BOTs (Borderline Ovarian Tumors) carry a higher risk of relapse – up to 30%. Factors associated with relapse have not been accurately identified leaving doctors with incomplete prognostic information prior to surgery. Researchers recently published a study in the World Journal of Surgical Oncology comparing relapse rates between patients who received complete staging surgery and incomplete staging surgery.
A total of 46 patients diagnosed at a single medical center were included in the study. Patients were followed for slightly longer than five years. About 90% of the women were diagnosed with stage 1 and about 45% were treated with complete staging surgery.
Conclusion: Researchers noted a 10% relapse rate, but all relapses occurred in the patient population that received incomplete staging surgery. Complete staging surgery is more effective at prolonging or preventing relapse than incomplete staging surgery.
Source: Romeo M, Pons F, Barretina P, Radua J. Incomplete staging surgery as a major predictor of relapse of borderline ovarian tumor. World J Surg Oncol. 2013 Jan 23;11(1):13.
