Dr. Markman on Important Factors of BSO in Ovarian Cancer

Maurie Markman, MD, president, Medicine and Science, Cancer Treatment Centers of America, editor-in-chief, OncologyLive, discusses the most important factors of bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (BSO) to discuss with patients with ovarian cancer.

First, the outcome of the surgery cannot be guaranteed, but the procedure is designed to eliminate 80% risk for disease, Markman explains. However, one challenge lies with the fact that the peritoneal lining is made up of the same cells that line the ovaries. Additional environmental exposures, which are still unknown, may still prove to be a risk for developing ovarian cancer.

Secondly, surgical menopause is a concern to discuss with patients. This places physiological effects of estrogen on the heart and bones, as well as psychosocial effects on the patient, he adds.