Impact of complete cytoreduction leaving no gross residual disease associated with radical cytoreductive surgical procedures on survival in advanced ovarian cancer

BRCA1/2 status and chemotherapy response score to tailor ovarian cancer surgery

In advanced ovarian cancer (AOC) the complete eradication of all macroscopic disease at primary debulking surgery (PDS) is associated with the best outcome. If this cannot be achieved, neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) followed by interval debulking surgery (IDS) can make complete cytoreduction possible while reducing postoperative morbidity. It is still debated if PDS and NACT- IDS are associated with similar survival and if they provide different outcomes when optimal cytoreduction is achieved. For a tailored surgical planning, accurate prediction of tumor's resectability, assessment of patient's performance status and in-depth knowledge of tumor biology are required. Both BRCA1/2 status and the "chemotherapy response score" are reliable markers of chemosensitivity and may thus improve our way to triage patients to PDS or NACT-IDS; furthermore, they could be used to modulate our surgical approach and define appropriate subgroups of patients for whom new therapies should be tested.

Aggressive surgery for advanced ovarian cancer decreases the risk of intraperitoneal recurrence

BACKGROUND

This study investigated the pattern of first recurrence of advanced ovarian cancer before and after the introduction of aggressive surgery.

METHODS

We investigated 291 patients with stage III/IV epithelial ovarian, fallopian tube, and peritoneal cancer. Aggressive surgery including gastrointestinal and upper abdominal surgeries was introduced for advanced ovarian cancer in 2008. The site and time until first recurrence were compared between 70 patients treated without aggressive surgery (2000-2007) and 221 patients who underwent aggressive surgery (2008-2016).

RESULTS

The intraperitoneal recurrence rate was significantly lower in patients treated during 2008-2016 than in patients treated during 2000-2007 (55% [82/149] vs. 81% [46/57], p < 0.001). The median time to intraperitoneal recurrence was significantly longer during 2008-2016 than during 2000-2007 (36.2 months, 95% confidence interval [CI] 31.7-60.0 vs. 14.6 months, 95% CI 11.3-20.1, log-rank test: p < 0.001). However, extraperitoneal recurrence rate was significantly higher during 2008-2016 than during 2000-2007 (27% [40/149] vs. 2% [1/57], p < 0.001). Extraperitoneal recurrence occurred during 2008-2016 in the pleura/lungs and the para-aortic lymph nodes above the renal vessels. Cox proportional hazards regression analysis revealed that treatment period (HR 0.49, 95% CI 0.34-0.71, p < 0.001) and bevacizumab use (HR 0.58, 95% CI 0.39-0.87, p = 0.009) were independently associated with intraperitoneal recurrence; stage IV disease (HR 1.87, 95% CI 1.14-3.06, p = 0.034) was independently associated with extraperitoneal recurrence.

CONCLUSION

Aggressive surgery reduced intraperitoneal recurrence and prolonged time to recurrence, contributing to better patient survival.

Cytoreduction surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy for treating advanced peritoneal metastases of hepatocellular carcinoma

BACKGROUND

An effective treatment strategy for peritoneal metastasis (PM) of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC-PM) has yet to be established. Although cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) have shown favorable outcomes in certain malignancies, their role in peritoneal metastatic HCC is unclear. Herein, we present a series of patients with HCC-PM treated with CRS/HIPEC and evaluate their outcomes.

METHODS

Records of patients with HCC-PM who had undergone CRS/HIPEC at the Hyperthermia Center of Yuan's General Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, between September 2015 and December 2016 were reviewed retrospectively. Patients were followed up until September 2019. We assessed the clinical courses and outcomes of these patients to clarify the benefits of CRS/HIPEC.

RESULTS

Six patients were included in our study. HCC-PM occurred synchronously in one patient and occurred metachronously in five patients after therapeutic minimally invasive procedures, including radiofrequency ablation, laparoscopic hepatectomy, robotic hepatectomy or spontaneously. The median peritoneal cancer index was 18.5. All patients experienced complete peritoneal cytoreduction without perioperative mortality. One patient had two CTCAE grade 3 complications. The median follow-up was 16 months. The median overall survival was 15.7 months. Four patients died of lung metastasis or liver failure owing to intrahepatic recurrence. The survival rates observed at 1, 2, and 4 years were 66.7%, 33.3%, and 33.3%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

CRS followed by HIPEC is feasible in patients with HCC-PM and might provide selected patients a chance for local disease control and longer survival. CRS/HIPEC might be considered as a treatment option in highly selected patients, as part of multimodal therapy approaches.

