics including basic science, epidemiology, diagnostic techniques, surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, pathology and experimental studies. The Journal allows you to call on a roster of international experts for the latest research, advice, and knowledge in order to provide the best treatment for your patients. The list of editorial board members represents every part of the globe and all the major disciplines - gynecology, oncology, radiation therapy, and pathology - involved in treating cancer.

About Blackwell Publishing

Blackwell Publishing is the world's leading society publisher, partnering with more than 550 academic and professional societies. Blackwell publishes over 750 journals and 600 text and reference books annually, across a wide range of academic, medical, and professional subjects.

Contact: Sharon Agsalda
medicalnews@bos.blackwellpublishing.com
781-388-8507
Blackwell Publishing Ltd

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