Current status of ovarian cancer

About 1,600 cases of ovarian cancer are diagnosed each year in Thailand. Advanced stage is the presenting symptom. The overall 5-year survival is 26%. Nearly 5-10% of ovarian cancer cases are hereditary that need professional genetic counseling. In high risk families genetic testing is required. CA125 and transvaginal ultrasonography are the screening methods for this malignancy in the general population that are currently being investigated in the UKCTOCS research. The stage and extension of disease are the predictable outcome after treatment. The most useful management is optimal cytoreductive surgical staging especially conducted by trained gynecologic oncologist. Platinum and paclitaxel is the main chemotherapeutic agent in adjuvant modality for high risk ovarian cancer. On-going research for better survival result in the treatment of ovarian cancer includes less radical surgery to preserve fertility function, neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by interval debulking and intra-peritoneal chemotherapy.