open access: CLINICIAN'S CORNER - Management of Ovarian Cancer, April 4, 2012 — JAMA (clear cell/endometrioid)

Management of Ovarian Cancer, April 4, 2012, — JAMA

"Using the case of Ms W, we discuss the signs, symptoms, risk factors, and prognostic factors of epithelial ovarian cancer; review the evidence for surgical and postoperative medical management; and present the current recommendations for screening and follow-up......

"A 75-Year-Old Woman Who Has Completed Treatment".......

Jan 2012: Race, insurance influence treatment of advanced ovarian cancer

Table 1 (includes history of breast and/or ovarian cancers but not other cancers (eg. colorectal/Lynch Syndrome)

Genomic Health Says Gene Test Alters Breast Cancer Therapy - Businessweek (21 gene test)

abstract: The Clinical Molecular Diagnostics Laboratory and Microsatellite Instability Testing of Colorectal Cancer

Note: this abstract gives an overview of Lynch Syndrome testing eg. immunohistochemistry (testing of tumour); Microsatellite (MSI); improved survival rates, treatment options (relating to test results)

Surgeon Recommendations and Receipt of Mastectomy for Treatment of Breast Cancer

"These findings demonstrate the choice between BCS (breast conserving surgery) and mastectomy as initial treatment for breast cancer is a multifactorial decision with patient preference, surgical recommendation, and failure of BCS all playing an important role."

Sexual Morbidity Associated With Poorer Psychological Adjustment Among Gynecological Cancer Survivors

Note: excerpts from abstract

Objectives: Sexual morbidity is a distressing and undertreated problem in gynecological cancer survivorship known to occur early and persist well beyond the period of physical recovery.

The outcomes of ovarian cancer treatment are better when provided by gynecologic oncologists and in specialized hospitals: a systematic review

Centre for Review and Dissemination - Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects (DARE)

Authors' objectives:
To determine the efficacy of specialised care for patients with ovarian cancer.
Authors' conclusions:The outcome of ovarian cancer was better when treatment was provided in specialised settings (gynecologic oncologists or in specialised hospitals) than that provided in non-specialised settings.

CRD commentary:
"Given the limitations and the lack of reported methodology in the review process, although the results appeared promising the authors conclusion appears to be overstated."

When treatment ends, patients with cancer combat challenges - STLtoday.com

"Many patients find themselves asking: What now?

"When you lose the security of knowing that you're acting toward curing your cancer, it's really scary," said Barbara Platzer, 72, of Chesterfield, who finished treatments for ovarian cancer three years ago. "Every time I'd go for chemotherapy, I'd have a doctor looking at me and doing lab tests where I'd see that my (cancer antigen-125) numbers were improving. And that made me feel secure, like I had control over what was happening. I felt like we were actively killing the cancer.""

Peritoneal-based Malignancies and Their Treatment. [Ann Acad Med Singapore. 2010] - PubMed result

Conclusion: It is important to recognise the role of and indications for CRS and HIPEC

Catheters and Ports in Cancer Treatment | Cancer.Net

The Role of Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy (HIPEC) in Ovarian Cancer -- Helm 14 (7): 683 -- The Oncologist

Gene discovery may help guide breast cancer care | Reuters

CA-125 Response Patterns in Patients With Recurrent Ovarian Cancer Treated With Pegylated Liposomal Doxorubicin (PLD)

Conclusions: "Our ROC analysis did not demonstrate any reliable CA-125 cutoff on response. Discontinuation of the therapy before cycle 3 may exclude some patients who will benefit from PLD."