University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center researchers said their retrospective study is the first to analyze how women with a rare type of low-grade ovary tumors respond to chemotherapy. The findings also confirm clinical impressions that such tumors are chemoresistant.

Dr. David Gershenson, a professor and the study's lead author, said the results support a growing body of research that shows low-grade ovarian tumors behave differently than their high-grade counterparts, both genetically and clinically.

"In order to make meaningful advances in treatment, women with low-grade ovarian tumors must not be grouped together with those with more common ovarian tumors," said Gershenson. "They require unique consideration and more targeted treatment options for a better chance of survival."

Low-grade serous carcinoma, representing about 10 percent of all serous ovarian cancers, is characterized by a young age at diagnosis -- an average of 42 years, versus more common ovarian cancers that are generally diagnosed at about 60 years of age.

The findings were reported this week in Tampa, Fla., during the annual meeting of the Society of Gynecologic Oncologists.