The successful phase 3 niraparib ENGOT-OV16/NOVA trial included a substantial number of patients with platinum resistant ovarian cancer (OC)

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Background: Niraparib is a highly selective poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) 1/2 inhibitor (PARPi); in preclinical studies, it concentrates in the tumor relative to plasma to deliver durable, near complete PARP inhibition and persistent antitumor effects.Niraparib demonstrated significantly longer progression free survival (PFS) vs placebo in patients (pts) with recurrent OC who were randomized following a complete response (CR) or partial response (PR) to platinum based chemotherapy in the controlled, double-blind phase 3 ENGOT-OV16/NOVA trial. To more fully characterize the NOVA trial population, we assessed platinum resistance status, defined as a duration of response to platinum < 6 months to the most recent (ultimate) platinum regimen. Analysis was limited to pts in the placebo arm, as inclusion of pts receiving active treatment (niraparib) would have confounded the ability to determine duration of response to platinum alone. Methods: Pts with recurrent OC, no prior PARPi use, ≥2 prior courses of platinum based chemotherapy, and CR or PR to the most recent platinum based chemotherapy were eligible. Pts were assigned to one of two cohorts based on g BRCA testing (g BRCAmut or non-g BRCAmut) and randomized 2:1 within each cohort to niraparib 300 mg or placebo qd until progressive disease (PD). Randomization occurred up to 8 weeks following the last dose of the most recent platinum based chemotherapy. PFS was measured from time of randomization to death or earliest PD as assessed by independent review committee. Estimated probability of pts having disease progression in each cohort and pooled across cohorts 6 months after the last dose of their most recent platinum therapy was calculated using the Kaplan-Meier methodology. Results: 181 pts were randomized to placebo (65 g BRCAmut and 116 non-g BRCAmut). Platinum resistance rate estimates for the g BRCAmut, non-g BRCAmut, and pooled cohorts were 42%, 53%, and 49%, respectively. Conclusions: Approximately half of the pts in the NOVA study, where niraparib treatment met its primary endpoint of prolonging PFS following a response to platinum, had developed platinum resistance to their last line of chemotherapy. Clinical trial information: NCT01847274.

Predictors of stopping chemotherapy early and short survival in patients with potentially platinum sensitive (PPS) recurrent ovarian cancer (ROC) who have had ≥3 lines of prior chemotherapy: The GCIG symptom benefit study (SBS)

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Background: PPS ROC is defined by a platinum free interval > 6 months. Women starting ≥3 lines of chemotherapy for PPS ROC are however a heterogeneous group with variable response to chemotherapy and OS. We sought to identify baseline characteristics (health related quality of life [HRQL] and clinical features) that were associated with stopping chemotherapy early and shorter OS to improve patient selection for palliative chemotherapy. Methods: 378 women with PPS ROC starting ≥3 lines chemotherapy enrolled in GCIG SBS. HRQL was assessed with EORTC QLQ-C30/QLQ-OV28. Associations with stopping chemotherapy early (by 8 weeks) were assessed with logistic regression. Associations with OS were assessed with Cox proportional hazards regression. Variables significant in univariable analysis (p < 0.05) were included as candidates for multivariable analyses using backward elimination to select those independently significant at p < 0.05. Results: Median age was 64 years. The line of chemotherapy was third in 40%, fourth in 29%, and ≥ fifth in 31%. Chemotherapy was stopped early in 45/378 (12%) and their median OS was 3.4 months. Poor physical function (PF) and global health status (GHS) at baseline were significant univariable predictors of stopping chemotherapy early (p < 0.008); PF remained significant in a multivariable model adjusting for clinical factors (haemoglobin [Hb], ascites, abdominal cramps, neutrophil: lymphocyte≥5, platelets, log CA125); p = 0.03. Median OS in the whole group was 16.6 months. PF, role function, GHS and abdominal/GI symptoms were significant univariable predictors of OS (p < 0.001); PF and GHS remained significant predictors of OS in multivariable models including Hb, ascites, neutrophil: lymphocyte≥5, platelets, log CA125, ECOG and BMI (p < 0.007). Conclusions: In women with PPS ROC ≥3 lines chemotherapy, baseline PF and GHS are independent significant predictors of stopping chemotherapy early and short OS. HRQOL is easily measured, prognostic and may improve clinical trial stratification, patient-doctor communication and support clinical decision making. Clinical trial information: 12607000603415.

Long-term benefit of niraparib treatment of recurrent ovarian cancer (OC)

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Background: Current therapies for recurrent OC include chemotherapy (C) or bevacizumab (B) in combination with C followed by continuous B, which showed improved progression-free survival (PFS) compared with C followed by placebo (P) over 3.4 months (GOG-0213) or 4.0 months (OCEANS). Potential impact of B on effectiveness of subsequent therapies has not been described. Niraparib (N) is a highly selective PARP 1/2 inhibitor (PARPi). In preclinical studies, N concentrates in the tumor; N showed significantly longer PFS vs P in patients (pts) with recurrent OC following complete/partial response (CR/PR) to platinum based chemotherapy (Plat) in the randomized, controlled, double-blind phase 3 ENGOT-OV16/NOVA trial. We report the long term effect of treatment with N and its impact on subsequent therapy. Methods: Eligibility for NOVA included recurrent OC, fallopian tube or peritoneal cancer, no prior PARPi use, and completion of ≥2 prior courses of Plat, with a CR or PR following the most recent Plat. Pts were enrolled into g BRCAmut or non-g BRCAmut cohorts based on BRCA mutation test results and randomized 2:1 to receive N 300 mg qd or P until progression of disease or death (PD). Tumors were tested for homologous recombination deficiency (HRD). Estimated probability of PD in each cohort at 12, 18 and 24 months post randomization, representing ~18, 24 and 30 months post chemotherapy initiation, was determined; the difference between PFS2 and PFS (PFS2-PFS) was evaluated in all randomized pts. Results: 203 pts were randomized in the g BRCAmut cohort. Of 350 pts randomized in the non-g BRCAmut cohort, 162 had HRD+ and 134 HRD− tumors. Estimated probability (product-limit method) of PFS at 12, 18 and 24 months was greater in the niraparib arm than in the placebo arm in each cohort and subgroup at each time interval. Probabilities (95% CI) at 24 months for niraparib vs control were 0.42 (0.30, 0.55) vs 0.16 (0.07, 0.28) (gBRCAmut) and 0.27 (0.19, 0.35) vs 0.12 (0.06, 0.21) (non-gBRCAmut). PFS2-PFS was similar in the 2 treatment arms in the combined cohorts (HR 1.02, 95% CI 0.765, 1.349). Conclusions: Niraparib provided long term benefit in pts with recurrent OC irrespective of g BRCAmut or HRD status, and no decrement in the benefit of subsequent therapy was observed. Clinical trial information: NCT01847274.