Prolonged interruption of chemotherapy in patients undergoing delayed debulking surgery for advanced high grade serous ovarian cancer is associated with a worse prognosis

INTRODUCTION

The current standard of care for advanced high grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSC) comprises a combination of debulking surgery and platinum-based chemotherapy given in the neoadjuvant or adjuvant setting. In the neoadjuvant setting, patients usually undergo 3 cycles of chemotherapy followed by interval cytoreductive surgery (ICS), then 3 further cycles of chemotherapy. However, the optimum timeframe to administer chemotherapy before and after ICS remains unclear. We therefore examine the survival impact of the interval between pre- and post-operative chemotherapy in patients undergoing ICS in a well-established patient cohort. Factors leading to "delays" in recommencing post-operative chemotherapy were also examined.

METHODS

The study comprises of a retrospective cohort of 205 cases with FIGO stage III and IV HGSC undergoing ICS. The duration of the interval between pre-operative and post-operative chemotherapy was correlated with progression-free (PFS) and overall survival (OS). Univariate and multivariate analyses were constructed to identify factors associated with survival and prolonged chemotherapy interruption.

RESULTS

The median interval between pre-operative and post-operative chemotherapy was 63 days. Multivariate analyses revealed macroscopic residual disease (HR:2.280, 95% CI:1.635-3.177, p ≤ 0.001) and interruption of chemotherapy >10 weeks (HR:1.65, 95%CI:1.201-2.290, p = 0.002) were associated with poorer OS. Existing medical comorbidities and longer hospital stay were independent prognostic factors for prolonging the chemotherapy interruption.

CONCLUSION

Our study recommends that interruption to chemotherapy to allow patients to undergo ICS should be ≤10 weeks; otherwise, OS is significantly impacted. Patients with pre-existing medical comorbidities should receive additional support pre- and post-operatively to keep the chemotherapy interruption to a minimum.

Isolated lymph node recurrence in epithelial ovarian cancer: Recurrence with better prognosis?

INTRODUCTION

The aim of this study was to compare overall survival (OS) between women with isolated lymph node recurrence (ILNR) and those with isolated peritoneal localization of recurrence (ICR), in patients managed for epithelial ovarian cancer.

METHODS

Data from 1508 patients with ovarian cancer were collected retrospectively from1 January 2000 to 31 December 2016, from the FRANCOGYN database, pooling data from 11 centres specialized in ovary treatment. Median overall survival was determined using the Kaplan-Meier method. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to define prognostic factors of overall survival. Patients included had a first recurrence defined as ILNR or ICR during their follow up.

RESULTS

79 patients (5.2 %) presented with ILNR, and 247 (16.4 %) patients had isolated carcinomatosis recurrence. Complete lymphadenectomy was performed more frequently in the ILNR group vs. the ICR group (67.1 % vs. 53.4 %, p = 0.004) and the number of pelvic lymph nodes involved was higher (2.4 vs. 1.1, p = 0.008). The number of involved pelvic LN was an independent predictor of ILNR (OR = 1.231, 95 % CI [1.074-1.412], p = 0.0024). The 3-year and 5-year OS rates in the ILNR group were 85.2 % and 53.7 % respectively, compared to 68.1 % and 46.8 % in patients with ICR. There was no significant difference in terms of OS after initial diagnosis (p = 0.18). 3- year and 5-year OS rates after diagnosis of recurrence were 62.6 % and 15.6 % in the ILNR group, and 44 % and 15.7 % in patients with ICR (p = 0.21).

CONCLUSION

ILNR does not seem to be associated with a better prognosis in terms of OS.

