Advanced treatments for ovarian cancer: Improving outcomes through precision care
India, Jan. 17 -- Ovarian cancer is often referred to as a silent disease because its early symptoms are vague and easily overlooked. As a result, many women are diagnosed at an advanced stage, when the cancer has already spread within the abdominal cavity. While this presents significant treatment challenges, advances in surgical techniques and targeted therapies are offering renewed hope and improved outcomes for patients.
One of the most critical treatment approaches for advanced ovarian cancer is cytoreductive surgery, commonly known as debulking surgery. This procedure aims to remove as much of the visible tumour burden as possible.
Cytoreductive surgery involves the removal of cancerous tissue from the ovaries and other affected areas within the abdomen. Traditionally performed through open surgery, this approach has evolved with the integration of robotic-assisted techniques, enabling surgeons to operate with greater precision.
The advantages include enhanced visualisation, improved dexterity, and greater accuracy in accessing difficult-to-reach areas. For selected patients, robotic cytoreductive surgery may result in:
Ovarian cancer often spreads within the abdominal cavity, making complete treatment challenging. In addition to surgery and neoadjuvant chemotherapy, a specialised treatment known as Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy (HIPEC) has emerged as a promising option for selected patients.
HIPEC is performed during surgery after all visible tumour deposits have been removed through cytoreductive surgery. Heated chemotherapy is circulated within the abdominal cavity for a fixed period, typically 90 minutes. The heat enhances the effectiveness of chemotherapy by improving drug penetration into microscopic cancer cells while limiting systemic side effects.
Combining these surgeries allows for a comprehensive, localised treatment strategy. The precision of robotic surgery supports optimal tumour removal, while HIPEC helps reduce the risk of residual disease.
Eligibility depends on factors such as disease stage, response to prior chemotherapy, overall health, and the extent of cancer spread. A multidisciplinary evaluation is essential to determine the most effective and safest treatment plan.
While ovarian cancer remains a complex disease, advances such as robotic cytoreductive surgery and HIPEC represent meaningful progress. With early diagnosis, personalised treatment planning, including fertility-preserving options and access to specialised care, outcomes continue to improve, offering hope, confidence, and a better quality of life for women facing ovarian cancer....
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