Primary fallopian tube carcinoma--a retrospective survey of 51 cases. Austrian Cooperative Study Group for Fallopian Tube Carcinoma.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate retrospectively the importance of invasion beyond the basement membrane on overall survival in Fallopian tube carcinoma and its influence on the necessity of postoperative adjuvant therapy (stage 0 vs. stage I).

DESIGN

In a nationwide analysis the data of 51 patients were evaluated. The participating departments provided the study center with histologic specimens. A re-staging was done according to the FIGO-classification for Fallopian tube carcinomas. Stage 0 patients received no further postoperative therapy, in stage I patients were divided in 2 groups to evaluate the impact of postoperative adjuvant therapy (chemotherapy vs. irradiation).

RESULTS

Patients of stage 0 had a significantly better prognosis than patients of stage I (p = 0.035). Stage I patients treated by irradiation showed a significantly better prognosis than patients treated by chemotherapy (p = 0.017).

CONCLUSION

Tumour penetration through the basement membrane causes prognosis to deteriorate significantly (5-year survival rate about 50% in stage I). Postoperative therapy is thus indicated with stage I disease. Irradiation seems to give better results than chemotherapy.