Rethinking Radical Surgery in Interval Debulking Surgery for Advanced-Stage Ovarian Cancer Patients Undergoing Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy

The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects on survival outcomes of the disease burden before interval debulking surgery (IDS), surgical complexity, and residual disease after IDS in advanced-stage ovarian cancer treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC). We reviewed the data of 268 epithelial ovarian cancer patients who had received three or four cycles of NAC and undergone optimal resections through IDS. The Kaplan–Meier method and Cox regression analysis were used to assess the effects of disease burden (peritoneal cancer index (PCI)), degree of complexity of surgery (surgical complexity score/s (SCS)), and extent of residual disease. In no residual disease (R0) patients, those with intermediate/high SCS had shorter progression-free survival (PFS; p = 0.001) and overall survival (OS; p = 0.001) than patients with low SCS. An analysis of a subset of patients with R0 and low PCIs showed those with intermediate/high SCS had worse PFS and OS than patients with low SCS (p = 0.049) and OS (p = 0.037). In multivariate analysis, patients with R0 as a result of intermediate/high SCS fared worse than patients whose R0 was achieved by low SCS (PFS hazard ratio (HR) 1.80, 95% CI 1.05–3.10; OS HR 5.59, 95% CI 1.70–18.39). High PCIs at the time of IDS, high SCS, and residual disease signal poor prognoses for patients treated with NAC.

Preoperative PET/CT score can predict complete resection in advanced epithelial ovarian cancer: a prospective study

Background

To assess the ability of preoperative positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) scans to predict postoperative residual disease in advanced epithelial ovarian cancer (AEOC).

Methods

Thirty-one women with suspected AEOC were enrolled in our prospective study before surgery from July 2016 to December 2017. Complete resection was determined as no residual disease (R0) after surgery. A PET/CT scan was obtained within 2 weeks before surgery in our hospital. The PET score was the sum of each score of the radiological criteria from Suidan's model. The correlations between the PET score and tumor burden and surgical complexity were evaluated by Pearson correlation analysis. T-test or Fisher's exact test was used to compare differences in the variables between the complete and incomplete resection groups. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed to assess the accuracy of the PET score for predicting complete postoperative resection.

Results

The median [range] of PET score was 2 [0-8], and the PET score in 20 (65%) patients was less than 3. Complete resection was achieved in 11 (35.5%) patients after surgery, including 10 (90.91%) with low PET scores and only 1 (9.09%) with a high score. The PET score had a significant positive correlation with tumor burden [Eisenkop: r=0.603, P<0.001; peritoneal cancer index (PCI): r=0.522, P=0.003] but not with surgery complexity (Aletti: r=0.291, P=0.113). Patients with lower PET scores (P=0.046) and tumor burdens (Eisenkop: P=0.013; PCI: P=0.012) had higher rates of complete resection. The PET score and tumor burden were effective for predicting complete resection. The AUC_PET, AUC_Eisenkop, and AUC_PCI were 0.797 (95% CI: 0.633-0.961, P=0.01), 0.847 (95% CI: 0.707-0.988, P=0.003), and 0.811 (95% CI: 0.653-0.969, P=0.007), respectively. However, surgery complexity was not useful for assessing complete resection.

Conclusions

The preoperative PET score can noninvasively reflect tumor burden and helps predict complete resection after surgery in AEOC patients.

A radical approach to achieve complete cytoreductive surgery improve survival of patients with advanced ovarian cancer

INTRODUCTION

Cytoreductive surgery of locally advanced ovarian cancer has evolved in the last few years from surgery to remove macroscopic residual disease (<1cm; R2b) to macroscopic complete cytoreductive surgery with no gross residual disease (R1). The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of the adoption of a maximalist surgical approach on postoperative complications, disease recurrence and survival.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This was a retrospective study using prospectively collected data on patients who received either conservative approach (CA) or radical approach (RA) surgical treatment for primary ovarian cancer stage IIIc/IVa/IVb between June 2006 and June 2013.

RESULTS

Data for 114 patients were included, 33 patients in the CA group and 68 patients in the RA group were consequently analysed. In the RA group, operative time was longer, in relation to more complex surgical procedures; with more blood losses and a higher rate of compete macroscopic resection. Totally, 77% of the patients had postoperative complications, with more grade I/II complications in the RA group but the same rates of grade III/IV complications in the both groups (P=0.14). For all patient study population, the overall and disease-free survivals were improved in case of no macroscopic residual disease. Overall survival was improved in the RA group (P=0.05), with no difference in terms of disease-free survival (P=0.29) CONCLUSION: A radical approach in advanced ovarian cancer allows a higher rate of complete cytoreductive surgery impacting overall survival. However, a non-significant trend for increased mild complications (grade I/II) rate is observed in this group.

