Efficacy of cisplatin in early stage cervical cancer with a long waiting period for surgery

This study was undertaken as a prospective trial to evaluate the efficacy and safety of pre-operative cisplatin for controlling the tumor volume of stage IB-IIA cervical cancer patients whose schedule for radical surgery was longer than 3 weeks. Between June 2004 and July 2005, 42 patients were recruited to enter the study. Seventy-five mg/m(2) of cisplatin was administered for 1-2 courses. Cervical tumor volume was measured 1 day before chemotherapy and 1 day before the operation by using 3-dimensional ultrasound. Reduction of cervical tumor volume was noted in 76.2%of cases. The clinical stage, gross appearance of the tumor, histology and number of chemotherapy courses did not significantly affect chemo-responsiveness. The incidence of lymph node metastases was 16.3%. One patient experienced severe vomiting which could be controlled by ondansetron antiemetic. No severe hematologic or other non-hematologic toxicities were identified. In conclusion cisplatin is effective and safe for administration in a pre-operative setting for early stage cervical cancer patients whose surgical schedule is delayed more than 3 weeks.

Benefit of electrocardiography during front-line combination paclitaxel and carboplatin chemotherapy for epithelial ovarian cancer

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the patterns of electrocardiography (ECG), cardiac risk factors and its clinical consequence in women with epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) who received paclitaxel and carboplatin (PC) as front line chemotherapy.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

The medical records and electrocardiographic data of women with EOC who received paclitaxel (175 mg/min2) and carboplatin (AUC=5) every 3 weeks at Chiang Mai University Hospital between January 2000 and December 2004 were reviewed for cardiac risk factors and clinical consequence.

RESULTS

Among 79 women receiving PC for EOC, 43 (54.4%) had cardiac risk factors. Seventy (88.6%) women had normal ECG, the remaining nine had sinus tachycardia (5), bundle branch block (2), mild T inversion (1), and Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome (1) before the first course of chemotherapy. Among 70 women with normal initial ECG 8 (11.4%) had sinus tachycardia, one (1.4%) had early depolarization, two (2.9%) had sinus bradycardia and three (4.3%) had sinus arrhythmia in subsequent ECG All these cardiac disturbances were asymptomatic and needed no intervention, indicating grade I toxicity. The odds ratio of developing abnormal ECG in women with cardiac risk factor was 1.24 (95% CI = 0.33 to 4.64, p = 0.77). Among nine patients with abnormal ECG before the first course of PC, six (66.7%) had subsequent abnormal ECG but all were asymptomatic and no worsening of abnormal ECG pattern was noted.

CONCLUSION

Although paclitaxel and carboplatin chemotherapy could induce abnormal ECG in women with either normal or abnormal prior ECG, its consequence was of no clinical significance. Therefore, the benefit of ECG before each treatment course was theoretically limited.

Limited value of vaginal cytology in detecting recurrent disease after radical hysterectomy for early stage cervical carcinoma

The objective of this study was to evaluate the value of vaginal cytology in routine surveillance for recurrent cervical cancer after surgery. We reviewed the medical records of 565 patients with stage IB-IIA cervical cancer who were treated with radical hysterectomy and pelvic lymphadenectomy (RHPL) and attended follow- up at Chiang Mai University Hospital between January 2000 and May 2006. With the median follow-up of 35 months (range 1-76 months), 23 (4%) patients developed recurrence. The interval from surgery to detection of recurrence ranged from 5-61 months with a median of 23 months. Of the total 4,376 vaginal smears, 5 (0.1%) showed abnormal cytology but only 1 had malignant cells and tumor recurrence. The sensitivity and specificity of vaginal cytology for detection of recurrence were 4.3% and 99.3%, respectively. In conclusion, vaginal cytology has limited value in detection of recurrence after RHPL for early-stage cervical cancer.

Clinical outcomes and prognostic factors of node-negative cervical cancer patients with deep stromal invasion or lymphovascular space involvement following radical hysterectomy

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the clinical outcomes and prognostic factors of node-negative cervical cancer patients who had deep stromal invasion (DSI) and/or lymphovascular space invasion (LVSI) following radical hysterectomy and pelvic lymphadenectomy (RHPL).

