Combined intraperitoneal and intravenous chemotherapy for ovarian cancer improves both disease-free interval and survival, according to results of a meta-analysis of eight trials presented at the biennial meeting of the International Gynecologic Cancer Society (IGCS).

In the present study, K.S. Jaaback and British colleagues found that women who received a combination of intraperitoneal and intravenous chemotherapy were 20 percent less likely to die of their cancer and lived on average nine months longer than women who only received intravenous chemotherapy.

"This analysis supports the Clinical Announcement made by the U.S. National Cancer Institute in January, 2006," commented William Hoskins, MD, former Chief of Gynecologic Oncology, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, and vice-president of the IGCS.

"It emphasizes the importance of effective primary surgery for ovarian cancer to remove as many cancer cells as possible, followed by the best possible chemotherapy, which combines intravenous and intraperitoneal approaches. The next challenge is to ensure that all women with ovarian cancer have access to the best multi- disciplinary care, which includes surgery, chemotherapy and effective symptom control."