Terms, definitions and measurements to describe the sonographic features of the endometrium and intrauterine lesions: a consensus opinion from the International Endometrial Tumor Analysis (IETA) group

The IETA (International Endometrial Tumor Analysis group) statement is a consensus statement on terms, definitions and measurements that may be used to describe the sonographic features of the endometrium and uterine cavity on gray-scale sonography, color flow imaging and sonohysterography. The relationship between the ultrasound features described and the presence or absence of pathology is not known. However, the IETA terms and definitions may form the basis for prospective studies to predict the risk of different endometrial pathologies based on their ultrasound appearance.

Intravenous contrast ultrasound examination using contrast-tuned imaging (CnTI) and the contrast medium SonoVue for discrimination between benign and malignant adnexal masses with solid components

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether intravenous contrast ultrasound examination is superior to gray-scale or power Doppler ultrasound for discrimination between benign and malignant adnexal masses with complex ultrasound morphology.

METHODS

In an international multicenter study, 134 patients with an ovarian mass with solid components or a multilocular cyst with more than 10 cyst locules, underwent a standardized transvaginal ultrasound examination followed by contrast examination using the contrast-tuned imaging technique and intravenous injection of the contrast medium SonoVue(R). Time intensity curves were constructed, and peak intensity, area under the intensity curve, time to peak, sharpness and half wash-out time were calculated. The sensitivity and specificity with regard to malignancy were calculated and receiver-operating characteristics (ROC) curves were drawn for gray-scale, power Doppler and contrast variables and for pattern recognition (subjective assignment of a certainly benign, probably benign, uncertain or malignant diagnosis, using gray-scale and power Doppler ultrasound findings). The gold standard was the histological diagnosis of the surgically removed tumors.

RESULTS

After exclusions (surgical removal of the mass > 3 months after the ultrasound examination, technical problems), 72 adnexal masses with solid components were used in our statistical analyses. The values for peak contrast signal intensity and area under the contrast signal intensity curve in malignant tumors were significantly higher than those in borderline tumors and benign tumors, while those for the benign and borderline tumors were similar. The area under the ROC curve of the best contrast variable with regard to diagnosing borderline or invasive malignancy (0.84) was larger than that of the best gray-scale (0.75) and power Doppler ultrasound variable (0.79) but smaller than that of pattern recognition (0.93).

CONCLUSION

Findings on ultrasound contrast examination differed between benign and malignant tumors but there was a substantial overlap in contrast findings between benign and borderline tumors. It appears that ultrasound contrast examination is not superior to conventional ultrasound techniques, which also have difficulty in distinguishing between benign and borderline tumors, but can easily differentiate invasive malignancies from other tumors.

Blood flow volume of uterine arteries in human pregnancies determined using 3D and bi-dimensional imaging, angio-Doppler, and fluid-dynamic modeling

The primary aim of this pilot study was to study uterine artery (UtA) blood flow volume in uneventful human pregnancies delivered at term, at mid and late gestation by means of 3D and bi-dimensional ultrasound imaging with angio-Doppler combined with fluid-dynamic modeling. Secondary aims were to correlate flow volume to placental site and to UtA Pulsatility Index (PI). Women with singleton, low-risk pregnancies were examined at mid and late gestation. The structure and course of the uterine artery (UtA) was studied in each patient by means of 3D-angio-Doppler and included vessel diameter D, blood flow velocity and PI (measured along the UtA). Fetal weight estimation and placental insertion site were assessed by ultrasound. A robust fluid-dynamic modeling was applied to calculate absolute flow and flow per unit fetal weight. Mean UtA diameter and blood flow velocity increased significantly (p < 0.0001) from mid-gestation to late gestation from 2.6 mm and 67.5 cm/s, to 3.0 mm and 85.3 cm/s, respectively, yielding an increasing absolute flow troughout gestation. h coefficient, derived by fluid-dynamic modeling to calculate mean velocity, increased significantly from 0.52 at mid-gestation to 0.57 at late gestation. UtA blood flow volume ml/min/kg-fetal weight was significantly higher at mid-gestation than at late gestation (535 ml/min/kg vs 193 ml/min/kg; p < 0.0001). In cases with strictly lateral placentas the ipsilateral UtA accommodates at mid and late gestation 63% and 67% of the total UtA flow. In central placentas UtA flow was evenly distributed between the two vessels. An inverse correlation was observed between PI and blood flow volume ml/min/kg (Pearson's coefficient r = -0.54). Our work confirms the technological and methodological limitations in the measurement of uterine artery blood flow. However, Doppler measurements supported by three-dimensional angio imaging of the uterine vessel, high resolution imaging and diameter measurement, and a robust mathematical model of local circulation adds a genuine new area of investigation into human uterine circulation during pregnancy.

