Gynaecologic Oncology Society of Kenya (GOSK) clinical management protocol for epithelial ovarian cancer in Kenya: 2026
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.59692/dmhaws37Keywords:
Clear-cell carcinoma, Epithelial ovarian cancer, Kenya, Ovarian cancerAbstract
Objective: To establish a standardized, evidence-based approach to the management of epithelial ovarian cancer in Kenya.
Methods: The protocol was developed through a structured guideline adaptation process, integrating recommendations from internationally recognized clinical practice guidelines with the realities of Kenya’s healthcare system and available resources. The adaptation was undertaken by a multidisciplinary expert panel comprising gynecologic oncologists, pathologists, radiologists, oncology nurses, pharmacists, radiation oncologists, public health specialists, and patient representatives. Before commencing the adaptation process, panel members underwent training facilitated by the University of Nairobi and Kenyatta National Hospital on evidence-based guideline adaptation. The training focused on systematic guideline appraisal, critical evaluation of evidence, application of the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation II (AGREE II) instrument, and methods for tailoring recommendations to the Kenyan context. A comprehensive search of PubMed and Google Scholar was conducted to identify international clinical practice guidelines relevant to the management of epithelial ovarian cancer. Five eligible guidelines were identified and independently assessed using AGREE II to determine their methodological quality. Based on this appraisal, three guidelines were selected as the principal reference documents for adaptation: the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN) Guideline for Epithelial Ovarian Cancer, the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) Clinical Practice Guidelines, and the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) Clinical Practice Guidelines for the diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of epithelial ovarian cancer. These guidelines were reviewed in detail, and their recommendations were adapted to reflect Kenya’s healthcare infrastructure, resource availability, and clinical practice environment.
Results: The adapted protocol provides recommendations for the diagnosis, staging, treatment, follow-up, and management of newly diagnosed and recurrent epithelial ovarian cancer, incorporating evidence-based surgical, systemic, and supportive care strategies appropriate for the Kenyan healthcare setting.
Recommendations: The protocol provides a standardized, evidence-based framework for the management of epithelial ovarian cancer in Kenya, with recommendations addressing diagnosis, staging, treatment, follow-up, and supportive care within the available healthcare resources.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Dr. Bruce O. Semo, Dr. Stella N. Njenga, Prof. Eunice J. Cheserem, Dr. Margaret K. Kilonzo, Dr. Alfred Mokomba, Dr. Wycliffe Musalia, Dr. Millicent S. Masinde, Dr. Benjamin E. Odongo, Prof. Jacqueline J. Chesang', Dr. Simon M. Gitau, Dr. Anwar Z. Mohamed, Dr. Innocent O. Maranga, Dr. Diana Marion, Dr. Victor T. Otieno, Dr. Francis O. Abinya, Dr. Gideon M. Mutua, Dr. Naomi N. Sitati, Dr. Isaac M. Muchiri, Dr. Steven M. Ibua, Prof. Rose J. Kosgei
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