Secondary cytoreductive surgery for recurrent platinum‐sensitive ovarian cancer

Abstract

Objective To determine the risks and benefits of secondary cytoreductive surgery for recurrent platinum‐sensitive ovarian cancer. Methods Data were obtained retrospectively for all women with recurrent platinum‐sensitive epithelial ovarian cancer who underwent a second debulking operation between 1998 and 2008 at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center. Survival analysis and comparisons were performed using the Kaplan‐Meier method, log‐rank test, and Cox multivariate proportional hazards model. Results Optimal secondary cytoreductive surgery (< 5 mm of residual disease) was achieved in 32 of 40 patients (80%). Nine women (23%) developed major complications. Two variables, residual disease of less than 5 mm vs 5 mm or greater (median 63 months vs 11 months; P = 0.003); and less than 5 vs 5 or more sites of disease relapse (median 63 months vs 22 months; P = 0.009), were independently associated with survival and retained prognostic significance on multivariate analysis. Conclusions Optimal secondary cytoreductive surgery was associated with a survival advantage and acceptable risks.