Intraperitoneal chemotherapy.

Despite high initial tumor response rates to systemically administered platinum-based chemotherapy, fewer than one quarter of advanced-stage ovarian cancer patients currently experience prolonged disease-free survival. Because persistent and relapsed disease tends to remain confined to the peritoneal cavity, the strategy of enhancing drug delivery to tumor via the direct intraperitoneal route has been the subject of much preclinical and clinical research. This review summarizes the pharmacokinetic rationale, logistical feasibility, and clinical experience associated with intraperitoneal chemotherapy for ovarian cancer.