OBJECTIVE

To determine the best possible value of pathological PCI (pPCI) as a prognostic marker for survival in high-grade serous epithelial ovarian cancer patients in patients treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy and interval cytoreductive surgery.

METHODS

All patients with FIGO stage IIIC high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma were included. Receiver operating curves (ROC) were used to determine the best possible score for pPCI in predicting survival. Survival curves were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier test, and factors affecting survival were compared using the log-rank test.

RESULTS

From January 2018 to January 2024, 171 patients who underwent interval cytoreductive surgery were included. Complete cytoreduction was achieved in 88% of the patients. ROC curves determined a (pPCI) cut-off value of 8 as the best possible score for predicting survival with a sensitivity of 82% and specificity of 67% (Youden's Index = 0.60). pPCI with a cut-off value of 8 showed improved OS (p = 0.002) and DFS, (p = 0.001) in both univariate and multivariate analyses.

CONCLUSION

Following interval cytoreductive surgery, despite optimal complete cytoreductive surgery, a pathological PCI of 8 is a poor prognostic indicator of survival and may serve as a surrogate clinical marker for guiding clinicians in adjuvant treatment, especially in resource-driven settings in the real world.