Gyn Clinical Spotlights | slides/interviews: Dr's Fleming, Monk, Birrer

7 JUNE 2010
		These Clinical Spotlight interviews, with accompanying eNewsflash and downloadable slides, discuss the topic of targeting angiogenesis in the treatment of ovarian cancer with a focus on the following data release: #LBA1: Phase III trial of bevacizumab (BEV) in the primary treatment of advanced epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC), primary peritoneal cancer (PPC), or fallopian tube cancer (FTC): A Gynecologic Oncology Group study The first interview is an expert analysis with Gini Fleming, MD, from the University of Chicago, Illinois in the United States, and Bradley Monk, MD, from the University of California Irvine, Orange, California, United States The second interview is a supplemental perspective and discussion with Bradley Monk, MD, from the University of California Irvine, Orange, California, United States, and Michael Birrer, MD, PhD, from the Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts in the United States. View the Primary Expert Analysis with Gini Fleming, MD, and Bradley Monk, MD, and access downloadable slides View the Supplemental Perspectives and Discussion with Bradley Monk, MD, and Michael Birrer, MD, PhD, and access downloadable slides

It's a choice to move forward: women's perceptions about treatment decision making in recurrent ovarian cancer

Abstract
OBJECTIVE: This research explores the treatment decision-making (TDM) experiences of women with recurrent ovarian cancer (ROC) with regard to treatment options; their understanding of risks and benefits of various treatment options; the decision-making role they want for themselves and for their oncologist; and the social context of the consultation as it pertains to the decision.
METHODS: We conducted semi-structured interviews with 26 women at the time of first recurrence. Through inductive data analysis key themes were identified.
RESULTS: Many women describe self-identifying the cancer recurrence fairly quickly due to new symptoms. Many feel that the goal for treating their recurrence is to control versus cure the cancer. They describe the subsequent process of diagnosis and TDM for ROC as quick and straightforward with all women accepting the oncologists' treatment recommendation. They feel that the type and number of treatment options are limited. They have a strong desire for physician continuity in their care. Participants feel that their doctor's recommendations as well as their previous experience with ovarian cancer are strong factors influencing their current TDM process.
CONCLUSIONS: Shared decision making is based on a simultaneous participation of both the physician and patient in TDM. When faced with ROC, women feel that their doctor's recommendation and their past experience with treatment and TDM are prominent factors influencing the current TDM process.