Limits to the "benefits" from our oncologic interventions: a case report.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to discuss the potential implications of prolonged and aggressive treatment of long-term survivors of ovarian cancer.

METHODS

A case report of a patient with ovarian cancer extensively treated with platinum-based chemotherapy and aggressive surgery is presented.

RESULTS

A woman with a >15-year history of ovarian cancer experienced severe neurotoxicity (peripheral neuropathy, hearing loss), underwent aggressive resection of asymptomatic and long-standing metastatic disease in the liver (with tumor recurrence <1 year after surgery), and subsequently died of secondary acute leukemia.

CONCLUSION

It is critical that oncologists remember that the theoretical benefits of available anti-neoplastic interventions must be carefully and constantly weighted against the potential harm they may cause.