I037 REVISED FIGO STAGING OF OVARIAN, FALLOPIAN TUBE AND PERITONEAL CANCERS: CLINICAL CONSIDERATIONS

Abstract

The revised FIGO staging system is innovative because it combines the classifications for ovarian and fallopian tube cancers, and adds peritoneal cancer to this new group. The system requires the designation of the primary site, when it can be ascertained, to permit the stratification of the collected data. Furthermore, the clinician will record the specific histologic type of tumor to facilitate accurate subgroup analysis. The rationale for combining these three mullerian tumors into one group is based on our evolving understanding of the fundamental biology of these conditions and changes in our practice, i.e., (1) the recognition that most serous tumors arising in the mullerian tract have their origin in the fallopian tube, and (2) the treatment of these mullerian malignancies that arise in the ovary, fallopian tube and peritoneum utilizes the same clinical approach, which combines surgery and chemotherapy to optimize the outcome of patients with these diseases. The new system simplifies our classification and data collection, because it parallels our current staging and treatment practices. The goal is to improve the validity of the data by standardizing the methodology, which should promote accurate data collection. For the clinician, this new system should minimize confusion over staging issues and treatment of these diseases by creating a more logical and clinically applicable classification.