How common is complete clearance?

Surgical and blood-based minimal residual disease in patients with ovarian cancer after frontline therapy: Clinical outcomes and translational opportunities

https://tinyurl.com/4698cc7c

In the treatment of ovarian cancer, the most important determinant of survival is the effectiveness of the initial surgical procedure. The aim is complete clearance and for about 80% of women no residual cancer can be detected either by CT scan or plasma CA 125 levels. Despite this only about 20% of women will have been cured suggesting that residual cancer is present despite evidence to the contrary.

This study shows the true rate of minimal residual disease (MRD), by measuring circulating tumour DNA (CT DNA), and by repeat “second look” laparoscopy after completion of surgery and chemo.

Findings from the study showed that of 95 patients thought to have had a complete clearance at initial surgery almost half had MRD with abnormal CT DNA or second look laparoscopy. These women had worse survival and earlier recurrent disease. The authors suggest that searching for occult MRD should be part of standard treatment to enable correct management.