Intraperitoneal chemotherapy in ovarian cancer.
From a theoretical viewpoint, intraperitoneal therapy (IP) in patients with ovarian cancer, a malignancy which remains mainly confined to the peritoneal cavity, is logical. Over the past decades this approach has evolved into a therapeutic strategy for a selected group of patients. Data available at present suggest a beneficiary role (for IP therapy) as first-line treatment in patients with small residual disease and possibly following initial reduction of tumor load by systemic chemotherapy. The theoretical basis, the present status of IP therapy in different settings, pharmacology, factors limiting its clinical utility and future directions are reviewed.
Hofstra
L S
LS
Division of Medical Oncology, University Hospital Groningen, P.O. Box 30.001, Groningen, RB, 9700, The Netherlands.
de Vries
E G
EG
Mulder
N H
NH
Willemse
P H
PH
D000818:Animals; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000378:metabolism; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007274:Injections, Intraperitoneal / Q000009:adverse effects; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local; D010051:Ovarian Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy*
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents