Evidence-based research for intraperitoneal chemotherapy in epithelial ovarian cancer

Intraperitoneal (IP) therapy is the administration of chemotherapy or biologic agents directly into the peritoneal cavity. A recent Gynecologic Oncology Group trial showed a survival advantage for women with advanced ovarian cancer and small residual disease after initial surgical staging and debulking who received IP therapy when compared to the standard IV regimen. The results prompted a National Cancer Institute announcement recommending the use of IP therapy in women who meet the criteria. This article describes the rationale for and underlying principles of IP therapy and summarizes the results of the three main clinical trials that led to the recommendation for incorporation of IP therapy into initial treatment of epithelial ovarian cancer.