The standard treatment for advanced-stage ovarian cancer is upfront cytoreductive surgery, and the extent of residual disease after surgery correlates with response to adjuvant therapy and disease outcomes. This Perspectives article provides an overview of the historical progression of primary cytoreduction and definitions of 'optimal' residual disease. In addition, approaches to personalizing surgical therapy and improving the quality of surgical care are discussed.
- Alpa M. Nick
- Robert L. Coleman
- Anil K. Sood