Niraparib Maintenance Therapy in Platinum-Sensitive, Recurrent Ovarian Cancer

BACKGROUND

Niraparib is an oral poly(adenosine diphosphate [ADP]-ribose) polymerase (PARP) 1/2 inhibitor that has shown clinical activity in patients with ovarian cancer. We sought to evaluate the efficacy of niraparib versus placebo as maintenance treatment for patients with platinum-sensitive, recurrent ovarian cancer.

METHODS

In this randomized, double-blind, phase 3 trial, patients were categorized according to the presence or absence of a germline BRCA mutation (gBRCA cohort and non-gBRCA cohort) and the type of non-gBRCA mutation and were randomly assigned in a 2:1 ratio to receive niraparib (300 mg) or placebo once daily. The primary end point was progression-free survival.

RESULTS

Of 553 enrolled patients, 203 were in the gBRCA cohort (with 138 assigned to niraparib and 65 to placebo), and 350 patients were in the non-gBRCA cohort (with 234 assigned to niraparib and 116 to placebo). Patients in the niraparib group had a significantly longer median duration of progression-free survival than did those in the placebo group, including 21.0 vs. 5.5 months in the gBRCA cohort (hazard ratio, 0.27; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.17 to 0.41), as compared with 12.9 months vs. 3.8 months in the non-gBRCA cohort for patients who had tumors with homologous recombination deficiency (HRD) (hazard ratio, 0.38; 95% CI, 0.24 to 0.59) and 9.3 months vs. 3.9 months in the overall non-gBRCA cohort (hazard ratio, 0.45; 95% CI, 0.34 to 0.61; P<0.001 for all three comparisons). The most common grade 3 or 4 adverse events that were reported in the niraparib group were thrombocytopenia (in 33.8%), anemia (in 25.3%), and neutropenia (in 19.6%), which were managed with dose modifications.

CONCLUSIONS

Among patients with platinum-sensitive, recurrent ovarian cancer, the median duration of progression-free survival was significantly longer among those receiving niraparib than among those receiving placebo, regardless of the presence or absence of gBRCA mutations or HRD status, with moderate bone marrow toxicity. (Funded by Tesaro; ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT01847274 .).

Management and Care of Women With Invasive Cervical Cancer: American Society of Clinical Oncology Resource-Stratified Clinical Practice Guideline

Purpose

To provide evidence-based, resource-stratified global recommendations to clinicians and policymakers on the management and palliative care of women diagnosed with invasive cervical cancer.

Methods

ASCO convened a multidisciplinary, multinational panel of cancer control, medical and radiation oncology, health economic, obstetric and gynecologic, and palliative care experts to produce recommendations reflecting resource-tiered settings. A systematic review of literature from 1966 to 2015 failed to yield sufficiently strong quality evidence to support basic- and limited-resource setting recommendations; a formal consensus-based process was used to develop recommendations. A modified ADAPTE process was also used to adapt recommendations from existing guidelines.

Results

Five existing sets of guidelines were identified and reviewed, and adapted recommendations form the evidence base. Eight systematic reviews, along with cost-effectiveness analyses, provided indirect evidence to inform the consensus process, which resulted in agreement of 75% or greater.

Recommendations

Clinicians and planners should strive to provide access to the most effective evidence-based antitumor and palliative care interventions. If a woman cannot access these within her own or neighboring country or region, she may need to be treated with lower-tier modalities, depending on capacity and resources for surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and supportive and palliative care. For women with early-stage cervical cancer in basic settings, cone biopsy or extrafascial hysterectomy may be performed. Fertility-sparing procedures or modified radical or radical hysterectomy may be additional options in nonbasic settings. Combinations of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy (including brachytherapy) should be used for women with stage IB to IVA disease, depending on available resources. Pain control is a vital component of palliative care. Additional information is available at www.asco.org/rs-cervical-cancer-treatment-guideline and www.asco.org/guidelineswiki. It is the view of ASCO that health care providers and health care system decision makers should be guided by the recommendations for the highest stratum of resources available. The guideline is intended to complement but not replace local guidelines.

Rethinking ovarian cancer II: reducing mortality from high-grade serous ovarian cancer

High-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) accounts for 70-80% of ovarian cancer deaths, and overall survival has not changed significantly for several decades. In this Opinion article, we outline a set of research priorities that we believe will reduce incidence and improve outcomes for women with this disease. This 'roadmap' for HGSOC was determined after extensive discussions at an Ovarian Cancer Action meeting in January 2015.

Rethinking ovarian cancer II: reducing mortality from high-grade serous ovarian cancer

High-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) accounts for 70-80% of ovarian cancer deaths, and overall survival has not changed significantly for several decades. In this Opinion article, we outline a set of research priorities that we believe will reduce incidence and improve outcomes for women with this disease. This 'roadmap' for HGSOC was determined after extensive discussions at an Ovarian Cancer Action meeting in January 2015.

