Dr. Hoffman on Research Regarding Neoadjuvant Chemo and Primary Debulking in Ovarian Cancer

Mitchel Hoffman, MD, gynecologic oncologist, Moffitt Cancer Center, discusses ongoing research regarding neoadjuvant chemotherapy and primary debulking surgery in advanced ovarian cancer.

Historically, primary debulking surgery has been the standard up-front therapy in patients with advanced ovarian cancer, says Hoffman. However, recent trials and guidelines state that neoadjuvant therapy is within the standard of care.

Data from randomized phase III trials have not provided definitive evidence that one approach is better than another, says Hoffman. Rather, these trials have called attention to the importance of patient selection. The TRUST trial (NCT02828618) is evaluating the caliber of primary debulking surgery as well as its relative benefit versus neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Strict criteria will be put in place to control for confounding variables. However, it remains to be seen whether the results will point to a new standard of care, concludes Hoffman.