[Epithelial cancer of the ovary: current data]

The incidence of ovarian cancer has been increasing gradually over the last 25 years. The presenting symptoms are non-specific and, in many cases, there is extensive intraabdominal spread at the time of diagnosis. Diagnosis is based on abdominal ultrasonography followed by laparotomy for tumor classification and extensive excision. Assay of CA125 can be a useful diagnostic tool for post-menopausal women, and for determining the response to treatment. Routine screening for ovarian cancer is not feasible. The most important prognostic factor is tumor extension. In early stages, chemotherapy does not improve the prognosis in "low-risk" patients, and its value in high-risk patients remains to be determined. In patients with advanced-stage ovarian carcinoma, platinum derivatives are the reference drugs. The high toxicity of cisplatin has led to the development of carboplatin, which has similar activity but virtually no nephrotoxicity, neurotoxicity or ototoxicity. Carboplatin is currently considered as the cytostatic drug of choice, as it can be given at higher doses which may improve the survival time. The possible indications for intraperitoneal chemotherapy remain to be determined. Secondary laparotomy should not be used, except in clinical trials. Taxol (paclitaxel), a new cytostatic agent that prevents mitosis through an original mode of action, is currently undergoing evaluation.