By J.K. LEE*, S.H. SONG*, I. KIM, K.H. LEE et al

International Journal of Gynecological Cancer 2008;18:916–920

Link to abstract

Pseudomyxoma Peritonei is a rare form of cancer of the intra-abdominal and pelvic region of the body. left untreated, this disease is fatal because of the accumulation of mucus that is secreted by cancer producing cells. Patient prognosis is usually dependent on the pathological subtype with which they present; DPAM, PMCA and PMCA-I. The two most common origin of PMP is the appendix and ovary. The purpose of this study was to determine prognostic factors and overall survival rate in PMP originating from the ovary. The study does not elaborate on the criteria used to distinguish primary from secondary ovarian mucinous tumors but cites Ronnett (1995) as a reference. The following results thus must be interpreted with caution.

They study analyzed thirty two female patients with ovarian origins of DPAM, PMCA, and PMCA-I(an intermediate form of PMP showing characteristics of DPAM and PMCA). The study measured tumor markers level of CEA, CA 19-9, and CA-125. The median age was 54 yrs. The results of the study supported the fact that age was a prognostic factor in predicting survival rate. The five years overall survival rate was significantly lower in patient age 50 and over. The study also indicated that elevated levels of CEA, CA 19-9, and CA 125 are associated with shorter PMP disease free interval.. They also suggested that routine CA 19-9 should be run post surgery as part of a follow up plan. The study also showed that the use of cytoreduction and chemotherapy with chemotherapeutic agents like Mitomycin and 5 fluorouracil is recommended. In conclusion, routine tumor marker testing, chemotherapy, and cytoreduction surgery, all serve as useful tools in determining prognosis of PMP originating from the ovaries.