MATERIAL AND METHOD

The medical records of 150 node-negative stage IA2-IIA cervical cancer patients who had DSI and/or LVSI after RHPL from 1999 to 2004 were reviewed.

RESULTS

Eighty-eight (58.4%) patients were treated with RHPL alone. Twenty-eight (18.7%), 23 (15.4%), eight (5.3%), and three (2%) patients received postoperative chemotherapy, chemoradiation, radiotherapy, and brachytherapy, respectively. Overall, 11 (7.3%) patients developed recurrence. The estimated 5-year disease-free survival of the patients was 90.9%. By multivariate analysis, two factors, age of less than 35 years old and a non squamous histology, were significantly independent prognostic. Eight (5.3%) patients experienced treatment-related complications.

CONCLUSION

Node-negative cervical cancer patients with DSI and/or LVSI had excellent clinical outcomes. Young age and non-squamous histology are significant independent prognostic factors.

Nerve-sparing class III radical hysterectomy: a modified technique to spare the pelvic autonomic nerves without compromising radicality

The objectives were to describe our nerve-sparing class III radical hysterectomy technique and assess the feasibility and safety of the procedure as well as its impact on voiding function. From January to August 2005, 21 consecutive patients with FIGO stage IB-IIA cervical cancer and 1 patient with clinical stage II endometrial cancer underwent nerve-sparing radical hysterectomy with systematic pelvic lymphadenectomy. The transurethral catheter was removed on the seventh postoperative day. Then intermittent self-catheterization was performed and post-void residual urine volume (PVR) was recorded. The nerve-sparing procedure was completed successfully and safely in all of the patients. Eight (36%) and 6 (27%) patients had the PVR of < 100 ml and < 50 ml respectively at the initial removal of the catheter. On the fourteenth day, 82% and 77% of the patients had the PVR of < 100 ml and < 50 ml, respectively. The mean duration before the PVR became < 50 ml was 11.27 (5-26) days. In conclusion, the technique described in this preliminary study appears safe, adequate, and feasible in our population with satisfactory recovery of voiding function. A larger comparative study is needed on long-term urinary, bowel, and sexual function as well as recurrence and survival.

Women in a region with high incidence of cervical cancer warrant immediate colposcopy for low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion on cervical cytology

The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of high-grade histologic diagnoses in women who had low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (LSIL) on Pap smear in an area with high incidence of cervical cancer. We conducted a retrospective study of 220 women with LSIL cytology undergoing colposcopic examination in Chiang Mai University Hospital between January 1999 and July 2004. The histologic diagnoses, obtained from colposcopically directed biopsy or electrical loop excision after initial colposcopy, showed that 80 (36.4%) women had histologically confirmed high-grade lesions and 11 (5%) women had microinvasive (9) and frankly invasive (2) carcinomas. Overall, 41.5% of women with LSIL on Pap smear had significant underlying lesions, requiring appropriate treatment. In conclusion, in the region with high incidence of cervical cancer, women with LSIL cytology are at increased risk of having underlying high-grade lesions and invasive cancer. Immediate referral for colposcopy is warranted.

Northern Thai women with high grade squamous intraepithelial lesion on cervical cytology have high prevalence of underlying invasive carcinoma

The aim of this study was to determine the underlying pathology of women with high grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL) on cervical cytology. A total of 681 women with HSIL cytology undergoing colposcopic examination at Chiang Mai University Hospital (CMUH) between January 2000 and December 2005 were evaluated for the underlying cervical pathology. The final pathology was diagnosed from the most severe lesions obtained by punch biopsy, loop electrosurgical procedure, cold knife conization or hysterectomy. Underlying high grade cervical lesions including cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2, 3 and adenocarcinoma in situ were noted in 502 (73.7%) women. Invasive cervical carcinoma was identified in 141 (20.7%). The remaining 38 (5.6%) had either low grade or no intraepithelial lesions. No significant difference in the prevalence of underlying high grade and invasive lesions was noted between women with cytologic diagnosis of HSIL from CMUH and other hospitals. In conclusion, northern Thai women with HSIL cytology are at significant risk of having underlying severe cervical lesions, and especially invasive carcinoma which is detected in approximately one-fifth of the cases.

