What surveillance plan should be advised for patients in remission after completion of first-line therapy for advanced ovarian cancer?
Based on the results of the Medical Research Council OVO5/European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer 55955 trial, the follow-up plan I recommend for patients in remission after completion of first-line therapy for advanced ovarian cancer is appointments: every 3 months for 2 years, every 4 months on the third year, then every 6 months thereafter, and discharge if no relapse by 10 years. History and examination (not internal) should be performed at each appointment. CA-125 should only be measured if there is a suspicion of relapse or at patient's request. No scans should be performed unless clinical indication or rising CA-125.
Department of Medical Oncology, Mount Vernon Cancer Centre, Northwood, Middlesex, UK. grustin@nhs.net
Gordon J S
GJ
Rustin
D018394:CA-125 Antigen / Q000097:blood; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / Q000097:blood / Q000175:diagnosis*; D010051:Ovarian Neoplasms / Q000097:blood / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy; D010808:Physical Examination / Q000592:standards; D011159:Population Surveillance; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D012074:Remission Induction; D013997:Time Factors
D018394:CA-125 Antigen