Outcomes of fertility-sparing surgery for women of reproductive age with FIGO stage IC epithelial ovarian cancer

Abstract

Objective: To report the clinical outcomes of patients with FIGO stage IC epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) treated by fertility-sparing surgery (FSS).

Methods: A retrospective review was conducted of 18 women who underwent FSS at Niigata University Hospital, Japan, between December 15, 1986, and December 31, 2010.

Results: Tumors were mucinous (n=9), clear cell (n=4), endometrioid (n=3), and serous (n=2). Median follow-up was 78.0 months (range, 9.3-181.3 months). Five patients (27.8%) developed tumor recurrence at 7.4-19.2 months after initial surgery. The sites of recurrence were peritoneal lymph nodes (n=2), contralateral ovary (n=1), contralateral ovary and peritoneal cavity (n=1), and brain (n=1). In all, 7 full-term singleton pregnancies were recorded among 5 of the 10 women who attempted to conceive after FSS.

Conclusion: Favorable reproductive outcomes were observed following FSS, suggesting that this procedure may be a valid treatment option for women with FIGO stage IC EOC who wish to conceive.