The practicability of FIGO 2000 staging for gestational trophoblastic neoplasia.

The FIGO 2000 gestational trophoblastic neoplasia (GTN) staging and classification has recommended three major changes in the management of GTN. The criteria for diagnosis of GTN following molar pregnancy were defined. The methods used for investigation of spread of the disease were recommended. A major change in the concept of FIGO staging in adding risk scoring to anatomical staging is novel but considered essential to best reflect the behavior of this disease which is different from other solid tumors. The history of evolution of this staging and classification system and practical points in applying this system were discussed. If this system would be used worldwide, it would be a big leap in the management of GTN where results can be compared among different centers and large multicenter trials would be possible.