Ovarian cancer is the leading cause of death in the United States from gynecologic malignancies.
There are approximately 26,600 new cases and 14,500 deaths annually. The majority of patients have advanced disease at the time of diagnosis, which remains confined to the peritoneal cavity for extended periods of time. Methods of improving 'local control' need to be developed. This study is an innovative approach in the management of ovarian carcinoma, combining intraperitoneal hyperthermia which is known to be cytotoxic alone with a standard of drug used in ovarian cancer, carboplatin. Five-year data shows patients undergoing this treatment live longer and have a better quality of life.