Work

Navigating a Dual Challenge: Management of Advanced Ovarian Cancer Diagnosed During the Second Trimester

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Ovarian cancer during pregnancy is rare, and diagnosis is often delayed as symptoms overlap with normal pregnancy and tumour markers are unreliable. We present a case of a 31-year-old patient who presented at 21 weeks' gestation with bilateral pleural effusions and respiratory compromise. Pleural cytology confirmed metastatic carcinoma consistent with a gynaecologic primary. After multidisciplinary review, neoadjuvant chemotherapy with carboplatin and paclitaxel was initiated in the second trimester and continued into the third trimester. Foetal surveillance revealed appropriate growth with no adverse effects. Labour was induced at 37 weeks, resulting in vaginal delivery of a healthy infant. The patient subsequently underwent interval cytoreductive surgery three weeks postpartum, followed by adjuvant chemotherapy, and remains in remission. This case demonstrates that platinum-taxane chemotherapy can be safely administered in pregnancy with favourable maternal and neonatal outcomes.

Source: Cureus

DOI: 10.7759/cureus.96923

Authors: Ik Hui Teo, Wan Nurul Ezyani Wan Jabarudin

Institutions: University Malaya Medical Centre, University of Malaya

Language: English

Topic: Ovarian cancer diagnosis and treatment

Subfield: Reproductive Medicine

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: diamond

Funder: Universiti Malaya