Cancer of the ovary. Survival studies based upon operative therapy, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy.

Abstract

Abstract The clinical characteristics, therapy, and results are reported on 262 patients who had primary ovarian cancer. Twenty-four per cent were Stage I and serous cystadenocarcinoma was the most frequent diagnosis (55 per cent). Only 30 per cent of patients had total abdominal hysterectomy, bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, and omentectomy. The complete operation enhanced long-term survival in Stage I patients. Forty-four per cent of patients had an objective response to chemotherapy, while 31 per cent had a similar response to radiotherapy. Advanced ovarian cancer was present in 76 per cent of patients. Radiotherapy was given in localized advanced disease, and 73 per cent of patients received palliation. Chemotherapy was used in disseminated disease and provided palliation for 64 per cent of patients. Radiotherapy after operation enhanced the 2 year survival of patients with Stage IV disease. Chemotherapy did not seem to improve the survival of patients. Cumulative survival rates for patients with Stage I disease was 60 per cent at 5 years, and with Stage IV disease it was 20 per cent at 2 years and 6 per cent at five years.