XPA and XRCC3 gene polymorphisms and survival in esophageal cancer patients receiving neoadjuvant radiochemotherapy with cisplatin (CDDP), docetaxel (DTX), and 5-fluorouracil (FU)

e14571

Background: The aim of the study was to evaluate if genetic polymorphism of DNA repair genes may predict pathological response and survival in patients affected by locally advanced esophageal cancer, treated with a neoadjuvant schedule including weekly DTX (35 mg/mq) and CDDP (25mg/mq), protracted venous infusion of FU (150 mg/mq/die) and concomitant radiotherapy for 8 weeks followed by surgery. Methods: Fifty-seven patients were enrolled, aged 60±7 years old. Median follow-up was 27 months. Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood lymphocytes and XPA, XPD, XRCC1, ERCC1 and XRCC3 were genotyped through RFLP analysis. Associations between gene polymorphisms and pathological response and survival were analysed through Chi square test and Log rank test respectively. Results: Thirty-two patients presented complete remission (pCR) and 10 patients microfocal residual disease (pMRD); the remaining 15 patients were considered stable or non-responders (pS-NR). The event free(EFS) and overall (OS) median survival times have not yet reached; significantly better 3-year survival rates were observed after pCR than in case of pMRD and pS-NR (EFS: 87% vs 42.8%, p=0.0004; OS: 86% vs 56%, p=0.02, respectively). No association was found between pathological response or survival with XRCC1, ERCC1 and XPD polymorphisms. On the contrary, the XPA 23AA genotype showed an increased risk of recurrence (HR=3.5; 95% CI 1.3 to 43.7, p=0.02) and death (HR=4.4, 95% CI 1.9 to 78.2, p=0.009); there was a trend for reduced risk of negative pathological response with decreasing number of allele 23A : MRD and S-NR were found in 71%, 45% and 35% cases for AA, AG and GG genotypes, respectively. The XRCC3 241MetMet variant was significantly associated with increased risk of death (HR= 6.0, 95% CI 3.0 to 40.0, p=0.008); a trend toward a higher recurrence (p=0.07) and worse response (60% vs 43%) was found. Conclusions: XPA and XRCC3 gene defective variants were significantly associated with worse outcome and could predict OS in esophageal cancer patients treated with a neo-adjuvant intensive radio-chemotherapy protocol. Founded by CARIPARO, Italy

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Women facing HIV. Key question on women with HIV infection: Italian consensus workshop

A panel of leading Italian specialists in infectious diseases, obstetrics and gynaecology met in a national consensus workshop on women facing HIV to review critical aspects and discuss recommendations for selected key questions on four issues: (1) women and highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART): access to care and adherence to therapy, side effects and drug-drug interaction; (2) HIV-infected pregnant women: prevention of mother to child transmission; (3) desire for children among women living with HIV: assisted reproduction; (4) sexually transmitted diseases and genital disturbances. The method of a nominal group meeting was used, and recommendations were graded for their strength and quality of evidence using a system based on the one adopted by the Infectious Diseases Society of America. Main conclusions are summarized and critically discussed, and some of the most recent data supporting recommendations are provided.

Reproductive assistance for infected couples with bloodborne viruses

During the past 15 years Assisted Reproduction has been facing a new demand from patients requiring ART: couples at risk of partner to partner, and mother to child transmission of viral infections, mainly HIV-1, HCV and HIV-HCV co-infected partners. The general conditions and life expectancy of many patients with HIV infection are very good, and three-quarters of these individuals are in their reproductive years. For these reasons, a large number of young couples are expected to make future plans to have children. This desire is not easy to realize for serodiscordant couples, if we consider that, in order to avoid HIV virus transmission, it is necessary to encourage the condom use in vaginal and anal contacts. On the other hand infertile discordant HCV couples need to be included in protocols of controlled assisted reproduction procedures to avoid any risk of HCV transmission to the partner. In this paper we consider assisted reproduction in discordant couples for HIV or HCV-positive men.