Challenging conversations in oncology: A workshop for fellows

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Background: Compassionate communication is critical to patient-centered cancer care. Conversations about sensitive topics are necessary to help patients make well-informed decisions. Still, many oncologists feel ill-equipped during these conversations and thus avoid them or approach them with a purely clinical perspective. Fortunately, empathic communication skills can be learned. This project, Challenging Conversations in Oncology (CCO), involves the development of an experiential workshop to help build skill and confidence communicating with cancer patients. The workshop is part of a movement to reimagine cancer care at Stanford. Methods: The first iteration of CCO was multi-day event with didactic lectures, self-awareness exercises and small group role-play. The faculty was multi-disciplinary, including clinicians in various subspecialties, communications experts and patients themselves. Activities were designed to build skills in interviewing, cultural humility, adapting communications, and dealing with patient and provider emotions. A post-workshop evaluation survey assessed overall effectiveness as well as self-reported learning and perceived enhancement of patient care as a result of participation. Results: The CCO workshop was implemented in Fall 2013. Participants included 17 physicians from various oncology subspecialties. Participants reported that the workshop was very valuable (rating at least 4 on a 5-point scale of overall effectiveness). Common themes included learning to “slow down” and do “less talking, more listening,” taking time to “let patients express themselves…cry, be silent.” Faculty reported enthusiasm watching trainee communication skills “evolve along with…the patient’s story.” Conclusions: This workshop was a significant educational opportunity for junior faculty at Stanford. Feedback suggests the experience was rewarding and influential. It encouraged cultivation of communication skills that will likely benefit doctors and their patients. This fall (Year 2), we will extend this workshop to senior faculty, staff, and administration. The course will continue to evolve to meet the needs of providers and align with comprehensive institutional enhancements in cancer care.

Auranofin displays anticancer activity against ovarian cancer cells through FOXO3 activation independent of p53

Auranofin is a gold-containing compound classified by the World Health Organization as a clinically established rheumatoid arthritis therapeutic agent. Through drug screening for novel anticancer therapeutics, we unexpectedly identified auranofin as a potent anticancer agent against a p53-null ovarian carcinoma SKOV3 cell line. However, the molecular mechanism underlying auranofin-mediated anticancer activity in ovarian cancer cells is basically unknown. Here, we show that auranofin inhibits proliferation and survival of SKOV3 cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Auranofin treatment activates the pro-apoptotic caspase-3, increases protein levels of apoptosis-inducing proteins Bax and Bim and reduces the expression of the anti-apoptotic mediator Bcl-2 in SKOV3 cells. Moreover, auranofin downregulates IκB kinase (IKK)-β and promotes nuclear localization and the activation of FOXO3 tumor suppressor, leading to cellular apoptosis in SKOV3 cells. In contrast, silencing FOXO3 diminishes the pro-apoptotic signaling of auranofin in SKOV3 cells. These results suggest that auranofin may induce caspase-3-mediated apoptosis in a FOXO3-dependent manner. The observed upregulation of pro-apoptotic genes and apoptosis in cancer cells without p53 in response to auranofin suggests a novel p53-independent mechanism underlying auranofin-induced apoptosis in ovarian cancer cells.

Reprogramming ovarian and breast cancer cells into non-cancerous cells by low-dose metformin or SN-38 through FOXO3 activation

Cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide. Because the cytotoxic effects of conventional chemotherapies often harm normal tissue cells along with cancer cells, conventional chemotherapies cause many unwanted or intolerable side effects. Thus, there is an unmet medical need to establish a paradigm of chemotherapy-induced differentiation of cancer cells with tolerable side effects. Here we show that low-dose metformin or SN-38 inhibits cell growth or survival in ovarian and breast cancer cells and suppresses their tumor growth in vivo. Low-dose metformin or SN-38 increases FOXO3 nuclear localization as well as the amount of DNA damage markers and downregulates the expression of a cancer-stemness marker CD44 and other stemness markers, including Nanog, Oct-4, and c-Myc, in these cancer cells. This treatment also inhibits spheroid body-formation in 3-dimensional culture. In contrast, silencing FOXO3 diminishes all these cellular events when ovarian/breast cancer cells are treated with the mentioned drugs. These results suggest that low-dose metformin or SN-38 may reprogram these cancer cells into non-cancerous cells in a FOXO3-dependent manner, and may allow patients to overcome these cancers with minimal side effects.

Chemoimmunotherapy using pegylated liposomal Doxorubicin and interleukin-18 in recurrent ovarian cancer: a phase I dose-escalation study

Recombinant interleukin (IL)-18 (SB-485232) is an immunostimulatory cytokine, with shown antitumor activity in combination with pegylated liposomal doxorubicin (PLD) in preclinical models. This phase I study evaluated the safety, tolerability, and biologic activity of SB-485232 administered in combination with PLD in subjects with recurrent ovarian cancer. The protocol comprised four cycles of PLD (40 mg/m(2)) on day 1 every 28 days, in combination with SB-485232 at increasing doses (1, 3, 10, 30, and 100 μg/kg) on days 2 and 9 of each cycle, to be administered over five subject cohorts, followed by discretionary PLD monotherapy. Sixteen subjects were enrolled. One subject withdrew due to PLD hypersensitivity. Most subjects (82%) were platinum-resistant or refractory, and had received a median of three or more prior chemotherapy regimens. SB-485232 up to 100 μg/kg with PLD had an acceptable safety profile. Common drug-related adverse events were grade 1 or 2 (no grade 4 or 5 adverse events). Concomitant PLD administration did not attenuate the biologic activity of IL-18, with maximal SB-485232 biologic activity already observed at 3 μg/kg. Ten of 16 enrolled subjects (63%) completed treatment, whereas five (31%) subjects progressed on treatment. A 6% partial objective response rate and a 38% stable disease rate were observed. We provide pilot data suggesting that SB-485232 at the 3 μg/kg dose level in combination with PLD is safe and biologically active. This combination warrants further study in a phase II trial.

Centralized independent disease status adjudication for maintenance treatment evaluation in advanced ovarian cancer setting: A critical analysis of the MIMOSA trial experience

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Background: Progression free survival (PFS) is an accepted surrogate of Overall Survival (OS) often used as the primary endpoint in phase III trials evaluating maintenance treatment in advanced ovarian cancer (AOC). Methods: We compare the centrally assessed PFS (PFS-CA) vsthe locally assessed PFS (PFS-LA) data collected in the Mimosa Trial, a randomized, double blind, placebo controlled, Phase III study of Abagovomab maintenance therapy in AOC patients in complete response after standard chemotherapy. PFS was assessed at pre-fixed time points by pelvis/abdomen CT scan, which were centrally and blinded reviewed by trained radiologists for radiological assessment (RA) of recurrence status and date (PFS-RA). An independent blinded committee, including one radiologist and one oncologist, reviewed all the CT scans and any additional imaging records AND/OR clinical data (when locally required for patients’management) to adjudicate the recurrence status and date (PFS-CA). PFS-CA was used for the primary analysis; sensitivity analyses were carried out on PFS-LA as well as on the strictly defined PFS-RA data. Results: 888 patients were randomized 2:1 to receive Abagovomab or placebo. In the ITT population (n = 886) time to PFS-CA was 403 and 402 days in Abagovomab and placebo group, respectively; in the sensitivity analyses time to PFS-LA was 407 and 409, and finally time to PFS-RA was 414- 487 days respectively, without any statistically significant differences between groups or PFS assessments. Conclusions: No differences were seen in PFS assessed centrally or locally when RA and clinical data are considered, whereas a slightly longer PFS was observed when it was assessed exclusively by the independent radiological review although this is not statistically different. The centralised independent assessment of recurrence status for ovarian cancer patients treated in the remission setting appears not to add value to the local blinded assessment. Clinical trial information: NCT00418574.

