Therapeutic management of epithelial ovarian cancer during pregnancy

Clin Transl Oncol. 2013 Apr;15(4):259-64. doi: 10.1007/s12094-012-0963-3. Epub 2012 Nov 21.

Abstract

Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) during pregnancy is a rare condition. The diagnosis and treatment strategies are therefore not well defined. The evidence is scarce and limited to small case reports or case series. In this review we describe the safety, utility and limitations of each diagnostic tool and surgical procedure in pregnant women with ovarian cancer. We also discuss the role of chemotherapy for ovarian cancer during pregnancy. Finally, we delineate different strategies of treatment according to the stage of the disease at diagnosis and gestational age. Due to the complexity of the management of EOC during pregnancy, patients should be referred to specialized centers. Gestational age at diagnosis, the initial surgical procedure, disease stage and patient's preferences are the key factors in the decision-making process to establish the best treatment strategy for each individual case.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Carcinoma, Ovarian Epithelial
  • Disease Progression
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Medical Oncology / legislation & jurisprudence
  • Medical Oncology / methods
  • Medical Oncology / trends
  • Models, Biological
  • Neoplasms, Glandular and Epithelial / pathology
  • Neoplasms, Glandular and Epithelial / therapy*
  • Ovarian Neoplasms / pathology
  • Ovarian Neoplasms / therapy*
  • Practice Guidelines as Topic
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Complications, Neoplastic / therapy*