Co-morbidity is a better predictor of 5-fluorouracil pharmacokinetic than chronological age in older adults

9038

Background: Fifty percent of all cancers occur in elderly people and the total cancer burden is expected to rise. Data are needed to ensure the safe administration of chemotherapy in the older patient population. Aging can affect the pharmacokinetics in a number of ways and the selection of chemotherapy in the elderly is frequently and empirically determined by degree of comorbidity and the patients’ functional status. The aim of our study was to determine whether high level of comorbidity, measured using a standardized instrument, can predict 5-fluorouracil (5FU) disposition in older adults. Methods: Geriatric outpatients affected by stage 2 or 3 colorectal cancer and treated with adjuvant MAYO Clinic regimen were the study population. The evaluation was conducted on men aged 70 years old or more, with varying levels of chronic illness. All of them had a good performance status (ECOG score= 0–1). Non neoplastic disease burden was measured using the Cumulative Illness Rating Scale (CIRS) and drug disposition using area under the curve (AUC) of the drug plasma levels during 30 min immediately after 2 minute bolus administration of 5FU 375–425 mg/mq. Results: Forty men were studied, aged between 70 and 80 years old (median = 72); their CIRS scores ranged between 0 and 12 (median=3). Pharmacokinetic analysis confirmed an elevated interpatient variability: 5FU plasma AUC after bolus administration ranged between 241 and 1,140 mg × min/L. There was no correlation between age and comorbidity burden or age and 5FU AUC in that population. On the contrary with increasing comorbidity (increase in CIRS score) there was a proportional increase in 5FU AUC: patients with CIRS score from 0 to 3 (n=22), between 4 and 7 (n=11) and greater than 7 (n=7) had mean AUC of 523.5± 139.6, 637.0±124.0 and 877.4±195.0 mg × min/L respectively (p<0.0001). Conclusions: This study shows that chronological age did nor correlate with CIRS score or 5FU disposition. In older adults with varying degrees of chronic illness, administrated with the same chemotherapy doses, the comorbidity level influenced the magnitude of 5FU exposition, suggesting that the CIRS score could be used to tailor treatment doses. Funded by AIRC-Veneto

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Pregnancy outcomes and antiretroviral treatment in a national cohort of pregnant women with HIV: overall rates and differences according to nationality

We used data from the main surveillance study of HIV and pregnancy in Italy to evaluate possible differences in pregnancy care and outcomes according to nationality. Among 960 women followed in 2001-06, 33.5% were of foreign nationality, mostly from African countries. Foreign women had lower rates of preconception counselling and planning of pregnancy. They had more frequently HIV diagnosed during pregnancy, with a later start of antiretroviral treatment and lower treatment rates at all trimesters but not when the entire pregnancy, including delivery, was considered. No differences were observed between the two groups in ultrasonography assessments, hospitalisations, AIDS events, intrauterine or neonatal deaths, and mode and complications of delivery. Foreign women had a slightly lower occurrence of preterm delivery and infants with low birthweight. The results indicate good standards of care and low rates of adverse outcomes in pregnant women with HIV in Italy, irrespective of nationality. Specific interventions, however, are needed to increase the rates of counselling and HIV testing before pregnancy in foreign women.

Sonohysterographic endometrial sampling and hysteroscopic endometrial biopsy: a comparative study

OBJECTIVES

To compare the quantity and quality of endometrial tissue sampled at saline contrast sonohysterography (SCSH) with that obtained by directed endometrial biopsy by operative hysteroscopy in patients with diffusely thickened and/or inhomogeneous endometrium at SCSH. A secondary aim was a comparison of the extent of procedure-related pain.

METHODS

One hundred and twenty-eight patients with diffusely thickened (> 4 mm) and/or inhomogeneous endometrium at SCSH were prospectively recruited. Endometrial sampling was performed at the end of SCSH using the same 4.7-mm intrauterine catheter that had been used for saline instillation. These samples were compared to directed endometrial biopsies obtained with the guidance of an office 5-mm hysteroscope. After hysteroscopy, an extended guided curettage was performed under general anesthesia, providing specimens that were considered the gold standard for histological diagnosis. Endometrial specimen area (mm(2)), histologic concordance and procedure related pain (10-cm VAS) were compared for the two techniques.

RESULTS

The median age of 88 pre- and of 40 post-menopausal patients was 41 (interquartile range, 34-48) years and 57 (interquartile range, 52-67) years, respectively. The median area of endometrial specimen obtained by SCSH was 25.1 (interquartile range, 12.4-52.3) mm(2) and was not significantly different from that obtained by hysteroscopy (16.9 (interquartile range, 10.0-52.7) mm(2)). The K values of the two different techniques for typical hyperplasia (n = 61) and for premalignant and malignant lesions (n = 26) were 0.91 and 0.94, respectively. Procedure-related pain was not significantly different between pre- and postmenopausal patients for both sampling techniques.

CONCLUSIONS

SCSH with sampling proved to be as good as and as tolerable as hysteroscopic biopsy in cases with diffusely thickened and/or inhomogeneous endometrium. Both these imaging and biopsy techniques should be considered a reliable outpatient procedure in the management of patients with abnormal uterine bleeding. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Safety of sperm washing and ART outcome in 741 HIV-1-serodiscordant couples

BACKGROUND

To evaluate the safety of sperm washing and assisted reproduction technique (ART) outcome offered to serodiscordant couples with a human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV-1)-positive male.

