Tumors of low malignant potential a single institution experience

BACKGROUND: The tumors of low malignant potential are an independent group of the ovarian epithelial tumors. They represents 10–20% of all ovarian epithelial tumors. Our aim through this study to determine how to treat this disease in the most suitable way. METHODS: A retrospective study involving 73 patients diagnosed with TLMP and treated at our Institute between September 1975 and June 2010. RESULTS: The median age was 49 years. In 33% of the cases, the patients were younger than 40 years. Our study included 38 mucinous tumors, 30 serous and 5 mixed. The tumors were stage I in 69% of the cases, stage II in 11% and stage III in 20%. All patients had surgery as a primary treatment. The surgery was radical in 77% of the cases. Five patients had an adjuvant chemotherapy. After a mean follow up of 10 years, we reported 7 cases of local relapses. The prognostic factors for a disease free survival were: the stage of the tumor and the presence of invasive implants. The overall survival at 5 and 10 years was respectively of 96.9% and 92.8%. The prognostic factors for overall survival were: the age, the stage, the existence of a residual tumor, the presence of pseudomyxoma or peritoneal implants. After having a conservative surgery two patients achieved full term pregnancies. CONCLUSION: Randomized studies are required to back-up our findings and give a higher grade of recommendation to the actual standard of care.