Histopathological outcomes of women with squamous cell carcinoma on cervical cytology

The aim of this study was to determine the final histopathological outcome for women with a squamous cell carcinoma (SCCA) diagnosed by cervical cytology. The medical records and computerized colposcopic database of patients with SCCA on cytology who underwent colposcopy at Chiang Mai University Hospital between February 2003 and December 2005 were reviewed and 48 women with SCCA cytology were identified (mean age 50 years, range 31-73). Nineteen (39.6%) women were postmenopausal. Unsatisfactory colposcopy was noted in 42 (87.5%). Thirty one (64.6%) of the patients had a final pathological diagnosis of high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HGSIL), whereas only 16 (33.3%) had invasive cancer. The remaining one patient had a low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion. Sensitivity and specificity of colposcopic examination for predicting invasive cancer was 50% and 78%, respectively. In conclusion, most women with a SCCA on cervical cytology have high-grade cervical lesions on final pathology, with only one third demonstrating invasive cancer. The loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP) remains an important measure for combined treatment and diagnosis.

Clinicopathologic analysis of women with synchronous primary carcinomas of the endometrium and ovary: 10- year experience from Chiang Mai University Hospital

The aim of this study was to analyze the clinicopathologic features and survival outcomes of women with synchronous primary carcinomas of the endometrium and ovary that were treated at Chiang Mai University Hospital between January 1995 and December 2004. During the study period, 43 women with such tumors were identified. These carcinomas accounted for 0.58% (95%CI=0.42-0.79%) of all gynecologic malignancies. Median age at diagnosis was 49 years (range: 34-60 years). Median body mass index (BMI) was 21.6 kg/m2(range: 15.5-27.7 kg/m(2)). The majority of women (65%) were premenopausal. The most common presenting symptom was abnormal uterine bleeding (42%), followed by a pelvic mass (30%). Twenty-seven (62.8%, 95%CI= 46.7-77.0%) women had concordant endometrioid carcinomas of the endometrium and ovary. Five (11.6%) women experienced tumor recurrence with median follow up 39 months (range: 1-85 months). The overall 5-year survival was 85.2%. There was no significant difference in survival outcomes among the women who had endometrioid/endometrioid histology and those who had other histological subtypes (P=0.674). In conclusion, synchronous primary carcinomas of the endometrium and ovary, although uncommon, should be considered in differential diagnosis in premenopausal women presenting with abnormal uterine bleeding and ovarian tumors. The prognosis of patients with these tumors appears excellent.

The risk of residual neoplasia in women with microinvasive squamous cervical carcinoma and positive cone margins

The objective was to evaluate the prevalence and factors affecting residual disease in women with cervical microinvasive carcinoma (MIC) with positive cone margins for high-grade lesions and invasive carcinoma. We reviewed histopathology slides of 129 women with MIC who had high-grade lesions or invasive carcinoma at cone margins. These patients underwent hysterectomy following cone biopsy between January 1994 and June 2004. Of the 129 patients, 77 (59.7%) had residual disease in the hysterectomy specimens, in which 57 (44.2%) had residual high-grade lesions. Twenty patients (15.5%) had residual invasive carcinoma: 18 were microinvasive and 2 were invasive. Factors significantly affecting the risk of residual disease included positive postconization endocervical curettage (P= 0.001), positive cone margins for invasive carcinoma (P= 0.003), and depth of stromal invasion >1 mm (P= 0.014). Cox proportional hazards analysis revealed positive cone margins for invasive carcinoma as significant predictor of residual invasive disease (hazard ratio, 3.22; 95% CI 1.21-8.60, P= 0.019) In summary, patients with MIC and positive cone margins for high-grade lesions or invasive carcinoma are at high risk of residual neoplasia. Repeat cone biopsy should be performed to determine exactly the severity of lesion before planning treatment.

