HOUSTON, Mar 13, 2008 (UPI via COMTEX) -- U.S. medical scientists have
determined recurrent low-grade ovarian cancer is less responsive to chemotherapy
than more common ovarian cancers.
University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center researchers said their
retrospective study is the first to analyze how women with a rare type of
low-grade ovary tumors respond to chemotherapy. The findings also confirm
clinical impressions that such tumors are chemoresistant.
Dr. David Gershenson, a professor and the study's lead author, said the results
support a growing body of research that shows low-grade ovarian tumors behave
differently than their high-grade counterparts, both genetically and clinically.
"In order to make meaningful advances in treatment, women with low-grade ovarian
tumors must not be grouped together with those with more common ovarian tumors,"
said Gershenson. "They require unique consideration and more targeted treatment
options for a better chance of survival."
Low-grade serous carcinoma, representing about 10 percent of all serous ovarian
cancers, is characterized by a young age at diagnosis -- an average of 42 years,
versus more common ovarian cancers that are generally diagnosed at about 60
years of age.
The findings were reported this week in Tampa, Fla., during the annual meeting
of the Society of Gynecologic Oncologists.
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Copyright 2008 by United Press International