2023-06-14 08:38:16
June 14, 2023 – 8:26 AM
Metastasis to the ovaries is considered a rare phenomenon in women with colorectal cancer. However, PhD research by Richard van der Meer shows that the frequency of this occurrence is underestimated. For example, Van der Meer concluded that one in twenty young patients with colorectal cancer (under the age of 55) develops these metastases. With his dissertation, he therefore draws attention to ovarian metastases and hopes to raise awareness among professionals and patients.
It is generally known that colon cancer can spread to other places in the body, such as the lymph nodes, liver, lungs or on the peritoneum. “It is also possible that colon cancer will spread to the ovaries, but this is currently considered rare,” says Richard van der Meer. “However, my PhD research, which I conducted under the supervision of Dr Rudi Roumen at Máxima MC, shows that this occurs more often than expected. With my research I want to provide insight into the patients in whom these metastases develop and describe the impact of this.”
1 in 20
“We see that 1 in 25 women who have metastatic colorectal cancer also develop metastases in the ovaries. Of the younger patients with colorectal cancer (under the age of 55), as many as 1 in 20 women have this form of metastases at the time of diagnosis or develop it during follow-up. That is quite common in our eyes. In addition, women with colorectal cancer have an increased risk of primary ovarian cancer (they are then no metastases of colorectal cancer). With my thesis I therefore want to draw attention to even better control of the ovaries in women with colorectal cancer. We also recommend that low-threshold additional tests be carried out if they have symptoms during follow-up that may indicate this form of metastasis.”
Chemotherapy for ovarian metastases
In his doctoral research, Van der Meer also investigated the role of chemotherapy in the treatment of ovarian metastases. These metastases are generally considered refractory to chemotherapy. Van der Meer: “Partly because of this, it is thought that women with metastases in the ovaries have a poorer survival compared to women with metastases in other organs. However, this does not emerge from our study. Because we were only able to study a select group, this requires further research.”
Investigation of preventive removal
“Based on the research results, you can think about preventively removing the ovaries and fallopian tubes in women with colorectal cancer from now on,” continues Van der Meer. “It is about preventive removal, where there are no demonstrable deviations yet.” This procedure, which takes place at the same time as bowel surgery, prevents the development of metastases in the ovaries and fallopian tubes. A study has been started at Máxima MC, among others, to investigate the short and long-term effects of this. “Within this study, which is currently taking place in twelve hospitals in the Netherlands, women with colon cancer over the age of 60 are extensively informed and offered this preventive removal. They themselves, together with their doctor and/or case manager, decide whether or not to do this. For this they receive information about the advantages and disadvantages of this procedure. Based on this study, we expect to be able to make a statement in 2025 about the further added value of preventive removal in this patient group.”
Richard van der Meer obtained his PhD on Thursday 11 May at the University of Maastricht. His research was supervised by promotor Prof. Dr. IHJT de Hingh, and co-promoters surgeon Dr. RMH Roumen (Máxima MC) and Dr. FN van Erning (Integraal Cancer Center Netherlands).
Bron: Maxima MC
Editorial Medicalfacts/ Janine Budding
I studied physiotherapy and Health Care business administration. I am also a registered independent client support worker and informal care broker. I have a lot of experience in various positions in healthcare, the social domain and the medical, pharmaceutical industry, nationally and internationally. And have broad medical knowledge of most healthcare specialties. And of the care laws from which the care is regulated and financed. Every year I attend most of the leading medical conferences in Europe and America to keep my knowledge up-to-date and to keep up with the latest developments and innovations. Currently I am doing a Masters in Applied Psychology.
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#attention #needed #metastasis #colorectal #cancer #ovaries