Aim: To investigate current management of advanced epithelial ovarian cancer (OC) in the UK.Materials & methods: A cross-sectional survey with 55 healthcare professionals involved in the care of OC patients was conducted via telephone/videoconference in March/May 2023.Results: Respondents reported that homologous recombination deficiency (HRD) status and brca mutations were routinely tested before planning maintenance treatment. All respondents agreed that cytoreductive surgery should be considered at first recurrence, and 65% recommended using the Descriptive Evaluation of Preoperative Selection Criteria for Operability in Recurrent Ovarian Cancer (DESKTOP) III criteria to guide secondary cytoreduction. Platinum responders typically receive poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitor maintenance therapy, regardless of HRD status.Conclusion: Respondents reinforce that most primary OC patients in the UK have known HRD and BRCA mutation status, and the role of secondary cytoreduction is increasingly recognized.
Keywords: BRCA; OC-NOW; PARP inhibitors; biomarker; management; ovarian cancer.
The study aimed to explore how advanced epithelial ovarian cancer is managed in the United Kingdom. In early 2023, a survey was conducted with 55 healthcare professionals who care for ovarian cancer patients. Findings showed that testing for homologous recombination deficiency (HRD) and BRCA mutations is standard before planning maintenance treatment. Most healthcare professionals agreed on considering surgery at the first recurrence and 65% recommended using specific criteria for this secondary surgery. Patients who respond to platinum treatments usually receive maintenance therapy. Overall, HRD and BRCA status are well known for most primary ovarian cancer patients, and secondary surgery is increasingly recognized as important.