Surgery
Surgery for fallopian tube cancer is determined by the stage of the cancer from previous imaging tests. A procedure called a salpingo-oophorectomy is used in the treatment of early-stage fallopian tube cancer. A salpingo-oophorectomy is the surgical removal of the either one or both of the fallopian tubes, and either one or both of the ovaries. In more advanced stages the surgical procedures will include: total abdominal hysterectomy (removal of uterus), bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, infracolic omenectomy (removal of abdominal lining), appendectomy (removal of appendix), peritoneal washings, and peritoneal biopsies. In patients with very advanced disease the goal is cytoreductive surgery, meaning the removal of as much cancerous tissue as possible. Treatment with surgery may be used in combination with radiation or chemotherapy, known as adjuvant therapy.
Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy refers to use of high energy x-rays to kill cancer cells. Radiation is not considered a primary treatment for fallopian tube cancer because of its low efficacy and side effects. However, it may be used prior to surgery to help shrink a tumor in size to make surgery more manageable. It may also be used in cases where chemotherapy is refused or contraindicated.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is the use of anti-cancer medications that go throughout the entire body. Chemotherapy is rarely used as the only treatment for fallopian tube cancer, but rather given after surgery to kill any remaining cancer cells. Platinum based chemotherapies (carboplatin and cisplatin) are most commonly used in the treatment of fallopian tube cancer. The two most commonly used medications are carboplatin and paclitaxel. A platinum based chemotherapy may be given alone or in combination with another type of chemotherapy. There are currently studies being conducted to determine which chemotherapy regimens work best with the least amount of side effects. In some cases, chemotherapy will be given directly into the abdomen (called intraperitoneal chemotherapy). Your provider will decide on a regimen that will best treat your cancer and your specific needs.