Clinical characteristics of clear cell carcinoma of the ovary

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study is to evaluate the clinical characteristics of clear cell carcinoma of the ovary.

Methods: Between 1986 and 1996, 45 patients with clear cell carcinoma of the ovary were identified by scanning the medical records department and the tumor registry at our institution.

Results: Median age was 55 years (range 31-80 years). Tumors were 60% (27/45) stage I, 11% (5/45) stage II, 20% (9/45) stage III, and 9% (4/45) stage IV. All patients presented with a pelvic mass ranging in size from 2 x 3 to 20 x 30 cm and all except 1 had optimal cytoreduction. All patients received postoperative platinum-based chemotherapy, 47% (21/45) in combination with paclitaxel. One stage Ia patient refused therapy. Of the 6 stage III/IV patients with measurable residual tumor, 67% (4/6) partially responded to first line chemotherapy by CT scan or second look laparotomy. Recurrences occurred in 37% (10/27) stage I patients, including 18% (2/11) stage Ia, 33% (1/3) stage Ib, and 54% (7/13) stage Ic. Time to recurrence was 16 and 38 months for the two stage Ia patients and 35 months (median, range 18-56 months) for the stage Ic patients. Survival after recurrence was significantly related to disease-free interval after primary chemotherapy. With a median follow-up of 40 months (range 4-145 months), 93% (25/27) of stage I patients are alive, 20% (5/25) with disease, while 46% (6/13) of stage III/IV patients are alive. Median survival for the stage III/IV patients was 22 months (range 4-70 months).

Conclusions: Clear cell tumors of ovary frequently present at early stages. However, these tumors have a propensity for recurrence even after primary chemotherapy in early stage tumors.