Metastatic tumors to the ovaries: a study of 170 cases in northern Thailand

The cases of malignant ovarian tumors treated at Chiang Mai University hospital between 1992 and 2003 were histologically reviewed. The medical records, the radiologic findings, and the follow-up outcome in the cases suspicious or diagnostic of metastases were reviewed to confirm the diagnosis and to determine the primary sites. Metastatic tumors accounted for 30% of malignant ovarian tumors. A total of 170 cases of metastatic tumors included 117 cases with nongynecologic origin and 53 cases with gynecologic origin. Nongynecologic metastatic tumors were from large intestine (31%), stomach (14%), intrahepatic bile duct (10%), breast (9%), extrahepatic bile duct/gallbladder (7%), appendix (5%), hematologic tumors (3%), others (4%), and unknown primary site (16%). Metastatic gynecologic tumors were from cervix (53%), corpus (34%), fallopian tube (11%), and gestational trophoblastic disease (2%). The proportion of metastatic tumors to malignant ovarian tumors in northern Thailand was comparable to those of the Western or Japanese studies. However, the distribution of the primary sites was different and was correlated with the cancer incidence in Thai women. The majority of mucin-producing adenocarcinomas involving the ovaries were metastatic tumors.

Outcomes of loop electrosurgical excision procedure for cervical neoplasia in human immunodeficiency virus–infected women

The objective of this study was to evaluate the treatment outcomes and complications in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)–infected women undergoing loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP) for cervical neoplasia. The medical record of 60 evaluable HIV-infected women who had abnormal Papanicolaou (Pap) smear and underwent LEEP following colposcopy at Chiang Mai University Hospital between May 1998 and June 2004 was reviewed. Thirty-one (51.7%) had associated genital infection at screening. Twenty-five (41.7%) had opportunistic infection, but only 18 (30.0%) were treated with antiretroviral therapy. The most common abnormal Pap smear was high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (46.7%), followed by low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (40.0%). Forty (66.7%) women had clear surgical margins after LEEP. Only one (1.7%) woman had severe intraoperative hemorrhage. Early and late postoperative hemorrhage were noted in three (5%) women of each period. Localized infection of the cervix was detected in seven (11.7%) women. Two (3.3%) women developed cervical stenosis at 6 months after LEEP. There was no significant difference in overall complications between HIV-infected women and the control group (P = 0.24). Among 60 HIV-infected women, no statistical difference in the rate of margins involvement (P = 1.00) and complications (P = 0.85) could be demonstrated between HIV-infected women who received antiretroviral therapy and those who did not. Disease-free rate at 6 and 12 months were 97.1% and 88%, respectively. These data demonstrated that LEEP appears to be safe and effective in HIV-infected women.

Metastatic tumors to the ovaries: a study of 170 cases in northern Thailand

The cases of malignant ovarian tumors treated at Chiang Mai University hospital between 1992 and 2003 were histologically reviewed. The medical records, the radiologic findings, and the follow-up outcome in the cases suspicious or diagnostic of metastases were reviewed to confirm the diagnosis and to determine the primary sites. Metastatic tumors accounted for 30% of malignant ovarian tumors. A total of 170 cases of metastatic tumors included 117 cases with nongynecologic origin and 53 cases with gynecologic origin. Nongynecologic metastatic tumors were from large intestine (31%), stomach (14%), intrahepatic bile duct (10%), breast (9%), extrahepatic bile duct/gallbladder (7%), appendix (5%), hematologic tumors (3%), others (4%), and unknown primary site (16%). Metastatic gynecologic tumors were from cervix (53%), corpus (34%), fallopian tube (11%), and gestational trophoblastic disease (2%). The proportion of metastatic tumors to malignant ovarian tumors in northern Thailand was comparable to those of the Western or Japanese studies. However, the distribution of the primary sites was different and was correlated with the cancer incidence in Thai women. The majority of mucin-producing adenocarcinomas involving the ovaries were metastatic tumors.

Primary and metastatic mucinous adenocarcinomas of the ovary: Evaluation of the diagnostic approach using tumor size and laterality

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the usefulness of the recently proposed algorithm (Seidman JD, Kurman RJ, Ronnett BM. Primary and metastatic mucinous adenocarcinomas in the ovaries: incidence in routine practice with a new approach to improve intraoperative diagnosis. Am J Surg Pathol 2003; 27: 985-93 [5]) that classifies mucinous adenocarcinomas of the ovary as primary when they were unilateral > or =10 cm and as metastatic when they were unilateral <10 cm or bilateral.

