Recurrent Disease
Most patients with PPC are diagnosed when they already have advanced stages of disease. So recurrences are common. The majority of patients will go into remission first. But the disease often comes back months or years later. It is often found when the CA 125 levels begin to rise. Or it could be found when new masses are found on physical exam or imaging studies. The prognosis for this cancer is not favorable once it recurs.
There are treatment options for patients who recur. Which is best depends on:
- location of recurrence
- time since the initial therapy
- patient’s overall performance status
These options include:
- repeat surgery
- re-treatment with the same chemotherapy that was first used
- treatment with a different type of agent
- radiation therapy in selected cases
Each recurrence is different. So the treatment must be based on a variety of factors including those listed above. It’s also important to see if there might be a clinical trial that’s right for the person. Once a recurrence is diagnosed, the goals of treatment change. Then the goal is to help prolong quality of life rather than try for a cure.