A new study provides guidelines to help doctors evaluate common test abnormalities and detect ovarian cancer with precision in asymptomatic postmenopausal women. The criteria use ultrasound and CA-125 tests to identify high-risk women, resulting in accurate detection of malignancy in over 100% of cases.
A new trial combining thalidomide and topotecan shows a 47% overall response rate, compared to 21% for topotecan alone. Women treated with the combination had improved disease-free survival and trended towards increased overall survival.
Two new studies reveal laparoscopic surgery is as safe as traditional laparotomy for uterine cancer patients, with a significant reduction in hospital stay and improved quality of life. The studies also show that laparoscopy results in less pain, faster recovery, and better body image.
A New England Journal of Medicine study found that women who received intraperitoneal chemotherapy had a median survival time 16 months longer than those receiving IV chemotherapy alone. The importance of referral to physicians with expertise in surgical management of ovarian cancer is highlighted.
A retrospective study found that African-American women with advanced endometrial cancer have more aggressive tumors, leading to poor survival rates compared to Caucasian patients. The study suggests biologic differences in gene expression may underlie this racial disparity.
A study found that 76% of women would be willing to accept a cervical cancer vaccine for themselves, while 67% of mothers with daughters would consent to have their child vaccinated. The main reasons for non-acceptance were unknown side effects and the belief that minors are not sexually active.