OVARIAN cancer patients undergoing surgery using a fine jet of argon plasma as part of a clinical trial have a higher chance of having all the tumour removed, according to early findings from a five-year study unveiled at Royal Surrey County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust.

The study also revealed that women who had the treatment were less likely to require surgery on their bowel or a colostomy.

Patients who participated in the ‘PlasmaJet in Ovarian Cancer Surgery’ feasibility study were given a preview of the results at Royal Surrey as part of Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month.

The study also reported the treatment resulted in improved quality of life and overall survival benefits.

The trial, which involved 120 patients, was funded by GRACE, the gynae-oncology research and clinical excellence charity. Each year, more than 7,200 women in the UK are diagnosed with ovarian cancer with five year survival rates of around 40 per cent.

GRACE has been instrumental in funding the trust’s PlasmaJet apparatus as well as the research team required.