Intraperitoneal chemotherapy for advanced epithelial ovarian cancer: A Canadian perspective

The objectives of this study were to: a) assess the position of Canadian gynecological oncologists (GOC) toward intraperitoneal (IP) chemotherapy as primary treatment for ovarian cancer, b) initiate a process of communication among GOC, and c) assess the perception of barriers to implementing IP chemotherapy across Canada. An electronic practice survey was mailed to all GOC in January 2006. The response rate was 62%. GOC accept IP chemotherapy as the standard of care in the primary treatment of optimally debulked epithelial ovarian cancer. The majority of respondents were working on implementation strategies at their local institutions. The cost of administration and use of additional resources were identified as sources of moderate and high concerns, respectively. Moderate concerns were expressed with regard to the management of systemic and local toxicity, catheter complications, patients' acceptance, and quality of life. Catheter insertion issues were of low concern to most respondents. Previous experience with IP administration did not significantly impact the perceived level of concern. GOC support the use of IP chemotherapy for appropriate patients with ovarian cancer. This survey identifies important implementation challenges of IP therapy for Canada, and processes must be developed before successful delivery of IP chemotherapy can be realized. This survey serves to initiate a process of communication among GOC. A collaborative effort will be needed to facilitate this change in practice. Further study of the implementation process is warranted as more experience is gained with this modality of treatment.