New classification of ovarian, tube and peritoneal cancers. What has changed and what are the therapeutic consequences? [Neue klassifikation der ovarial-, tuben- und peritonealkarzinome. Was ändert sich und was sind die therapeutischen konsequenzen?]

Background: The last FIGO classification was published in 1988. Due to new scientific knowledge and the improvement of diagnostic methods the new FIGO classification should provide a standard terminology which allows the comparison between patients from different centers. Furthermore, the tumors can be classified into various prognostic groups. Methods: The process of the proposed changes of the FIGO staging of ovarian, tubal and peritoneal cancers started 3 years ago. The proposal was sent to all relevant gynecological oncology institutions and societies worldwide. Results: The new FIGO classification reflects the current understanding of ovarian, tubal and peritoneal cancers and has a close relationship to the prognosis of every tumor stage. Discussion: The new FIGO staging contains among other things a revision of the FIGO III stage where stage IIIA1 is based on the spread in the retroperitoneal lymph nodes without intraperitoneal dissemination. A significantly improved overall survival could be shown here. The inclusion of retroperitoneal lymph nodes must be assigned cytologically or histologically. Extension of the tumor to the omentum, spleen or liver (stage IIIC) should be distinguished from isolated lung parenchymal, spleen or liver metastases (stage IVB). Stage IC is divided into three substages, which refer to the timing of capsule rupture. © 2014 Springer-Verlag.