Consolidation therapy for ovarian cancer

Purpose. To review all the published randomized trials of consolidation therapy in ovarian cancer, including chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and potential targeted/ biologic agents. Design. A Medline search was conducted to identify all publications on consolidation therapy in ovarian cancer. Proceedings of national and international meetings were also searched. Results. Platinum-based consolidation therapy is difficult to tolerate and does not confer a survival benefit. Prolonged Paclitaxel therapy lengthens the recurrence-free interval, with increased neurotoxicity. Intraperitoneal (IP) consolidation therapy is limited by marginal clinical acceptance and catheter-related complications. Oral consolidation regimens have not yet been evaluated in a randomized study. IP ³²P is ineffective. Whole-abdominal radiotherapy (WAR) improves the progression-free but not overall survival in selected patients. Late radiation toxicities remain a concern with WAR. Oregovamab, an antibody to CA-125, is presently under evaluation. To date, the impact of consolidation therapy on quality-of-life remains unclear. Conclusion. An effective, minimally toxic agent for consolidation therapy in ovarian cancer has not yet been identified.