Intraperitoneal treatment in ovarian cancer: the gynecologic oncology group perspective in 2012.

The peritoneal cavity is the major site of disease in ovarian cancer. The peritoneal predominance of disease provides a rationale for administration of chemotherapy within the peritoneal cavity. Intraperitoneal (IP) chemotherapy for ovarian cancer has been studied rigorously for more than 30 years and has been reproducibly shown to improve the survival of patients with ovarian cancer. Three large randomized trials of IP compared with intravenous (IV) therapy have demonstrated statistically significant improvement in clinical outcome measures. Despite this, the IP approach has not gained widespread acceptance in the treatment of ovarian cancer. Here, we review reported, recently completed, and ongoing trials of IP therapy in ovarian cancer including attempts to improve the tolerability and acceptance of this proven approach.