A retrospective analysis of relapse-related factors for ovarian borderline tumors

Since patients with borderline ovarian tumors (BOTs) are relatively young with good survival rates, conservative surgery is prioritized as a therapeutic intervention. However, the high recurrence rate of this tumor remains an issue that demands further attention. In addition, it is unclear whether the increment of recurrent risk is attributed to conservative surgery or staging surgery. This study was designed to analyze the relapse-related factors of BOTs.

This retrospective cohort study was comprised of 74 patients with BOTs who underwent surgery at the Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University from September 2014 to September 2017. The recurrence-free survival (RFS) rate was calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method, while the risk factors of RFS were evaluated using Cox-regression analysis.

The 3-year RFS was 2.7% with a median follow-up duration of 45 months (range: 28-62). Kaplan-Meier analysis indicated that low tumor node metastasis (TNM) stage (P = 0.005), lymphadenectomy (P = 0.052) and fertility-preservation surgery (P = 0.059) were the factors that may lower recurrence. Meanwhile, Cox-regression showed that only low TNM stage was significantly associated with a better RFS (P = 0.005).

With the removal of visible lesions by standard surgery, patients at TNM stage I had a better RFS. Fertility-preservation surgery did not increase the recurrence risk. For bilateral ovarian cyst however, it was unclear whether bilateral cystectomy can increase the recurrence risk. Therefore, further study is required.