More than 60 percent of women diagnosed with ovarian cancer may not be receiving the appropriate care for this aggressive disease, according to a study presented this week at the Society of Gynecologic Oncology annual meeting.
The study of more than 13,000 women, led by experts at the University of California Irvine Medical Center, showed that only 37 percent received treatment that met the guidelines of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, a group of leading cancer centers that includes Memorial Sloan Kettering.
These women, who were typically cared for at high-volume hospitals by high-volume surgeons, also had better survival outcomes than those at institutions treating fewer women with ovarian cancer.
In an interview, Richard R. Barakat, Chief of Memorial Sloan Kettering’s Gynecology Service, commented on the study’s results and the extensive experience of Memorial Sloan Kettering’s ovarian cancer treatment team.
How did Memorial Sloan Kettering’s ovarian cancer experts react to the results of the study?
We were not surprised. We have known for many years that ovarian cancer should be operated on by experienced gynecologic oncologists – not by general surgeons or gynecologists – who are trained to perform the complex operations required to remove as much of the disease as possible.
At Memorial Sloan Kettering, we have more than 20 medical professionals dedicated exclusively to the treatment of ovarian and other gynecologic cancers. The volume of ovarian cancer procedures performed at Memorial Sloan Kettering also ranks among the highest in the country.
Back to topWhat is the goal of Memorial Sloan Kettering gynecologic oncologists when removing ovarian cancer?
Our strategy is to remove as much of the cancer as possible – and whenever possible, to remove the cancer completely.
Our physicians and researchers have authored numerous scientific publications about our improved outcomes achieved by performing a procedure known as radical debulking for advanced disease. (1), (2) Radical debulking is a complex operation aimed at ideally leaving no significant amount of disease behind, or at most, no tumor that measures more than 5 millimeters.
This usually involves removing not only the ovaries but also the uterus, cervix, and fallopian tubes, as well as a portion of the intestines and any disease in the upper abdomen, including the diaphragm and the spleen.
Back to topAnother advanced treatment for ovarian cancer is chemotherapy delivered directly into the abdomen. How do you determine if and when this treatment is appropriate?
At Memorial Sloan Kettering, we are strong advocates for the use of intraperitoneal chemotherapy for the appropriate patients. This form of chemotherapy should be reserved for women who have had a successful debulking procedure with no disease remaining or who have remaining disease measuring less than 5 millimeters.
This treatment involves delivering chemotherapy directly into the internal lining of the abdominal area, known as the peritoneal cavity, through a surgically implanted catheter. It allows a high concentration of chemotherapy drugs to reach the cancerous tissue for a prolonged period of time.
Memorial Sloan Kettering pioneered the first clinical trials that evaluated intraperitoneal chemotherapy in the late 1980s, and we are one of the most experienced centers to offer this type of chemotherapy.
Back to topWhat are the first steps a woman should take when diagnosed with ovarian cancer?
We recommend that women seek out a gynecologic oncologist who treats women with ovarian cancer on a regular basis. In addition, it is beneficial to be treated by a multidisciplinary team of surgeons and medical oncologists – like ours at Memorial Sloan Kettering – with extensive experience in using the most-advanced, effective techniques.
Back to topComments
Cindy
Mar 12, 2013 • 8:30 PM
Loretta Sullivan
Mar 28, 2013 • 12:51 PM
Sheila Spivak
Mar 28, 2013 • 2:32 PM
I am living proof of the truth of the above article. In 1990, I was diagnosed with stage 4 ovarian cancer. Luckily, I was operated on and treated at MSKCC by Dr. Hoskins, Dr. Markman, and Dr. Barakat. After undergoing 6 months of extensive chemo, my second look surgery showed no cancer cells. However, the doctors still suggested that I undergo intraperitoneal treatment for 3 months, which I did. Thankfully, I have not had any recurrence of the disease, and still follow up with yearly check ups and a mammography at MSKCC.
Cynthia Dano
Apr 7, 2017 • 9:49 PM
Memorial Sloan Kettering
Apr 10, 2017 • 9:48 AM
In reply to What kind of work are you… by Cynthia Dano
Dear Cynthia, we’re sorry to hear about your diagnosis. Our ovarian cancer experts have experience in treating all kinds of ovarian cancer, If you are interested in making an appointment, you can call 800-525-2225 or go to https://www.mskcc.org/experience/become-patient/appointment for more information on making an appointment. Thank you for your comment and best wishes to you.
Eliza
May 15, 2017 • 5:18 PM
Donna Downing For Stephanne My Daughter
May 16, 2017 • 12:46 PM
Memorial Sloan Kettering
May 19, 2017 • 10:54 AM
In reply to My daughter is stage 3… by Donna Downing for Stephanne my daughter
Joe
Jun 5, 2017 • 11:56 AM
Beth Eisenhauer
Mar 12, 2018 • 6:36 PM
Memorial Sloan Kettering
Mar 13, 2018 • 3:42 PM
In reply to Would it be possible to find… by Beth Eisenhauer
Dear Beth, we’re sorry to hear about your sister-in-law’s recurrence. We recommend that she call our Patient Access Service at 800-525-2225 and talk to someone there about making an appointment. Wait times are usually not long, but they can vary depending on things like the time to get records transferred and waiting for insurance approval (if applicable). The experts at that number should be able to answer her questions. Thank you for your comment, and best wishes to you and your sister-in-law.
Kanwal Singh
Oct 28, 2018 • 5:52 PM
Hi
I was diagnosed with stage 3 ovarian cancer in 2016, had 6 cycles of chemotherapy and full hysterectomy, there was no evidence of disease. After 11 month in July this year I had reoccurrence peritoneal, my gynecologist oncologist said that it is chronic, which means it will come back afterwards. At this stage I am going through 6 cycles of chemo cisplatin ang gemcitabine. I live in Melbourne, Australia.
I want to explore more options to get rid of this disease. Please advice further treatments and cost of it. I am happy to come there for the consultation.
Thanks
kind regards
Kanwal Singh
Memorial Sloan Kettering
Oct 29, 2018 • 9:11 AM
In reply to Hi I was diagnosed with… by Kanwal singh
Dear Kanwal, we’re very sorry to hear that your cancer has come back. If you’re interested in coming to MSK from Australia, you can contact our International Center at international@mskcc.org or go to https://www.mskcc.org/experience/become-patient/international-patients for more information. Thank you for your comment, and best wishes to you.
I do not have ovarian cancer but I do have Dr.Barakat and I thank God everyday for him and the wonderful staff at Memorial Sloan Kettering!