Effect of metformin on recurrence-free survival and overall survival in diabetic patients affected by advanced ovarian cancer

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Background: Metformin, has recently shown some anti-cancer activities in ovarian cancer, both in vitro and in vivo. Methods: Analysis of Recurrence Free Survival (RFS) and Overall Survival (OS) was performed in patients (pts) with diabetes (D) treated with metformin (DMet+) or not (DMet-) enrolled in the MIMOSA trial, a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled international trial of Abagovomab maintenance therapy in 888 pts with advanced ovarian cancer. In the MIMOSA trial, no differences in the RFS and OS were observed between Abagovomab (n = 593) and Placebo arm (n = 295); hence, the present RFS and OS analysis (DMet+ vs DMet-) was run regardless of treatment allocation. A Cox proportional hazards model was used for adjusting the analysis for the predefined prognostic factors: Figo stage (III, IV), tumor size after debulking (residual tumor <1 cm, >1cm); CA125 serum level after 3th cycle (<35U/ml, >35U/ml). In addition, comparison of RFS and OS was done between DMet+and the overall MIMOSA population not exposed to metformin (ALLMet-), and between the overall diabetic pts (ALLD+) and non-diabetic pts (ALLD-). Results: In the ALL population (n = 888), 42 pts were affected by diabetes (ALLD+) divided to DMet+ (n = 27) and DMet- (n = 15), without difference in the prognostic factors distribution. When analysis was done in ALLD+, RFS median time was not reached in the DMet+ group whereas it was 328 days [CI: 30-660] in DMet- group with HR favoring DMet+=0.419 [CI:0.175-1.002]; p = 0.05. Median OS time was also not reached in the DMet+ group whereas it was 786 days [CI:262-NE] in DMet- group with HR=0.295 [CI:0.109-0.803]; p = 0.02. Interestingly HR for RFS time was still in favour of DMet+ group when compared to the ALLMet- (n=861) with HR=0.575 (CI=0.324-1.022); p = 0.06. When ALLD+ were compared with ALLD-(n = 846), no significant differences was detected in RFS and OS time. Conclusions: The present results are the first prospectively analyzed data demonstrating a favourable impact of metformin treatment on RFS and OS in pts affected by advanced ovarian cancer. Clinical trial information: NCT00418574.

Abagovomab as maintenance therapy in patients with epithelial ovarian cancer: a phase III trial of the AGO OVAR, COGI, GINECO, and GEICO--the MIMOSA study

PURPOSE

To determine whether abagovomab maintenance therapy prolongs recurrence-free (RFS) and overall survival (OS) in patients with ovarian cancer in first clinical remission.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients with International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics stage III to IV ovarian cancer in complete clinical remission after primary surgery and platinum- and taxane-based chemotherapy were randomly assigned at a ratio of 2:1 in a phase III, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter study. Abagovomab 2 mg or placebo was administered as 1-mL suspension once every 2 weeks for 6 weeks (induction phase) and then once every 4 weeks (maintenance phase) until recurrence or up to 21 months after random assignment of the last patient. The primary end point was RFS; secondary end points were OS and immunologic response.

RESULTS

Characteristics of the 888 patients included: mean age, 56.3 years; Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status, ≤ 1 in > 99% of patients; serous papillary subtype, 81.5%; stage III, 85.9%; and cancer antigen 125 ≤ 35 U/mL after third cycle, 80.9%. Mean exposure to study treatment (± standard deviation) was 449.7 ± 333.08 days. Hazard ratio (HR) of RFS for the treatment group using tumor size categorization (≤ 1 cm, > 1 cm) was 1.099 (95% CI, 0.919 to 1.315; P = .301). HR of OS using tumor size categorization (≤ 1 cm, > 1 cm) was 1.150 (95% CI, 0.872 to 1.518; P = .322). The most frequently reported type of adverse event was an injection site reaction in 445 patients (50.2%), followed by injection site erythema and fatigue in 227 (25.6%) and 212 patients (23.9%), respectively. By the final visit, median anti-anti-idiotypic antibody level was 493,000.0 ng/mL, indicating a robust response.

CONCLUSION

Abagovomab administered as repeated monthly injections is safe and induces a measurable immune response. Administration as maintenance therapy for patients with ovarian cancer in first remission does not prolong RFS or OS.

A phase I, dose escalation trial to assess the safety and biological activity of recombinant human interleukin-18 (SB-485232) in combination with pegylated liposomal doxorubicin in platinum-resistant recurrent ovarian cancer

