Clinical characteristics, treatment, and survival outcomes in small cell ovarian cancer: A population-based analysis and review of the literature.

Abstract

e17606 Background: Small cell carcinoma of the ovary (SCCO) is a rare and aggressive malignancy with limited epidemiological and prognostic analyses. This study aims to evaluate the clinical characteristics, treatments, and survival outcomes of SCCO. Methods: We review the literature of this rare form of ovarian cancer. In addition, data on SCCO cases diagnosed between 2000 and 2021 were extracted from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was performed. Statistical significance among key variables was assessed using the log-rank test, and hazard ratios (HR) were calculated using the Cox proportional hazards model. Results: From 2000 to 2021, 274 patients were diagnosed with SCCO. The majority of patients (82%) were white race, with 51% having undifferentiated tumors and 58% presenting with distant disease. The most common age at diagnosis was 20–39 years (42%). Surgery was performed in 92% of cases, chemotherapy in 76%, while radiation therapy was rarely utilized (8%). Survival analysis included 125 cases (46%), as 149 patients had incomplete staging and treatment information. The 5 year and overall survival rate was 33% and 31%with a median survival of 13 months. Factors significantly influencing survival included age, race, stage at diagnosis, and treatment modalities. Patients aged 40–59 had the most favorable survival outcomes, and localized disease at diagnosis was strongly associated with improved survival. Surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy significantly enhanced survival compared to patients who did not receive these treatments. Conclusions: Survival outcomes in SCCO patients are influenced by a range of clinical and demographic factors. Ongoing research is critical to refine and improve therapeutic strategies for this rare and aggressive type of ovarian cancer.