METHODS

Malignant ovarian neoplasms, which were resected in Chiang Mai University Hospital between 1992 and 2003, were histologically reviewed. Mucinous adenocarcinomas involving the ovary were identified. The medical records and radiologic materials were reviewed in correlation with the pathologic features to identify the primary site.

RESULTS

There were 74 cases of mucinous adenocarcinomas; 16 were primary ovarian; 52, metastatic; and 6 of indeterminate primary site (primary versus metastatic). Primary mucinous adenocarcinomas had a mean size of 16.4 cm and bilateral involvement in 13%. Metastatic mucinous adenocarcinomas had a mean size of 11.7 cm and bilateral involvement in 77%. Excluding the 6 tumors of indeterminate primary site, the proposed algorithm correctly classified primary and metastatic tumors in 84% of 68 cases. Of 21 unilateral mucinous adenocarcinomas > or =10 cm, 62% were primary ovarian. Of 5 unilateral tumors <10 cm, 80% were metastatic. Of 42 bilateral mucinous adenocarcinomas, 95% were metastatic.

CONCLUSION

The algorithm provided high accuracy in the overall prediction of primary and metastatic mucinous adenocarcinomas of the ovary, with major strength in the identification of metastatic tumors by bilaterality or size <10 cm. However, the prediction of primary mucinous adenocarcinomas by unilaterality and size > or =10 cm was less reliable than previously reported. Due to the overlapping features between primary and metastatic tumors and the higher frequency of the latter, the possibility of metastases should always be borne in mind in the evaluation of mucinous adenocarcinomas of the ovary.

Weekly versus three-weekly cisplatin as an adjunct to radiation therapy in high-risk stage I-IIA cervical cancer after surgery: a randomized comparison of treatment compliance

OBJECTIVES

To compare weekly and three-weekly cisplatin as an adjunct to radiation therapy in high-risk early-stage cervical cancer after surgery with regard to treatment compliance.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

From June 1st, 2003 to February 29th, 2004, the authors performed a randomized trial of radiotherapy in combination with two concurrent chemotherapy regimens - weekly or three-weekly cisplatin--in patients with high-risk cervical cancer FIGO stage I-IIA after surgery. Women with primary invasive squamous-cell carcinoma, adenocarcinoma, or adenosquamous carcinoma of the cervix were enrolled. The patients also had to have an absolute neutrophil count of at least 1,500 cells per cubic millimeter, a platelet count of at least 75,000 cells per cubic millimeter, a creatinine clearance higher than 40 milliliter per minute, and adequate hepatic function. All patients received external-beam radiotherapy according to a strict protocol. Patients were randomly assigned to receive one of two chemotherapy regimens: 75 mg per square meter of cisplatin on days 1, 22, 43 and 64 or every three weeks for 4 cycles (group 1) or 40 mg per square meter of cisplatin per week for six cycles (group 2).

RESULTS

The analysis included 40 women. The first group that received three-weekly cisplatin had a higher rate of incomplete and delayed treatments than the second group that received weekly cisplatin (p < 0.001 and p = 0.0236 respectively). The relative risks of delayed courses were 2.06 (95 percent confidence interval, 1.15 to 3.68) for group 1, compared with group 2. The toxicity-related incomplete treatments rate and G-CSF doses used were significantly higher in group 1 than in group 2.

CONCLUSION

Concurrent chemoradiation with weekly cisplatin regimen has more complete treatment rate and less delayed courses than that with three- weekly cisplatin among women with high-risk cervical cancer after surgery.

Radical hysterectomy for stage IIB cervical cancer: a review

Patients with stage IIB cervical cancer in some countries in Europe and Asia especially in Japan are usually treated with radical hysterectomy and pelvic lymphadenectomy. Extrauterine diseases, ie, nodal metastases, parametrial invasion, and intraperitoneal spread, can be readily identified. We present the literature review of radical hysterectomy in stage IIB cervical cancer by searching data since 1980 from Medline, and we found that the parametrial involvement of patients in this stage was only 21-55%, the incidence of pelvic node metastases was about 35-45%, and 5-year survival rate was between 55% and 77%. Lymph node metastases and the number of positive nodes were significant prognostic factors of patients in this stage.

