What do 676 primary and recurrent ovarian cancer (OC) patients expect from their doctors and therapy management? Results of a German survey of the northeastern German Society of Gynecological Oncology (NOGGO).

5044 Background: The primary aim of this study was to investigate information needs and preferences among patients with ovarian cancer, focusing especially on doctor-patient relationships and therapy management. Methods: A 42-item questionnaire was developed and validated in a mono-centre phase I study and was then provided to primary and recurrent ovarian cancer patients via internet (online) or as a print-version. In the first part basic data (age, tumour status, therapy) were requested. In the second part, most of the questions try to evaluate the expectations and needs concerning their therapy management and doctor-patients communication. Results: From January to November 2009, a total of 676 (201 online; 475 print version) patients with ovarian cancer from 44 German centres took part in the survey.The median age of the online group was 49 years (range 19-84), for the print group 62 years (26-92). Nearly all patients (98.7%) had a primary surgery and a primary chemotherapy (89%). Asked for side effects during therapy, the most frequent answers were alopecia, paraesthesia/dysaesthesia and fatigue. Most of the patients were content with the completeness and understandability of the explanations about the therapies from their doctors . The three most important aspects, which were proposed by patients to improve therapy against ovarian cancer were: “Doctors should have more time for explanations”, “The therapy should not lead to any loss of hair”, and “The therapy should be more effective”. Conclusions: This study underlines the high need of ovarian cancer patients to discuss all details concerning treatment options and clinical management. As matter of fact, the physician involved in the treatment is the most important source of information.