Ovarian Cancer Secondary Surgery — SCE Medical Oncology MCQ

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ModerateGynaecological CancersOvarian Cancer Secondary SurgerySCE Medical Oncology

A 60-year-old woman with platinum-sensitive recurrent high-grade serous ovarian cancer is being considered for secondary cytoreductive surgery before starting second-line chemotherapy. What tool helps predict surgical benefit?

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Correct answer: B — AGO score (ECOG PS 0, ascites ≤500 mL, complete resection at primary surgery) or the DESKTOP III criteria

The DESKTOP III trial demonstrated that secondary cytoreductive surgery (SCS) improves OS in platinum-sensitive recurrent ovarian cancer ONLY when complete resection (no visible residual disease) is achieved. The AGO score (PS 0, ascites ≤500 mL, complete primary resection) identifies patients most likely to achieve complete SCS. Patients not meeting these criteria should proceed directly to systemic therapy. SOC-1 and GOG-0213 provide additional context on patient selection for SCS.

Reference: ESMO 2024 Ovarian Cancer Guidelines; DESKTOP III du Bois et al NEJM 2022; AGO score