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Background: SB-485232, a recombinant human form of interleukin-18 (IL-18), is being studied as a novel cytokine for tumor immunotherapy. IL-18 has been shown to increase the anti-tumor activity of doxorubicin in other cancer mouse models. Methods: This multi-center study enrolled 16 patients (pts), and evaluated four cycles (28 days each) of standard pegylated liposomal doxorubicin (PLD) (40 mg/m2 day 1) in combination with increasing doses of IL-18 (1, 3, 10, 30, and 100 mg/kg) on days 2 and 9 of each cycle with a 1 yr follow-up to further evaluate safety and efficacy. Results: Of the 16 pts, 10 (63%) completed study treatment and 6 (37%) did not because of disease progression (5 pts) and PLD hypersensitivity (1 pt). Thirteen (82%) were platinum resistant/refractory having received a median of > 3 prior lines of therapy. SB-485232 up to 100 mg/kg in combination with PLD had an acceptable safety profile. All 16 pts experienced at least 1 AE including chills (81%), nausea (75%), anemia (63%), fatigue (56%), hyperglycemia, and pyrexia (50% each). Eight of 16 pts had Grade 3 AEs including anemia (19%), and 6% each for abdominal pain, asthenia, dehydration, PLD hypersensitivity, edema, fatigue, hyperglycemia, hyperkalemia, jaundice, pain, nausea, vomiting, and pyelonephritis. There were no grade 4/5 AEs. Four subjects experienced 10 non-fatal SAEs with 3 related to study drug: anemia, PLD hypersensitivity, and cytokine release syndrome. Maximal SB-485232 biological activity, assessed by peripheral blood NK and T cell markers, was observed at 10mg/kg-100mg/kg. This drug combination resulted in a 6% partial response rate (RR) and a 38% stable disease rate using RECIST 1.0. Median (95% CI) time of progression-free survival (PFS) was 4.50 (3.52,--) months. Conclusions: The SB-485232/PLD combination was tolerable with minimal toxicity. These preliminary efficacy data are comparable to the historical RR and PFS observed with PLD monotherapy in platinum-resistant ovarian cancer. However, given the small sample size, this combination warrants further investigation.

A study of autologous dendritic cell therapy targeting mucin-1 for treatment of patients with epithelial ovarian cancer in first remission

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Background: Cvac (Cvac) is an autologous dendritic cell immune stimulant targeting mucin-1 positive tumors. A phase IIa study demonstrated potential for treating mucin-1 positive epithelial ovarian carcinoma (EOC). A phase IIb study was designed to determine on a pilot basis if Cvac could demonstrate an effect on progression free and overall survival in patients with EOC in first or second remission. The current study, CANVAS (CANcer VAccine Study) is evaluating Cvac treatment of EOC patients in first remission after surgery and standard chemotherapy, with at least three cycles of platinum and taxane therapy. Endpoints include progression free survival, overall survival, safety evaluation and quality of life scores. Methods: Patients are eligible if they have stage III or IV mucin-1 positive EOC and have had optimal cytoreductive (<1cm residual disease) surgery. Apheresis to obtain immature dendritic cells occurs prior to chemotherapy. Cvac is manufactured during chemotherapy. Patients remain eligible for the study if they have a complete response to standard chemotherapy after surgery. Cvac or placebo is dosed every four weeks for three doses, and every twelve weeks for three additional doses. 1000 patients will be randomized to Cvac or placebo in 22 countries, with 800 expected to receive vaccine or placebo. CT or MRI imaging determines progression, and is centrally read prior to inclusion and at each timepoint. Recruitment commenced January 2012. Over 100 centers are participating in the study globally, with majority in Europe. Enrollment is expected to take 18-24 months. An interim analysis is planned after 400 PFS events, and final analysis after 620 PFS events. Observation of 620 events would have approximately 90% power to detect a hazard ratio of 0.77 in PFS at a significance level of p=0.049 (approximately a 30% increase in median PFS in the Cvac group compared with the placebo group).

Personalizing CA125 levels for ovarian cancer screening

Screening trials for the early detection of ovarian cancer in the general population and in patients at a high risk for this disease have so far failed to show a reduction of ovarian cancer-specific mortality. Current screening modalities include pelvic examinations, transvaginal ultrasounds, and cancer antigen 125 (CA125) serum marker levels, which are associated with a high false-positive rate. The last decade has witnessed significant modifications in the interpretation of serum CA125 that extend beyond a static CA125 cutoff point. The Risk of Ovarian Cancer Algorithm (ROCA) incorporates changes of CA125 levels over time and an individual's age-specific risk. Ongoing screening trials have incorporated ROCA, but it is still unclear whether the algorithm will increase the sensitivity and specificity of early ovarian cancer diagnosis. A very recent study analyzed baseline CA125 serum marker levels from high-risk patients included in ovarian cancer screening trials conducted by the Cancer Genetics Network and the Gynecologic Oncology Group. The findings show that the distribution of CA125 serum marker levels in this population is significantly affected by various demographic and clinical factors, in particular menopausal status and oral contraceptive use in premenopausal patients. The data suggest that CA125 cutoff points might have to be stratified for subgroups of patients to reduce false-positive results. These intriguing observations will need to be validated in future screening trials for ovarian cancer.

RC, Berchuck A, Berek JS, Brenton JD, Coukos G, Crum CC, Drapkin R, Etemadmoghadam D, Friedlander M, Gabra H, Kaye SB, Lord CJ, Lengyel E, Levine DA, McNeish IA, Menon U, Mills GB, Nephew KP, Oza AM, Sood AK, Stronach EA, Walczak H, Bowtell DD, Balkwill FR. Rethinking ovarian cancer: recommendations for improving outcomes

There have been major advances in our understanding of the cellular and molecular biology of the human malignancies that are collectively referred to as ovarian cancer. At a recent Helene Harris Memorial Trust meeting, an international group of researchers considered actions that should be taken to improve the outcome for women with ovarian cancer. Nine major recommendations are outlined in this Opinion article.

Predictors of survival in patients with recurrent ovarian cancer undergoing secondary cytoreductive surgery based on the pooled analysis of an international collaborative cohort

BACKGROUND

This study aims to identify prognostic factors and to develop a risk model predicting survival in patients undergoing secondary cytoreductive surgery (SCR) for recurrent epithelial ovarian cancer.

METHODS

Individual data of 1100 patients with recurrent ovarian cancer of a progression-free interval at least 6 months who underwent SCR were pooled analysed. A simplified scoring system for each independent prognostic factor was developed according to its coefficient. Internal validation was performed to assess the discrimination of the model.

RESULTS

Complete SCR was strongly associated with the improvement of survival, with a median survival of 57.7 months, when compared with 27.0 months in those with residual disease of 0.1-1 cm and 15.6 months in those with residual disease of >1 cm, respectively (P<0.0001). Progression-free interval (≤23.1 months vs >23.1 months, hazard ratio (HR): 1.72; score: 2), ascites at recurrence (present vs absent, HR: 1.27; score: 1), extent of recurrence (multiple vs localised disease, HR: 1.38; score: 1) as well as residual disease after SCR (R1 vs R0, HR: 1.90, score: 2; R2 vs R0, HR: 3.0, score: 4) entered into the risk model.