Radical surgery for T1 and T2 squamous cell carcinoma of the vulva through separate incisions

OBJECTIVES

The aim of the study was to retrospectively evaluate treatment results in patients with T1 and T2 vulvar carcinoma.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

The medical records of 46 patients with T1 and T2 SCC of the vulva undergoing radical excision of the tumor and groin node dissection at Chiang Mai University Hospital between January 1998 and December 2004 were reviewed. The tumor size, histologic grade, nodal status, lymph-vascular space invasion, lesion location, surgical marginal status, complications, recurrence and survival were analyzed.

RESULTS

Mean age of the 46 patients (T1 = 15, T2 = 31) was 59 years with a range of 34-84 years. The incidence of lymph node metastases for T1 lesions was 13% compared to 35% for T2 lesions. Twenty nine patients (63%) experienced surgical complications, the most common one was lymphedema (16) while wound breakdown was noted in only 1 patient. With a median follow-up of 15 months, 14 patients (30%) developed recurrence, 3 (20%) and 11 (35%) in patients with T1 and T2 lesions respectively. The overall 5-year disease-free survival and 5-year survival were 37% and 40%, respectively. The 5-year survival of patients with T1 lesion was significantly higher than that of patients with T2 lesion (64% vs 31%, P = 0.04). Patients with negative nodes had significantly better survival than those with positive nodes (56% vs 18%, P = 0.02). In multivariable analysis, only the status of groin node remained as independent prognostic factors for survival.

CONCLUSION

Radical excision and groin node dissection through separate incision for T1 and T2 squamous cell carcinoma of the vulva in this study has a less favorable survival outcome compared with the literature.

Concurrent cisplatin-based chemoradiation and adjuvant hysterectomy for bulky stage IB-IIA cervical cancer

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the outcomes and adverse effects of concurrent cisplatin-based chemoradiation and adjuvant hysterectomy for bulky stage IB-IIA cervical cancer

MATERIAL AND METHOD

All eligible, thirty-four patients with bulky stage IB-IIA cervical cancer were assigned to receive weekly cisplatin 40 mg/m2 for 6 cycles concurrently with radiation followed by extrafascial hysterectomy 6 weeks after completion of radiation.

RESULTS

Estimated 5-year progression-free and disease-free survival rates of 80% were observed after a median follow-up of 42 months. The overall recurrent rate was 18%. Grade 3 neutropenia and anemia were noted in only 5.9% and 2.9%, respectively. All acute toxicities were transient and were manageable. There were no treatment-related deaths or late toxicities.

CONCLUSION

For appropriately selected patients with bulky stage IB-IIA cervical cancer, concurrent cisplatin-based chemoradiation followed by adjuvant hysterectomy offers an effective treatment option with acceptable toxicity.

Extent of lymphovascular space invasion and risk of pelvic lymph node metastases in stage IB1 cervical cancer

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate whether the extent of lymphovascular space invasion (LVSI) is a risk factor for pelvic lymph node metastases in stage IBI cervical cancer.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

The clinicopathological data of 397 patients with stage IB1 cervical cancer undergoing radical hysterectomy and pelvic lymphadenectomy (RHPL) at Chiang Mai University Hospital between January 1998 and December 2002 were analyzed. The histology, tumor grade, depth of stromal invasion, uterine corpus involvement, parametrial invasion and LVSI were analyzed for their association with pelvic node metastases. The extent of LVSI was classified as negative, minimal (< 10 LVSI/cervical specimen), and extensive (> or = 10 LVSI/cervical specimen).

RESULTS

Of the 397 patients, 146 (36.8%) had tumors containing LVSI, 82 (20.7%) and 64 (16.1%) had minimal and extensive LVSI, respectively. Fifty nine (14.9%) patients had pelvic node metastases. Using multivariable analysis, LVSI (p < 0.001), depth of stromal invasion (p < 0.001), tumor grade (p < 0.001), and parametrial invasion (p < 0.001) were significant predictors of pelvic node metastases. The extent of LVSI either minimal or extensive degree significantly influenced pelvic node metastases.

