Optimization of surgical treatment of advanced ovarian cancer: a Spanish expert perspective.

BACKGROUND: Optimal upfront treatment of patients with advanced ovarian cancer is complex and requires the adequate function of a multidisciplinary team. Specific standard of quality of care needs to be taken into consideration. METHODS: A literature search in PubMed was performed using the following criteria: ("ovarian neoplasms"[MeSH Terms] OR ("ovarian"[All Fields] AND "neoplasms"[All Fields]) OR "ovarian neoplasms"[All Fields] OR ("ovarian"[All Fields] AND "cancer"[All Fields]) OR "ovarian cancer"[All Fields])"[Date - Publication]: "2018/01/14"[Date - Publication]). RESULTS: This article describes how to optimize the surgical management of advanced ovarian cancer, to achieve the best results in terms of survival and quality of life. For this purpose, this document will cover aspects related to pre-, intra- and postoperative care of newly diagnosed advanced ovarian cancer patients. CONCLUSION: Optimizing upfront treatment of patients with advanced ovarian cancer is complex and requires a structured quality management program including the wise judgment of a multidisciplinary team. Surgeries performed by gynecologic oncologists with formal training in cytoreductive techniques at referral centers are crucial factors to obtain better clinical and oncological outcomes. However, other factors such as the patient's clinical status, the hospital infrastructure and equipment, as well as the tumor biology of each individual patient should also be taken into account before deciding on an initial therapeutic strategy for advanced-stage ovarian cancer to offer patients the best quality of care.

Safety and efficacy of primary thromboprophylaxis in cancer patients.

Cancer is often complicated by venous thromboembolism (VTE), a common and potentially fatal complication associated with poor prognosis in these patients. An increased incidence of VTE is being observed due to the advanced age of cancer patients, the thrombogenic effect of novel drugs and advances in the diagnosis of related complications. In this review, we look at five different risk groups of cancer patients with an increased probability of developing VTE, including hospitalized patients undergoing chemotherapy, patients undergoing a surgical procedure, ambulatory patients undergoing chemotherapy, patients with a central venous access and patients receiving antiangiogenic drugs or anticoagulant therapy due to previous chronic diseases. The aim of this review is to summarize the most important clinical evidence reported to date on the suitability of primary thromboprophylaxis to cancer patients. Recommendations have drawn up for each group based on current evidence and guidelines to facilitate decision-making in clinical practice.