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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Sapoora Manshaii, MD¹, Katherine Virgo, PhD, MBA², Randall Gibb, MD³, David Mutch, MD³, Yen N. Quang, Ivy Lawson, and Frank E. Johnson, MD⁶. (1) Department of Surgery, Saint Louis University, 3635 Vista at Grand Blvd., St.Louis, MO 63110, (314) 577-8369, smanshaii@msn.com, (2) Dept. of Surgery, Saint Louis University & Saint Louis VAMC, 3635 Vista at Grand Boulevard, Saint Louis, MO 63110-0250, (3) Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 S Euclid Ave, Campus Box 8064, St.Louis, MO 63110, (4) Surgery, Saint Louis University, 3635 Vista Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63110

INTRODUCTION:

Ovarian cancer ranks fourth in cancer deaths among women. Recent decreases in mortality rates suggest an increase in cure rates. The primary goal of follow-up is detection of recurrence.

OBJECTIVE:

At the conclusion of this session, the participant will be able to discuss and compare the self-reported follow-up practices of gynecologists managing patients after treatment for stage I ovarian cancer.

METHODS:

A detailed questionnaire regarding postoperative follow-up care of patients with ovarian cancer was sent to 943 gynecologists. The questionnaire consisted of 17 questions, including frequency of postoperative follow-up visits, type of work-up performed and what the goal of these follow-up visits were.

RESULTS:

Of the total of 943 surveys that were sent out, there were 323 respondents of which 283 respondents were eligible for evaluation. Exclusion criteria included refusals and retirees. Frequencies were run based on the 283 respondents. Office visits are frequent in post-op year 1 with a mean +/- SD = 4.1 +/- 1.1 diminishing to 2.0 +/- 0.6 in post-op year 5. The frequency of pelvic exams was 4.0 +/- 1.1 in year 1 decreasing to 1.9 +/- 0.6 in year 5. Serum CA-125 levels are measured 4.0 +/- 1.5 times in year 1, diminishing to 1.9 +/- 0.8 in year 5. Other blood tests and imaging studies are performed infrequently and inconsistently.

CONCLUSION:

There is some variation in follow-up intensity and strategies among the responders. The appropriate follow-up of patients after completion of therapy remains controversial and the optimal monitoring strategy is not standardized.

Learning Objectives:

• To discuss and compare the current self-reported follow-up practices of gynecologists managing patients after initial treatment for stage I ovarian cancer.

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Any relevant financial relationships? No