CONCLUSION

This prognostic model may provide evidence to predict survival benefit from secondary cytoreduction in patients with recurrent ovarian cancer.

A risk model for secondary cytoreductive surgery in recurrent ovarian cancer: an evidence-based proposal for patient selection

BACKGROUND

To develop a risk model for predicting complete secondary cytoreductive surgery (SCR) in patients with recurrent ovarian cancer.

METHODS

Individual data of 1075 patients with recurrent ovarian cancer undergoing SCR from 7 worldwide centers were pooled and analyzed. The risk model was developed based on the factors impacting on SCR surgical outcome. Additional data on 117 patients who were not included in the development of the model were used for external validation and to assess the discrimination of the model.

RESULTS

Of the 1075 patients, 434 (40.4%) underwent complete resection. Complete secondary cytoreduction was associated with six variables: FIGO stage (odds ratio [OR] = 1.32, 95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 0.97-1.80), residual disease after primary cytoreduction (OR = 1.69, 95% CI: 1.26-2.27), progression-free interval (OR = 2.27, 95% CI: 1.71-3.01), Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status (OR = 2.23, 95% CI: 1.45-3.44), CA125 (OR = 1.85, 95% CI: 1.41-2.44), and ascites at recurrence (OR = 2.79, 95% CI: 1.88-4.13). These variables were entered into the risk model and assigned scores ranging from 0 to 11.9. Patients with total scores of 0-4.7 were categorized as the low-risk group, in which the proportion of complete cytoreduction was 53.4% compared with 20.1% in the high-risk group (OR = 4.55, 95% CI: 3.43-6.04). In external validation, the sensitivity and specificity was 83.3% and 57.6%, respectively. Area under the curve of the receiver-operating characteristics for predicting complete SCR was 0.68 (95% CI: 0.60-0.79).

CONCLUSIONS

This model and scoring system may well predict the outcome of SCR and could potentially be useful in future clinical trials to determine which patients with recurrent ovarian cancer should have SCR as part of their management.

Abstract 1401: SYK promotes tumor progression in ovarian cancer cell lines

Identification of novel drug targets in ovarian cancers has focused on expression of genes in the tyrosine kinase family. We have previously shown that the spleen tyrosine kinase (SYK) gene was expressed in 73% of 55 ovarian cancer specimens, compared to 26% of 60 breast cancer specimens. Previous studies established the role of SYK in tumor progression. Among its many targets, SYK can bind microtubules and other molecules associated with the cytoskeleton. We found SYK to be expressed in 6 of 10 ovarian carcinoma cell lines. Because of the ability of SYK to bind to microtubules, we studied the relationship of SYK expression to cellular migration. We examined several ovarian cancer cell lines that variably express SYK to elucidate the potential effects of SYK on cell migration. Our results demonstrate that knockdown of SYK expression by siRNA resulted in a decreased capability of cells to migrate using a traditional wound scratch assay. The duration of this effect was dependant upon cell line used suggesting that additional protein targets may be involved in the migratory process. The potential effects of SYK expression on invasion are currently being investigated. We will evaluate potential upstream and downstream targets to elucidate the pathway(s) responsible for SYK effects and compare within the cell lines examined. Understanding the growth signals and proteins potentially responsible for invasion and metastasis in ovarian cancer cell lines and tumor samples may eventually lead to new therapeutic approaches for ovarian cancers.

Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 102nd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2011 Apr 2-6; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2011;71(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 1401. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2011-1401

Toll-like receptor-3 as a target to enhance bioactivity of cancer immunotherapy

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to explore the potential of toll-like receptor-3 stimulation, with polyI:C(12)U (poly[l].poly[C(12),U]; rintatolimod [Ampligen; Hemispherx Biopharma, Philadelphia, PA]) to enhance bioactivity of cancer immunotherapies.

STUDY DESIGN

Several models of immune activation were assessed with polyI:C(12)U at concentrations that were achieved clinically. Dendritic cell maturation and antigen-specific immune responses were evaluated in vitro and in a murine model. The potential for polyI:C(12)U to enhance antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity against tumor was also evaluated.

RESULTS

Dendritic cells are matured and T-cell stimulation is enhanced in the presence of polyI:C(12)U. In addition, polyI:C(12)U induced the release of proinflammatory chemokines and cytokines. Prostate-specific antigen-specific T-cell and antibody responses were enhanced significantly in a BALB/c prostate-specific antigen transgenic mouse model. Finally, rituximab-mediated antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity against tumor targets was improved significantly by the addition of polyI:C(12)U.

CONCLUSION

PolyI:C(12)U shows promise as a potential agent for selective enhancement of effect with currently available and future cancer immunotherapies.

Abstract 3496: SYK inhibition results in increased sensitivity of OVCAR-3 cells to paclitaxel

In order to identify novel drug targets in ovarian cancers, we examined our ovarian cancer gene expression microarray data for expression of genes in the tyrosine kinase family. The spleen tyrosine kinase (SYK) gene was expressed in 73% of 55 ovarian cancer specimens, compared to 26% of 60 breast cancer specimens. Previous studies established the role of SYK in lymphocyte development, immune cell activation, and tumor progression. We found SYK to be expressed in 6 of 10 ovarian carcinoma cell lines. Among its many targets, SYK can bind microtubules and other molecules associated with the cytoskeleton. Because of this ability, we studied the relationship of SYK expression to cellular sensitivity to taxanes. We focused on the OVCAR-3 cell line, which was one of the highest SYK-expressing cell lines, to elucidate the potential effects of SYK on taxane sensitivity. Our results demonstrate that knockdown of SYK expression by siRNA resulted in a one log-fold increased sensitivity of OVCAR-3 cells to the taxane, paclitaxel. Furthermore, this effect was durable, as knockdown of SYK and sensitization to paclitaxel persisted over 128 hours. The potential effects of SYK on tubulin polymerization are currently being investigated. We will evaluate potential upstream and downstream targets to elucidate the pathway(s) responsible for SYK effects and determine whether SYK levels contribute to tumor resistance to chemotherapeutic agents. Understanding the growth signals in drug sensitive and resistant ovarian cancer cell lines and tumor samples may eventually lead to new therapeutic approaches for ovarian cancers.

Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 3496.

The emergence of immunomodulation: combinatorial immunochemotherapy opportunities for the next decade

In the past decade we have witnessed important advances in the treatment of gynecological cancers and have recognized their potential immunogenicity. This has opened the door to explore immune therapy not only in HPV-induced cancers but also in ovarian and endometrial cancers. Here we will review the off-target immune effects of select chemotherapy drugs commonly used to treat gynecologic cancers and novel tools that can stimulate both the adaptive and innate immune mechanisms such as novel pleiotropic cytokines, Toll-like receptors, and powerful antibodies that can target inhibitory checkpoints, thereby activating effector cellular immune mechanisms and neutralizing suppressor cells. We will also review how existing drugs can be used for combinatorial tumor therapy.

Lymph Node-Positive Stage IIIC Ovarian Cancer: A Separate Entity?

Introduction:

Ovarian cancer spreads via the retroperitoneal lymphatics, and these lymph nodes frequently contain metastasis. A subset of patients whose disease was classified as stage IIIC has retroperitoneal lymph node metastases in the pelvic and/or para-aortic lymph nodes without intraperitoneal carcinomatosis and was upstaged from stage I to IIIB diseases based on these findings. Patients undergoing cytoreductive surgery for advanced-stage ovarian cancer undergo concomitant retroperitoneal lymphadenectomy in an effort to improve their survival.

Methods:

Stratification of patients with stage IIIC ovarian cancer by lymph node status and presence and extent of metastatic disease in the peritoneal cavity has been performed. Studies have determined the impact on disease-free and overall survivals of the resection of retroperitoneal lymph nodes as part of primary and secondary cytoreductive operations.

Results:

The overall survival of patients with stage IIIC ovarian cancer based on retroperitoneal lymph node metastasis without peritoneal carcinomatosis is 58% to 84% compared with 18% to 36% for those with macroscopic peritoneal carcinomatosis. Although the performance of a pelvic and para-aortic lymphadenectomy in patients with stage IIIC to IV diseases has been reported to prolong survival, an international randomized study did not confirm this finding. Patients who undergo secondary resection of isolated recurrent lymph node metastasis have a better survival than those with more extensive recurrent disease.

Conclusions:

These data support the stratification of patients with stage IIIC ovarian cancer based on the finding of metastasis to the retroperitoneal lymph nodes without peritoneal carcinomatosis versus those who have peritoneal carcinomatosis. The International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics Committee should consider modifying the ovarian cancer staging system by further stratifying stage III disease. Although systematic lymphadenectomy during primary cytoreductive surgery does not appear to improve overall survival, resection of isolated lymph node metastasis and recurrences in lymph nodes may be associated with a survival benefit.

Phase II trial of trastuzumab in women with advanced or recurrent, HER2-positive endometrial carcinoma: a Gynecologic Oncology Group study

PURPOSE

This study evaluated efficacy of single-agent trastuzumab against advanced or recurrent HER2-positive endometrial carcinoma (EC), and explored predictors for HER2 amplification.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Eligible patients had measurable stage III, IV, or recurrent EC. There was no limit on prior therapy although total prior doxorubicin dose was limited to 320 mg/m(2). Tumors were required to have HER2 overexpression (2+ or 3+ immunohistochemical staining) or HER2 amplification (FISH HER2/CEP 17 ratio >2.0). Trastuzumab was administered intravenously at a dose of 4 mg/kg in week 1, then 2 mg/kg weekly until disease progression. The primary endpoint was tumor response.

RESULTS

Of the 286 tumors centrally screened by LabCorp, 33 (11.5%) were HER2-amplified. Three of 8 clear (38%) cell carcinomas and 7 of 25 serous carcinomas (28%) screened exhibited HER2 amplification compared with 7% (2/29) of endometrioid adenocarcinomas. HER2 overexpression was correlated with HER2 amplification (r=0.459; p<0.0001). Thirty-four women were enrolled; 1 was excluded (refused treatment); and 18 had tumors with known HER2 amplification. No major tumor responses were observed. Twelve women experienced stable disease, 18 had increasing disease, and 3 were indeterminate for tumor response. Neither HER2 overexpression nor HER2 amplification appeared to be associated with progression-free survival or overall survival.

CONCLUSION

Trastuzumab as a single agent did not demonstrate activity against endometrial carcinomas with HER2 overexpression or HER2 amplification, although full planned accrual of women with HER2 amplified tumors was not achieved due to slow recruitment. Serous and clear cell endometrial carcinomas appear to be more likely to demonstrate HER2 amplification.

Survival after second-line intraperitoneal therapy for the treatment of epithelial ovarian cancer: the Gynecologic Oncology Group experience

OBJECTIVE

To assess the association between patient-disease characteristics and overall survival (OS) after second-line intraperitoneal (IP) treatment of ovarian cancer.

METHODS

Data were aggregated from 7 Gynecologic Oncology Group (GOG) phase 2 studies conducted between 1988 and 1995 to evaluate IP therapy for partially responsive or recurrent disease but no tumor masses greater than 0.5 cm. Factors evaluated include age, performance status, extent of residual disease, tumor grade, and histologic diagnosis.

RESULTS

A total of 432 eligible women were treated on 1 of the 7 second-line phase 2 IP trials. The median OS was 2.4 years (range of individual study medians, 1.9-2.9 years). Relative to women with grade 1 cancers, those with grade 2 or 3 cancers experienced 1.82 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.21-2.74) and 2.02 (95% CI, 1.35-3.03) times greater instantaneous death rates, respectively, and those with clear cell adenocarcinoma experienced death rates 6.00 (95% CI, 3.27-10.9) times greater. The extent of residual disease, surgically assessed before starting study treatment, was also associated with OS. Relative to those who had no evidence of gross disease, those with gross disease that was completely resected, or with unresectable disease (not larger than 0.5 cm), experienced death rates 1.74 (95% CI, 1.25-2.42) and 2.26 (95% CI, 1.67-3.05) times greater, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

There are patient and disease characteristics strongly associated with survival after second-line IP treatments. These factors are relevant to clinicians considering IP therapy outside the investigative setting and for the development of future studies in this area.

