Background

Ovarian cancer displays the highest death rates amongst all gynaecologic cancers. Most cases are diagnosed at an advanced stage of the disease and the treatment of choice is generally the combination therapy of intraperitoneal (IP) and intravenous (IV) chemotherapy. While this approach has been shown to prolong survival, multiple associated toxicities have been reported.

Objective

To identify the side effects and complications resulting from IP+IV chemotherapy treatment in stage III and stage IV ovarian cancer patients during the 2007-2015 period.

Methods

A descriptive, longitudinal and retrospective study was performed. A group of 17 women diagnosed with stage III and stage IV ovarian cancer were treated with IP+IV chemotherapy in Hospital Clínic de Barcelona during the period 2007-2015.

Results

Of the 17 patients who were treated with IP+IV chemotherapy, only 5 (29,41%) completed the 6 cycles of treatment. Notably, 12 (70,58%) patients discontinued the treatment due to a series of complications, which were frequently associated with IP reservoir and psychological disorders. The most commonly reported side effects were asthenia, neurotoxicity and abdominal pain.

Conclusions

The majority of patients discontinued their prescribed therapy due to complications associated with IP reservoir and psychological disorders. We believe that the nurse plays a key role, not only in managing the technical aspects of the therapy but also in providing patients with emotional support throughout their journey.

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