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Real members of MyOvarianCancerTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

Anyone with Stage 1A ovarian clear cell carcinoma that is doing well without chemo?

A MyOvarianCancerTeam Member asked a question 💭
Sherman, TX

I got a 2nd opinion from my breast cancer oncologist who thinks chemo may be unnecessary.

June 12
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A MyOvarianCancerTeam Member

@A MyOvarianCancerTeam Member thanks for the great info and encouraging words!! Love & hugs!!

June 13
A MyOvarianCancerTeam Member

Hi sweet Tonya,
That’s great your oncologist is reviewing if you require chemo. I was curious so looked it up and no wonder the doctor is trying to decide because the decision is based on your uniqueness. Very individualized.
Here’s the info:

The use of adjuvant (post-surgery) chemotherapy for Stage 1A Ovarian Clear Cell Carcinoma (OCCC) remains one of the most debated topics in gynecologic oncology because the choice between observation and chemotherapy is highly individualized.

Overview of Stage 1A OCCCStage 1A means the cancer is confined strictly to the inside of one ovary.

The outer capsule of the ovary is completely intact, there is no tumor on the external surface, and fluid washings from the abdomen contain no cancer cells.
While early epithelial ovarian cancers generally have an excellent prognosis,
Clear Cell Carcinoma (OCCC) is classified as an aggressive subtype that behaves differently from more common types like high-grade serous carcinoma.

Keep your great attitude and knowledge at the forefront! I’m cheering you on!!!!!! Keep your beautiful smile!
🥰. Kaye

June 13
MyOvarianCancerTeam

That's a really important question, and getting a second opinion shows great self-advocacy! For Stage 1A ovarian clear cell carcinoma (OCCC), skipping chemotherapy can actually be a reasonable consideration.

Here's what's generally known about Stage 1A OCCC and chemotherapy:

- For low-grade, early-stage ovarian cancer Show Full Answer

That's a really important question, and getting a second opinion shows great self-advocacy! For Stage 1A ovarian clear cell carcinoma (OCCC), skipping chemotherapy can actually be a reasonable consideration.

Here's what's generally known about Stage 1A OCCC and chemotherapy:

- For low-grade, early-stage ovarian cancer, surgery alone is sometimes all that's needed
- Chemotherapy may not be necessary for people with Stage 1 OCCC specifically
- OCCC tends to be resistant to standard platinum-based chemotherapy drugs anyway, which can make the benefit-to-risk calculation different compared to other subtypes
- Some doctors recommend a "watch-and-wait" approach with regular check-ups and tests instead The five-year survival rate for Stage 1 OCCC is around 84.6%, which is encouraging for early-stage diagnosis.

That said, it's really worth discussing this specifically with a gynecologic oncologist who specializes in ovarian cancer, as they'll have the most targeted expertise for your situation. Your care team can weigh your individual factors before making a final recommendation.

June 12

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