Optimal timeframes & summary
Evidence-based guidelines, where they exist, should inform timeframes. Treatment teams need to recognise that shorter timeframes for appropriate consultations and treatment can promote a better experience for patients. Three steps in the pathway specify timeframes for care. They are designed to help patients understand the timeframes in which they can expect to be assessed and treated, and to help health services plan care delivery in accordance with expert-informed time parameters to meet the expectation of patients. These timeframes are based on expert advice from the Ovarian Cancer Working Group. However, there may be situations due to medical factors where these timeframes need to be modified.
Timeframes for care
|
Step in pathway |
Care point |
Timeframe |
|
Presentation, initial investigations and referral |
Signs and symptoms |
Symptoms that persist for more than 4 weeks should be investigated Symptoms persisting for more than 1 week after initial GP treatment should be further investigated within 2 weeks |
|
Initial investigations initiated by GP |
Investigations should be completed, reviewed by a GP and discussed with the patient within 2 weeks if there is a suspicion of ovarian cancer |
|
|
Diagnosis, staging and treatment planning |
Referral to specialist |
A specialist appointment should occur within 2 weeks of a suspected or confirmed diagnosis |
|
Diagnosis and staging |
Diagnostic investigations should be completed within 2 weeks of specialist review |
|
|
Multidisciplinary meeting and treatment planning |
The MDM should convene within 2 weeks of a suspected or confirmed diagnosis Genetic testing should be considered during MDM/treatment planning |
|
|
Treatment |
Surgery |
Surgery should be conducted within 4 weeks of the suspected or confirmed diagnosis and within 2 weeks of the MDM |
|
Systemic therapy |
Neoadjuvant chemotherapy should begin within 2 weeks of the MDM Adjuvant chemotherapy should begin within 4 weeks of surgery |
|
|
Radiation therapy |
Radiation therapy should begin within 4 weeks of the MDM |
Seven steps of the optimal care pathway
Step 1: Prevention and early detection
Step 2: Presentation, initial investigations and referral
Step 3: Diagnosis, staging and treatment planning
Step 4: Treatment
Step 5: Care after initial treatment and recovery
Step 6: Managing recurrent, residual or metastatic disease
Step 7: End-of-life care
In 2020, it is estimated that 1,523 new cases of ovarian cancer will be diagnosed in Australia. The risk of a female being diagnosed with ovarian cancer by the age of 85 is estimated at one in 85 (Cancer Australia 2019b).
The pathway describes the optimal cancer care that should be provided at each step for women with ovarian cancer.