Microscopic diseases remain in initial disseminated sites after neoadjuvant chemotherapy for stage III/IV ovarian, tubal, and primary peritoneal cancer

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate the presence of pathological residual tumor (pRT) in each initial disseminated site after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) to assess the appropriate surgical margins during interval debulking surgery (IDS) for a favorable prognosis.

Methods

This prospective descriptive study included patients with stage IIIC–IV epithelial ovarian, fallopian tubal, and peritoneal cancer. One hundred eleven patients underwent diagnostic exploratory laparotomy, and their initial intra-abdominal dissemination statuses were recorded. Any tumor >1 cm in diameter found during the exploratory laparotomy was resected during IDS even if it was macroscopically invisible after NACT. The pRT rate after NACT and negative predictive value (NPV; probability that sites with macroscopically invisible tumors have no pRT) during IDS were assessed in each disseminated site.

Results

A median of 5 NACT cycles were performed. Sites with a high incidence of pRT and low NPV included the rectosigmoid colon (71.4%, 38.6%), transverse mesentery (70.3%, 50.0%), greater omentum (68.3%, 51.7%), right diaphragm (61.9%, 48.1%), paracolic gutters (61.1%, 50.0%), and vesicouterine pouch (56.6%, 50.0%). Organs/tissues with a high incidence of pRT featured a low NPV. The median progression-free survival and overall survival in this cohort were 27.7 and 71.9 months, respectively.

Conclusion

Even if a disseminated site >1 cm in diameter before NACT is invisible during IDS, microscopic disease remains present within it. The appropriate surgical margins for IDS with a favorable prognosis could be secured by resecting a lesion of >1 cm before NACT even if it is invisible during IDS.

Evaluation of Computed Tomography Scan and CA 125 Response in Predicting Operability in Advanced Ovarian Cancer and Assessing Survival Outcome in Interval Cytoreductive Surgery

The study aims at the prediction of optimal cytoreduction (OCR) in patients undergoing interval cytoreduction (ICR) in advanced epithelial ovarian cancer (AEOC) based on CT imaging and CA 125 values and assessing the survival pattern of these patients after ICR. This is a prospective observational study of patients with stage III C ovarian cancer who underwent ICR in our institution after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT). All consecutive patients operated from April 2016 to October 2017 were included in the study. From their medical records, their demographic details and clinical variables were recorded. The CA 125 value and CT scan findings before and after chemotherapy were documented. A Bristow's predictive score (BS) was calculated based on the radiological parameters. After ICR, the outcome of the surgery was documented. Optimal cytoreduction (OCR) was defined as no gross residual disease after surgery. The surgical outcome was correlated with the CA 125 difference pre and post chemotherapy and Bristow's predictive score pre and post chemotherapy. The patients were followed up and their survival at 6 and 12 months was assessed. Univariate and multivariate analysis was done to identify factors predicting OCR. 51 patients were included in the study. Age group of the women ranged from 31 to 74 years with a mean of 52 years. Majority of the patients (70.6%) were postmenopausal. Of the 51 women, OCR could be achieved in 31 patients (60.8%). Post-chemotherapy, 36 patients had elevated CA125 above baseline of which 50% attained OCR. Forty six patients had CA 125 response post chemotherapy of which 67.4% attained OCR. Forty five patients had reduction in Bristow Score compared to the pre chemo values of which 64.4% attained OCR which was not found to be statistically significant. Overall survival was 100% survival at 6 months and 92.8% at 12 months in those who achieved OCR. Those with residual disease 0.1-1 cm had survival of 74.1% at 6 and 12 months. Those with residual disease > 1 cm had a survival of 50% at 6 and 12 months. CA125 response has a significant role in predicting OCR while CT evaluation using the BS was not useful in predicting OCR during ICR for AEOC.

Oncologic outcomes in patients undergoing maximal or optimal cytoreductive surgery for Stage 3C serous ovarian, tubal or peritoneal carcinomas

