Value of neoadjuvant chemotherapy in advanced ovarian cancer

Data regarding the role of neoadjuvant chemotherapy(NACT) are not definitive. Several randomized trials and meta-analyses demonstrate that this chemotherapy regimen decreases the morbidity and mortality rates and increases complete cytoreduction rates. If combined with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy(HIPEC), NACT could potentially further improve upon these already promising results. Moreover the use of NACT could help in evaluating the chemo-sensitivity of the cancer, thus preventing unnecessary HIPEC procedures in chemo-resistant patients. NACT should definitely be considered as a preferred regimen in the management of advanced ovarian cancer, especially in association with cytoreductive surgery + HIPEC procedure in the context of a multidisciplinary team management in an experienced cancer centre.