Consensus on Treatment for Inoperable and Peroperatively Unresectable
Ovarian Cancer: A Modified Delphi Study
Abstract
Objective To achieve consensus on treatment strategies for
patients with inoperable or peroperatively unresectable epithelial
ovarian cancer. Design A modified Delphi method was employed.
Setting The study was conducted in academic and regional
hospitals across the Netherlands specializing in the treatment of
ovarian cancer. Population or Sample Participants included
gynaecologists, gynaecologic-oncologists and medical oncologists.
Methods Three survey rounds were conducted with a structured
questionnaire featuring clinical case-scenarios, with anonymized
feedback and aggregated responses after each round to refine consensus
(defined as ≥80% agreement). Main Outcome Measures Consensus on
treatment strategies for inoperable or peroperatively unresectable
epithelial ovarian cancer. Results Seventeen clinicians
representing all academic centres in the Netherlands completed all three
rounds of survey. Consensus was achieved on 9 statements. Agreement was
reached on the continuation of systemic therapy for patients in good
clinical condition following neoadjuvant chemotherapy and on
transitioning to best supportive care for those in suboptimal condition
after futile laparotomy (peroperatively unresectable disease).
Variability was observed in the choice of systemic therapy regimens.
During the study, clinicians identified a strong preference for shared
decision-making and highlighted the need for decision-aids to facilitate
patient-clinician discussions. Conclusions This study provides
consensus for the management of inoperable and peroperatively
unresectable epithelial ovarian cancer. However, lack of agreement on
systemic therapy regimens underscores the urgent need for further
research.