Ovarian conservation at the time of hysterectomy and long-term health outcomes in the nurses' health study

OBJECTIVE

To report long-term health outcomes and mortality after oophorectomy or ovarian conservation.

METHODS

We conducted a prospective, observational study of 29,380 women participants of the Nurses' Health Study who had a hysterectomy for benign disease; 16,345 (55.6%) had hysterectomy with bilateral oophorectomy, and 13,035 (44.4%) had hysterectomy with ovarian conservation. We evaluated incident events or death due to coronary heart disease (CHD), stroke, breast cancer, ovarian cancer, lung cancer, colorectal cancer, total cancers, hip fracture, pulmonary embolus, and death from all causes.

RESULTS

Over 24 years of follow-up, for women with hysterectomy and bilateral oophorectomy compared with ovarian conservation, the multivariable hazard ratios (HRs) were 1.12 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.03-1.21) for total mortality, 1.17 (95% CI 1.02-1.35) for fatal plus nonfatal CHD, and 1.14 (95% CI 0.98-1.33) for stroke. Although the risks of breast (HR 0.75, 95% CI 0.68-0.84), ovarian (HR 0.04, 95% CI 0.01-0.09, number needed to treat=220), and total cancers (HR 0.90, 95% CI 0.84-0.96) decreased after oophorectomy, lung cancer incidence (HR=1.26, 95% CI 1.02-1.56, number needed to harm=190), and total cancer mortality (HR=1.17, 95% CI 1.04-1.32) increased. For those never having used estrogen therapy, bilateral oophorectomy before age 50 years was associated with an increased risk of all-cause mortality, CHD, and stroke. With an approximate 35-year life span after surgery, one additional death would be expected for every nine oophorectomies performed.

CONCLUSION

Compared with ovarian conservation, bilateral oophorectomy at the time of hysterectomy for benign disease is associated with a decreased risk of breast and ovarian cancer but an increased risk of all-cause mortality, fatal and nonfatal coronary heart disease, and lung cancer. In no analysis or age group was oophorectomy associated with increased survival.

Trends in demographic and clinical characteristics in women diagnosed with corpus cancer and their potential impact on the increasing number of deaths

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to determine factors responsible for the increasing number of deaths from corpus cancer over three time periods.

STUDY DESIGN

Data were collected from the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results database from 1988-2001. Kaplan-Meier and Cox proportional hazards regression analyses were performed.

RESULTS

Of 48,510 women with corpus cancer, there was an increase in the proportion of patients dying from advanced cancers (52.1% to 56.0% to 68.8%; P < .001), grade 3 disease (47.5% to 53.3% to 60.6%; P < .001), serous tumors (14.3% to 18.4% to 16.6%; P < .001), and sarcomas (19.1% to 20.4% to 27.2%; P < .001) over time. On multivariate analysis, older age, African American race, lack of primary staging procedures, advanced-stage, high-grade, and non-endometrioid histology were independent prognostic factors for worse survival.

CONCLUSION

Our data suggest that the increase in mortality in women with corpus cancer over the last 14 years may be related to an increased rate of advanced-stage cancers and high-risk histologies.

Prognostic factors and risk of extrauterine metastases in 3867 women with grade 1 endometrioid corpus cancer

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the role of surgical staging in patients with grade 1 endometrioid uterine cancer.

STUDY DESIGN

Data were extracted from Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program from 1988 to 2001. Kaplan-Meier and Cox proportional hazards analyses were used to determine predictors for disease-specific survival.

RESULTS

Twelve thousand seven hundred and twelve women were reported with endometrioid carcinoma, including 3867 with grade 1 disease, of which 25.5% had stage IC or more advanced disease, 15.4% with disease extending beyond the uterine corpus, 7.3% with extrauterine metastases, and 3.3% with lymph node metastases. On multivariate analysis, younger age and earlier stage remained as significant prognostic factors for improved survival.

CONCLUSION

Since grade 1 endometrioid uterine cancers have a 15.4% risk of extrauterine spread, a complete surgical staging procedure is recommended when clinically feasible. Younger age and earlier stage are significant prognostic factors for improved survival.

Vulvar Melanoma

OBJECTIVES

To determine the prognostic factors associated with the survival of vulvar melanoma patients.

METHODS

Data were obtained from the Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results database from 1973 to 2003. Kaplan-Meier survival curves and Cox regression models were used for analysis.

RESULTS

Of the 644 vulvar melanoma patients, the median age was 68 years. Of these 572 women were white, 28 were Hispanic, 18 were African-American, and 14 were Asian. A total of 302 had localized disease, 168 had regional disease, and 28 had distant disease. Of the participants who underwent surgical resection, 171 (26.6%) had conservative surgery, 164 (25.5%) had radical excision, and 241 (37.5%) had unspecified surgical resections. One hundred seventy-nine (27.8%) had lymph node resections, and 33 patients had concurrent radiation therapy. Nodal metastases were identified in 58 (9%) of the participants. The 5-year disease-specific survival rates for those with localized, regional, and distant disease were 75.5%, 38.7%, and 22.1%, respectively (P<.001). Women aged 68 years or younger had a better survival rate than older patients (72.0% compared with 47.7%; P<.001). Those with 0, 1, and 2 or more positive lymph nodes had survival rates of 68.3%, 29%, and 19.5%, respectively (P<.001). In a multivariable analysis, younger age, localized disease, and negative lymph nodes were independent prognostic factors for improved survival.

CONCLUSION

Age, stage, and lymph node involvement were significant factors for survival in vulvar melanoma.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

III.

Elective oophorectomy in the gynecological patient: when is it desirable?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Oophorectomy is electively performed in approximately 300,000 US women per year who are having hysterectomy for benign disease.

RECENT FINDINGS

New studies have suggested that elective oophorectomy may not be advisable for the majority of women, as it may lead to a higher risk of death from cardiovascular disease and hip fracture, and may result in a higher incidence of dementia and Parkinson's disease. Women with known BRCA 1/2 germ-line mutations clearly benefit from oophorectomy after childbearing.

SUMMARY

Prophylactic oophorectomy should be undertaken with caution in the majority of women with an average risk of ovarian cancer who are having a hysterectomy for benign disease.