Ovarian cancer is the 2nd most common gynecologic cancer in the United States with the highest mortality in all-gynecologic cancers. Optimal removal of most tumor during initial surgery has been shown to improve survival rate. The presence of exfoliated ovarian cancer cells in the peritoneal cavity after ovarian cancer debulking surgery is well recognized. These cells are viable and can grow back again.
We have just completed research showing plain water killed these cancer cells effectively. We grew ovarian cancer cells in plates. Then we bathed them in normal saline (same concentration as plasma/blood). In this concentration (we call it isoosmolar), cancer cells continue to grow. Then, we place some of these cells in water for 30 minutes. The water, which is hypoosmolar (less salt concentration), diffused into the cancer cell wall and ruptured the cancer cells.
We are currently writing this research paper and will submit for publication. Now, we cannot use this finding yet on patients. We need to go thru multiple studies in animals and human before we could use it. But my prediction is to use water into abdomen after ovarian cancer surgery may improve survival. Currently, we do the same thing using intraperitoneal chemotherapy. I think water would be less toxic than chemotherapy in patients. lets keep our finger cross.
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