COMBINED USE OF THE PERITONEAL CANCER INDEX AND LAPAROSCOPIC PREDICTIVE SCORES FOR TREATMENT STRATIFICATION

Abstract

Advanced epithelial ovarian cancer is frequently diagnosed at FIGO stage III–IV, when extensive intraperitoneal dissemination significantly complicates the selection of optimal treatment. The cornerstone of therapy remains complete cytoreductive surgery (CC-0), as numerous studies have demonstrated that the absence of macroscopic residual disease is the strongest independent predictor of progression-free and overall survival. However, complete cytoreduction cannot be achieved in every patient, particularly in cases of diffuse peritoneal carcinomatosis, extensive diaphragmatic involvement, mesenteric infiltration, or invasion of the small bowel serosa.