An Update on the Use of Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy in the Management of Ovarian Cancer

Abstract

The intraperitoneal delivery of chemotherapy as a strategy to manage epithelial ovarian cancer has been extensively examined in both the preclinical and clinical settings. Several randomized phase 3 trials have documented improved survival associated with regional versus systemic delivery of cisplatin in the primary chemotherapeutic management of small volume residual advanced ovarian cancer. Unfortunately, despite the existence of these evidence-based data, this management strategy remains underutilized. Future research efforts are mandated to develop regimens which improve the toxicity profile of this novel method of treatment while maintaining the documented enhanced efficacy of the approach.