Surgical intervention in relapsed ovarian cancer is beneficial: contra.

Secondary cytoreduction in the management of patients with recurrent ovarian cancer is a commonly employed strategy. Unfortunately, there remain 'no evidence-based phase III trial data' to demonstrate the survival benefits of this approach compared with the reintroduction of chemotherapy without surgery at the time of documented progression of the cancer. In the absence of such evidence, it is critical that gynecologic oncologists employ their best clinical judgment when deciding if an individual patient is an appropriate candidate for this as yet unproven strategy.