Intraperitoneal chemotherapy for ovarian carcinoma

Investigators at several centers have begun to explore the potential utility of the intraperitoneal administration of chemotherapeutic agents as therapy for advanced ovarian carcinoma. Recent pharmacokinetic modeling studies have suggested and initial clinical trials have confirmed an advantage for cavity exposure to certain drugs compared to systemic exposure when the agents are delivered directly into the peritoneal cavity. While objective responses have been observed in patients with refractory disease, there are both practical and theoretical problems with this approach to the treatment of ovarian carcinoma. Eventually randomized controlled trials will be required to define a role for this innovative therapeutic technique.