METHODS

Sperm washing was performed and checked by RT-PCR on each semen sample before its fresh usage. Intrauterine insemination (IUI) or IFV/ICSI was offered according to fertility profile of each couple. Non-infected women underwent HIV testing 2 weeks before each procedure and for up to 6 months after.

RESULTS

Seven hundred and forty-one couples entered the study of a possible 2011 serodiscordant couples counselled over 4 years. Superovulation and IUI were performed in 581 couples, where the pregnancy rate per cycle and pregnancy rate per couple were 19 and 78%, respectively, with multiple pregnancy rate being 4%. One hundred and sixty couples were treated by IVF/ICSI, where pregnancy rate per cycle and per couple were 22 and 41%, respectively, with multiple pregnancy rate being 10%. All female partners were still HIV-1 negative at follow-up.

CONCLUSION

Sperm washing within a programme of reproductive counselling was proved to be safe in this large series of serodiscordant couples. The overall pregnancy rate (70.3%), independent of the procedure used (IUI or IVF/ICSI), justifies the effort of the medical team in setting up and implementing dedicated centres and of the individual patient in seeking a safe pregnancy.

Pharmacokinetic and demographic markers of 5-fluorouracil toxicity in 181 patients on adjuvant therapy for colorectal cancer

BACKGROUND

The relationship between 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) pharmacokinetics and toxicity following i.v. bolus administration has not been extensively studied.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

One hundred and eighty-one patients on adjuvant therapy with 5-FU plus leucovorin for colorectal cancer were the study population. 5-FU pharmacokinetics was determined on day 2 of the first, third, and fifth cycles; type and the grade of adverse reactions were recorded on the next cycle.

RESULTS

The 5-FU area under the curve (AUC) measured at the first cycle ranged between 146 and 1236 mg x min/l and was significantly correlated with drug dose, patients' body weight (BW) and gender, females having higher AUCs. These covariates explained only 23% of AUC variability. AUC and age were the only covariates which discriminated between toxic (grade > or =2) and nontoxic cycles (grade <2), with an optimal AUC cut-off value of 596 mg x min/l. Such a correlation was lost during the next cycles following dose reduction because of toxicity in 80 patients.

CONCLUSIONS

A method for calculating the initial 5-FU dose is proposed which takes into account patient BW, gender and a target AUC of 596 mg x min/l. Nevertheless, it appears that a substantial part of 5-FU toxicity is not linked to pharmacokinetic factors and dose adjustments must still be on the basis of careful clinical surveillance.

Diagnosis of HIV infection in pregnancy: data from a national cohort of pregnant women with HIV in Italy

We analysed the characteristics of the pregnancies with a previously undetected HIV infection in a national observational study of pregnant women with HIV in Italy. In a total of 443 pregnancies with available date of HIV diagnosis, 118 were characterized by a previously undetected HIV infection (26.6%, 95% CI 22.5-30.8). The following factors were independently associated with this occurrence in a multivariate analysis (adjusted odds ratios; 95% CIs): foreign nationality (5.1, 2.8-9.3); no pre-conception counselling (35.9, 4.8-266.1); first pregnancy (2.1, 1.2-4.0); asymptomatic status (6.8, 1.5-30.6). Women with previously undetected infection started antiretroviral treatment significantly later during pregnancy (P < 0.001). Missed diagnosis was responsible for one case of transmission. A high rate of previously undetected HIV infection was observed. This suggests a good HIV detection during pregnancy, but also the need to reinforce HIV testing strategies among women of childbearing age. We identified some determinants which may be considered for intervention measures.

A novel G/C single-nucleotide polymorphism in the double 28-bp repeat thymidylate synthase allele

Thymidylate synthase (TYMS) is the main molecular target for fluoropyrimidine anticancer drugs, and its expression has been correlated with the number of repeats of a 28-bp sequence in the 5'-untranslated region of the TYMS gene and with the presence of a G --> C single-nucleotide polymorphism in the second repeat of 3R alleles. Based on this double polymorphism, three main TYMS alleles have so far been identified: TYMS 2R, TYMS 3RC and TYMS 3RG. During genetic analysis of TYMS polymorphisms in 100 colorectal cancer patients, three patients revealed an unexpected 113-bp band after electrophoresis of the restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis. Subsequent sequencing revealed two 28-bp repeats in the 5'-untranslated region and the presence in both repeats of cytosine instead of guanine at the 12th nucleotide. This allele variant (TYMS 2RC) has not been previously described in man. All three patients were heterozygotes for TYMS 2RC and experienced grade 2-3 chemotherapy-related toxicity.

