Article Text
Abstract
Introduction Epithelial ovarian cancer is the second-most common cause of death among all gynecological cancers, diagnosed at an advanced stage, making its management difficult. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) represents a cornerstone to achieving optimal IDS, thus impacting survival outcomes. We aim to evaluate the impact of the number of NACT cycles on the response rate.
Methods A retrospective study between 2017 and 2022 evaluated the response rate to NACT in patients with advanced EOC. Patients were divided into Group 1, which received less than six cycles, and Group 2, which received six cycles or more.
Results Sixty-six patients underwent IDS for advanced EOC, stage IIIC, and IV; 30 received four cycles, and 36 received six cycles or more.
CT scan showed a higher response rate in group 2 (41,6%) vs. (13,3%) in group 1, with a significant difference (p= 0,09). The histological response rate was similar in both groups: 6,7% vs. 11,1% (p=0,21). There were no differences in the Peritoneal cancer index in both groups, which was less than 10, respectively, 80% and 75% (p=0.62).
There was no difference in overall and progression-free survival; the mean OS was 53 and 67 months for groups 1 and 2 (p= 0.54), and the mean PFS was 29 and 20 months for groups 1 and 2 (p= 0.46).
Conclusion/Implications Our results show no difference between the two groups; moreover, the optimal number of NACT cycles has yet to be defined. However, an individualized selection of patients with a high chance of complete resection could offer better outcomes.