CONCLUSION

The presence of LVSI especially extensive involvement was significantly associated with the risk of pelvic node metastases in stage IB1 cervical cancer.

Primary carcinoma of the fallopian tube: A clinicopathologic analysis of 27 patients

OBJECTIVES

To analyze the clinicopathologic features of women with primary fallopian tube carcinoma

DESIGN

Descriptive cross sectional study

MATERIAL AND METHOD

Twenty-eight women diagnosed with primary fallopian tube carcinoma treated at Chiang Mai University Hospital between January 1997 and December 2004.

RESULTS

During the study period, the primary fallopian tube carcinoma accounted for 0.48% of all gynecologic malignancies. Of the 28 patients, one was excluded for unavailable medical records. Mean age at diagnosis was 53 years (range, 38-76 years). Seventeen (63.0%) were menopausal women. The most common clinical presentation was pelvic mass (55%), followed by abnormal vaginal bleeding (18.5%). Hydrops tubae profluens was present in three (11.1%) women. The rare presenting symptoms included pelvic peritonitis and abnormal glandular cells on cervicovaginal smear were noted in one (3.7%) woman of each category. In all women, primary fallopian tube carcinoma could not be diagnosed preoperatively. During the operation, an abnormal tubal lesion was suspected in only eleven (40.7%) women. Histology were serous adenocarcinoma (70.4%), endometrioid adenocarcinoma (22.2%), undifferentiated adenocarcinoma (3.77%) and carcinosarcoma (3.7%). As opposed to epithelial ovarian cancer, the majority of women in the present study were in the early stages of the disease.

CONCLUSION

Primary fallopian tube carcinoma is a rare gynecologic malignancy that has various and nonspecific presentations. Definite diagnosis is usually made postoperatively. This malignancy should be considered in differential diagnosis of peri- and postmenopausal women who present with complex adnexal mass, unexplained uterine bleeding, abnormal glandular cells on cervicovaginal smear and complicated pelvic inflammatory disease.

Radiologic features and treatment outcomes of pulmonary metastasis in gestational trophoblastic neoplasia

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the radiologic patterns and treatment outcome of pulmonary metastasis in patients with gestational trophoblastic tumor (GTT).

MATERIAL AND METHOD

The medical records and chest films of GTT patients treated at Chiang Mai University Hospital between January 1998 and June 2003 were reviewed.

RESULTS

There were 85 GTT-patients in the study period. 32 cases (37.6%) had pulmonary metastasis diagnosed with chest X-rays. The most common radiologic pattern was well defined nodule. The radiologic features of patients who had lung metastases alone were not significantly different from those who had associated metastases in other organs. 27 patients (84.3%) received multiple chemotherapy and 6 required more than one regimen. The mean number of chemotherapy was 7 cycles (range 3-23). Adjuvant surgery consisted of hysterectomy (11), salpingo-oophorectomy (1), thoracotomy (2), and craniotomy (1). Four patients received whole brain irradiation for brain metastases. Among 10 patients with lung metastasis alone, 8 (80%) attained complete remission, the remaining 2 patients were lost to follow-up. Among 22 patients with associated multiple organ metastases, 16 (72.7%) had complete remission, 2 died from diseases, 4 were lost to follow-up.

CONCLUSION

The most common radiologic pattern of pulmonary metastasis in GTT patients was well-defined multiple lung nodules. The radiologic features of patients who had lung metastases alone were not significantly different from those who developed metastases in other organs.

Treatment results of methotrexate and folinic acid as primary chemotherapy for nonmetastatic gestational trophoblastic neoplasia

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of methotrexate and folinic acid (MTX-FA) chemotherapy in patients with nonmetastatic gestational trophoblastic neoplasia (NMGTN).