5-fluorouracil (5FU) pharmacokinetic and hormonal status in female colorectal cancer patients

13576

Background: It is well known that females present a significantly reduced clearance of 5FU compared to males treated with the same doses.We tested the hypothesis that it may depend on the hormonal status, so that pre-menopausal women would have different 5FU pharmacokinetics compared with both postmenopausal women and elderly women. Methods: 48 colorectal cancer patients were prospectively studied: all of them were on adjuvant treatment based on 5FU repeated boluses. On the second day of the first cycle peripheral blood was drawn after drug administration. Plasma level were detected by HPLC analysis and pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated trough a one phase exponential decay model. Results: All patients had 100–90 Karnosky Performance status score. 12 were in pre-menopausal phase (age range : 40–55 years); among the others we distinguished a younger 19 people group (age lower than 70 years old) and an elderly 17 patient group (age equal or higher than 70 years old). They received a 5FU mean dose of 406 ± 15 mg/mq, not significantly different among the three groups. After intravenous bolus injection a high interindividual variability of 5-FU pharmacokinetics was detected: AUC0-∞ (area under the curve of drug plasma levels versus time) ranged between 368 and 1236 mg × min/L and the highest values (>1000) were found in two elderly patients, considered fit; anyway there was no significant difference among AUC of the three groups. 5FU total clearance ranged between 0.53 and 1.9 L/min and means were 1.07 ± 0.3, 1.02 ± 0.3 and 0.98 ± 0.3 L/min in pre-menopausal, postmenopausal and elderly women respectively; again 5FU clearance/ BSA (body surface area), half live elimination times and peak concentration plasma levels were not significantly different among the three groups. Conclusions: It seems that sexual hormonal status do not influence 5FU total body elimination capability, and that pharmacokinetic differences between genders should be related to other factors,as for example Body Composition. Funded by AIRC-Veneto

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

TYMS polymorphism analysis prediction of bolus 5-fluorouracil toxicity

13022

Background: Currently there is no protocol for selecting colorectal cancer patients at risk for drug toxicity prior to 5-fluorouracil(5FU)-based chemotherapy. Thymidylate synthase (TYMS) is 5FU main molecular target and its expression is linked to cellular sensitivity or resistance to the drug. Three genetic polymorphisms have been shown to influence TYMS expression: a polymorphic tandem repeat sequence (2 or 3 repeats; 2R and 3R) and a single nucleotide polymorphism, G > C, within the promoter enhancer region and a 6 bp deletion in the 3’UTR of the gene. Methods: This prospective study endpoint was to test weather TYMS polymorphisms might predict high grade toxic events in Caucasian patients with colo- rectal carcinoma treated with adjuvant bolus 5-FU-based chemotherapy. 142 patients, 98 males, mean age 66,7±9,1 were studied at the first cycle of treatment. TYMS genotypes were determined from the peripheral blood mononuclear cells by polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism. Toxic event occurrence was collected through self-administered questionnaire and physical examination and scored through WHO scales. Results: 40% of patients had no or minimal adverse events while 35% suffered grade 3–4 toxicity. At univariate analysis, there was a trend of association between 3R/3R genotype and a reduced risk of adverse events (chi test for trend, p=0.057) and again a significant association between 6bp/6bp genotype and high grade toxicity (chi test for trend, p=0.03). Analysing all the three polymorphism together, 77% of patients bearing 6bp/6bp combined with at least one 3RG allele suffered grade 3–4 toxicity, while patients bearing homozigote 6bp deletion had no or minimal side effects in 90% of cases. The other genotype combinations had an intermediate toxic risk. The differences were statistically significant (chi test p=0.02). Conclusions: TYMS combined 5’UTR and 3’UTR polymorphism analysis may help in predicting high grade toxic events in Caucasian patients treated with repeated boluses of 5-FU. Funded by AIRC-Veneto.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Gemcitabine: monochemotherapy of breast cancer

BACKGROUND

Gemcitabine is a nucleoside analogue with proven activity in advanced and metastatic breast cancer. Its action is associated with a favourable toxicity profile which is mainly hematological. Its unique mechanism of action along with not overlapping toxicity is particularly useful both in combination treatment with other active drugs and a sequential therapy in the palliative setting.

DESIGN

Phase II studies of gemcitabine performed over the last decade were reviewed.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS

Despite some conflicting results in some trials, gemcitabine confirmed to be a useful drug to treat this condition.