LOW MALIGNANT POTENTIAL OVARIAN-TUMORS - A REVIEW OF 175 CONSECUTIVE CASES

Epithelial ovarian tumours of low malignant potential (LMP) are known to have a generally good prognosis, although there is not universal ag reement on all aspects of treatment. We report a series of 175 patient s with LMP ovarian rumours referred to the Queensland Centre for Gynae cological Cancer between January, 1982 and December, 1993. Stage I dis ease accounted for 142 cases, with only 1 patient dead from disease at 293 months. Twenty nine patients in this group had conservative surge ry with 1 recurrence only (in the contralateral ovary) giving a recurr ence rate of 3.5%. Survival and treatment data for other stages are pr esented, and the current literature reviewed. It is suggested that ear ly stage disease may be treated conservatively depending upon the pati ent's desire to retain reproductive capacity. While adjuvant therapy i s not recommended, long-term follow-up is indicated. More advanced dis ease should be debulked to the smallest practical volume. The role of lymphadenectomy has been questioned, as survival has not been shown to be affected by treatment decisions made as a result of knowing the ly mph node status. Whilst some centres give platinum-based adjuvant ther apy, the evidence that it is beneficial is not supported by any prospe ctive randomized trials.