Intraperitoneal chemotherapy for women with ovarian cancer: nursing care and considerations.

Adjuvant treatment options for women with ovarian cancer following optimal surgical debulking traditionally have focused on IV taxane and/or platinum-based regimens. Combining intraperitoneal (IP) with IV therapy may offer a survival advantage over IV therapy alone in selected patients. The nursing care of women receiving IP chemotherapy involves unique assessment considerations, toxicity management, and patient teaching. Current IP chemotherapy administration guidelines are in various stages of development as the challenges of safe delivery to women with ovarian cancer undergo continued investigation.