The New Era of Intraperitoneal Carboplatin in Ovarian Cancer: From Biological Rationale to Clinical Implementation
Authors:
- Shoji NagaoSNShoji Nagao
- Atsushi FujikawaAFAtsushi Fujikawa
- Yui TanakaYTYui Tanaka
- Momoko TaniokaMTMomoko Tanioka
- Ryoko ImataniRIRyoko Imatani
- Yoshinori TaniYTYoshinori Tani
- Hanako SugiharaHSHanako Sugihara
- Kazuhiro OkamotoKOKazuhiro Okamoto
- Hirofumi MatsuokaHMHirofumi Matsuoka
- Naoyuki IdaNINaoyuki Ida
- Junko HaragaJHJunko Haraga
- Chikako OgawaCOChikako Ogawa
Preprint
- 27 January 2026
- preprint
- Published by MDPI AG in Preprints.org
Abstract
Epithelial ovarian cancer is predominantly characterized by peritoneal dissemination, providing a strong biological rationale for intraperitoneal (IP) chemotherapy. Although IP cisplatin-based regimens have demonstrated substantial survival benefits in pivotal randomized trials, toxicity and catheter-related complications limit their widespread adoption. IP carboplatin has emerged as a pragmatic alternative with improved tolerability while preserving its pharmacokinetic advantages. This review summarizes the biological and pharmacological rationale for IP carboplatin and critically examines the clinical evidence, with a particular emphasis on the Intraperitoneal Carboplatin for Ovarian Cancer (iPocc) trial and its divergence from Gynecologic Oncology Group (GOG)-252. We further discuss the potential applicability of IP carboplatin beyond the traditional setting of minimal residual disease, including patients undergoing neoadjuvant chemotherapy and interval debulking surgery, as well as its possible use in the contemporary era of maintenance therapy. Collectively, the accumulated evidence supports renewed consideration of IP carboplatin as a versatile component in modern ovarian cancer management.Keywords
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