The aim of this study was to evaluate overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) of patients with Stage 3C serous ovarian, tubal and peritoneal carcinomas. A retrospective analysis of 111 patients who underwent maximal or optimal cytoreductive surgery was performed. Patients were divided into three groups as ovarian cancer (n = 47), tubal cancer (n = 24) and peritoneal cancer (n = 40). Median follow-up was 30 months. There was no significant difference in DFS and OS among the groups. Complete cytoreduction was an independent prognostic factor for DFS in all groups (HR 2.3, 95% CI 1.14-4.93; p=.020). Positive peritoneal cytology (HR 2.2, 95% CI 1.02-4.78; p=.044), and retroperitoneal lymph node involvement (HR 2.3, 95% CI1.11-4.89; p=.025) were independent risk factors for decreased OS, and extended cytoreduction (HR 2.7, 95% CI 1.05-6.99; p=.039) were independent risk factors for increased OS. In conclusion, these malignancies should be considered a single entity during treatment.IMPACT STATEMENTWhat is already known on this subject? Epithelial ovarian cancer is the second most common gynaecological cancer in women worldwide. There are different histological types including ovarian, tubal and peritoneal carcinomas in which malignant cells form in the tissue covering the ovary or lining the fallopian tube of peritoneum. Recent data have supported the view that these malignancies should be considered a single entity and should be treated the same way.What the results of this study add? In the present study, we evaluated overall survival and disease-free survival of patients with Stage 3C ovarian, tubal and peritoneal cancer undergoing maximal or optimal cytoreductive surgery. We found similar oncologic outcomes in all patient groups. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to compare oncologic outcomes of these similar and often confused malignancies in the literature. We, therefore, believe that the present study provides additional information to the body of knowledge on this topic.What the implications are of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? This study is important, as it indicates similar oncologic outcomes in patients undergoing maximal or optimal cytoreductive surgery for Stage 3C ovarian, tubal and peritoneal cancer. Based on these findings, clinicians should keep in mind that these malignancies should be considered a single clinical entity and be treated the same way. We believe that our study would pave the way for further studies regarding this subject.

High-Grade Serous Ovarian Cancer: Basic Sciences, Clinical and Therapeutic Standpoints

Among a litany of malignancies affecting the female reproductive tract, that of the ovary is the most frequently fatal. Moreover, while the steady pace of scientific discovery has fuelled recent ameliorations in the outcomes of many other cancers, the rates of mortality for ovarian cancer have been stagnant since around 1980. Yet despite the grim outlook, progress is being made towards better understanding the fundamental biology of this disease and how its biology in turn influences clinical behaviour. It has long been evident that ovarian cancer is not a unitary disease but rather a multiplicity of distinct malignancies that share a common anatomical site upon presentation. Of these, the high-grade serous subtype predominates in the clinical setting and is responsible for a disproportionate share of the fatalities from all forms of ovarian cancer. This review aims to provide a detailed overview of the clinical-pathological features of ovarian cancer with a particular focus on the high-grade serous subtype. Along with a description of the relevant clinical aspects of this disease, including novel trends in treatment strategies, this text will inform the reader of recent updates to the scientific literature regarding the origin, aetiology and molecular-genetic basis of high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC).

High-Grade Serous Ovarian Cancer: Basic Sciences, Clinical and Therapeutic Standpoints

Among a litany of malignancies affecting the female reproductive tract, that of the ovary is the most frequently fatal. Moreover, while the steady pace of scientific discovery has fuelled recent ameliorations in the outcomes of many other cancers, the rates of mortality for ovarian cancer have been stagnant since around 1980. Yet despite the grim outlook, progress is being made towards better understanding the fundamental biology of this disease and how its biology in turn influences clinical behaviour. It has long been evident that ovarian cancer is not a unitary disease but rather a multiplicity of distinct malignancies that share a common anatomical site upon presentation. Of these, the high-grade serous subtype predominates in the clinical setting and is responsible for a disproportionate share of the fatalities from all forms of ovarian cancer. This review aims to provide a detailed overview of the clinical-pathological features of ovarian cancer with a particular focus on the high-grade serous subtype. Along with a description of the relevant clinical aspects of this disease, including novel trends in treatment strategies, this text will inform the reader of recent updates to the scientific literature regarding the origin, aetiology and molecular-genetic basis of high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC).

High-Grade Serous Ovarian Cancer: Basic Sciences, Clinical and Therapeutic Standpoints

Among a litany of malignancies affecting the female reproductive tract, that of the ovary is the most frequently fatal. Moreover, while the steady pace of scientific discovery has fuelled recent ameliorations in the outcomes of many other cancers, the rates of mortality for ovarian cancer have been stagnant since around 1980. Yet despite the grim outlook, progress is being made towards better understanding the fundamental biology of this disease and how its biology in turn influences clinical behaviour. It has long been evident that ovarian cancer is not a unitary disease but rather a multiplicity of distinct malignancies that share a common anatomical site upon presentation. Of these, the high-grade serous subtype predominates in the clinical setting and is responsible for a disproportionate share of the fatalities from all forms of ovarian cancer. This review aims to provide a detailed overview of the clinical-pathological features of ovarian cancer with a particular focus on the high-grade serous subtype. Along with a description of the relevant clinical aspects of this disease, including novel trends in treatment strategies, this text will inform the reader of recent updates to the scientific literature regarding the origin, aetiology and molecular-genetic basis of high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC).