MATERIAL AND METHOD

Between 1997 and 2003, a total of 67 patients with NMGTN received treatment at the Chiang Mai University Hospital. Of the 67 patients, 55 were initially treated with methotrexate 1.0 mg/kg intramuscularly (IM) on day 1, 3,5, and 7 and folinic acid 0.1 mg/kg IM on day 2, 4, 6 and 8. Treatment courses were repeated every 14 days. Clinical characteristics and outcomes were analyzed

RESULTS

All 55 patients with NMGTN were cured. Of the 55 patients initially treated with MTX-FA, 49 (89%) achieved complete remission. Six (11%) patients developed methotrexate resistance, 3 were cured with actinomycin D, 1 were cured with 5-fluorouracil followed by etoposide, 2 required hystertectomy to attain remission. No serious toxicity was noted

CONCLUSION

Methotrexate and folinic acid chemotherapy is highly effective and well-tolerated in treating patients with nonmetastatic gestational trophoblastic neoplasia.

Outcomes of abandoned radical hysterectomy in patients with stages IB?IIA cervical cancer found to have positive nodes during the operation

The objective of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of stages IB-IIA cervical cancer patients whose radical hysterectomy (RH) was abandoned for positive pelvic nodes detected during the operation compared with those found to have positive nodes after the operation. Among 242 patients with planned RH and pelvic lymphadenectomy (RHPL) for stages IB-IIA cervical cancer, 23 (9.5%) had grossly positive nodes. RH was abandoned, and complete pelvic lymphadenectomy was performed. Of these 23 patients, 22 received adjuvant chemoradiation, and the remaining 1 received adjuvant radiation. Four patients with positive para-aortic nodes were additionally treated with extended-field irradiation. When compared with 35 patients whose positive nodes were detected after the operation, there were significant differences regarding number of positive nodes and number of patients receiving extended-field irradiation. Complications in both groups were not significantly different, but the 2-year disease-free survival was significantly lower in the abandoned RH group compared with that of the RHPL group (58.5% versus 93.5%, P= 0.01). In conclusion, the survival of stages IB-IIA cervical cancer patients whose RH was abandoned for grossly positive pelvic nodes was significantly worse than that of patients whose node metastasis was identified after the operation. This is because the abandoned RH group had worse prognostic factors.

Yolk sac tumor of the vulva: a case report with long-term disease-free survival

BACKGROUND

Yolk sac tumor (YST) of the vulva is extremely rare. Seven cases of vulvar YST have been reported to the literature. Due to the rarity of tumors, the appropriate choice of treatment may remain unclear.

CASE

A 30-year-old woman presented with a 3.5-cm right labial mass. Excisional biopsy showed YST with predominant solid pattern. Three weeks after excision, right inguinal lymph node biopsy revealed metastatic tumor. The serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) was not elevated. Cisplatin-based chemotherapy was administered, followed by pelvic and groin irradiation. The patient was free of disease 90 months after the diagnosis.

CONCLUSION

Local excision of tumor with adjuvant cisplatin-based chemotherapy can be justified for vulvar YST. Inguinal lymphadenectomy is recommended because metastasis may occur early. Adjuvant radiation therapy may help to control the disease. Tumor size of 5 cm or less may be a favorable prognostic factor. Serum AFP level may not be a sensitive marker for follow-up of vulvar YST.

Outcomes of abandoned radical hysterectomy in patients with stages IB–IIA cervical cancer found to have positive nodes during the operation

The objective of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of stages IB–IIA cervical cancer patients whose radical hysterectomy (RH) was abandoned for positive pelvic nodes detected during the operation compared with those found to have positive nodes after the operation. Among 242 patients with planned RH and pelvic lymphadenectomy (RHPL) for stages IB–IIA cervical cancer, 23 (9.5%) had grossly positive nodes. RH was abandoned, and complete pelvic lymphadenectomy was performed. Of these 23 patients, 22 received adjuvant chemoradiation, and the remaining 1 received adjuvant radiation. Four patients with positive para-aortic nodes were additionally treated with extended-field irradiation. When compared with 35 patients whose positive nodes were detected after the operation, there were significant differences regarding number of positive nodes and number of patients receiving extended-field irradiation. Complications in both groups were not significantly different, but the 2-year disease-free survival was significantly lower in the abandoned RH group compared with that of the RHPL group (58.5% versus 93.5%, P = 0.01). In conclusion, the survival of stages IB–IIA cervical cancer patients whose RH was abandoned for grossly positive pelvic nodes was significantly worse than that of patients whose node metastasis was identified after the operation. This is because the abandoned RH group had worse prognostic factors.