[Surgery for advanced stage ovarian cancer: Article drafted from the French Guidelines in oncology entitled "Initial management of patients with epithelial ovarian cancer" developed by FRANCOGYN, CNGOF, SFOG, GINECO-ARCAGY under the aegis of CNGOF and endorsed by INCa]

Debulking surgery is the key step of advanced stage ovarian cancer treatment with chemotherapy. The quality of surgical resection is the main prognosis factor, thus a complete resection must be achieved (grade A) in an expert center (grade B). Surgery for stage IV is possible and has a benefit in case of complete peritoneal resection (LoE3). Pelvic and aortic lymphadenectomies are recommended in case of clinical or radiological suspicious lymph nodes (grade B). In absence of clinical or radiological suspicious lymph nodes and in case of complete peritoneal resection during initial debulking surgery, lymphadenectomy can be omitted because it won't change nor medical treatment nor overall survival (grade B). Neoadjuvant chemotherapy can be proposed in case of: impossibility to perform initial complete surgical resection (grade B) ; alteration of general state or co-morbidities or elderly patient (in order to decrease morbidity and increase quality of life) (grade B); stage IV with multiple intra-hepatic or pulmonary metastasis or important ascites with miliary (grade B). In case of stage III or IV ovarian cancer diagnosed on a biopsy during prior laparotomy, a neoadjuvant chemotherapy and interval debulking surgery should be preferred (gradeC). In case of palliative surgery or peroperative impossibility to perform a complete resection, no data regarding the type of surgery to perform influencing survival or quality of life is available. Peritoneal carcinosis description before resection and residual disease at the end of the surgery should be reported (size, location and reason of non-extirpability) (grade B). A score of peritoneal carcinosis such as Peritoneal Carcinosis Index (PCI) should be used in order to objectively evaluate the tumoral burden (gradeC). A standardized operative report is recommended (gradeC).

Primary Debulking Surgery Versus Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy in Advanced Epithelial Ovarian Cancer: A Propensity-matched Analysis

AIMS

To compare the surgical and survival outcomes of patients undergoing primary debulking surgery (PDS) versus neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) plus interval debulking surgery (IDS) for advanced epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Consecutive patients managed for advanced EOC since 2009 were matched through a propensity score analysis, defined as the probability of a woman having PDS or NACT plus IDS.

RESULTS

The study group consisted of 100 propensity-matched women receiving PDS or NACT plus IDS. Groups resulted homogeneous in terms of baseline characteristics and pathologic findings. Patients undergoing PDS had longer operative time (P=0.032) and more blood loss (P=0.011) than the counterpart receiving NACT. No differences were found in terms of residual disease (P=0.11), as well as in terms of hospitalization, intraoperative, and postoperative complications. The mean progression-free survival was 23.0 and 27.7 months (P=0.67), whereas the overall survival (OS) was 44.5 and 43.2 months (P=0.48) for the PDS and NACT plus IDS group, respectively. Residual disease (P<0.0001) was the only independent predictor of progression-free and OS at multivariate analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

PDS and NACT plus IDS achieved comparable results in terms of progression-free and OS in patients with advanced EOC.

Evaluation of effectiveness of the PlasmaJet surgical device in the treatment of advanced stage ovarian cancer (PlaComOv-study): study protocol of a randomized controlled trial in the Netherlands

BACKGROUND

The most important goal for survival benefit of advanced stage ovarian cancer is to surgically remove all visible tumour, because complete cytoreductive surgery (CCS) has been shown to be associated with prolonged survival. In a remarkable number of women, CCS is very challenging. Especially in women with many small metastases on the peritoneum and intestinal surface, conventional CCS with electrosurgery is not able to be "complete" in removing safely all visible tumour. In this randomized controlled trail (RCT) we investigate whether the use of the PlasmaJet Surgical Device increases the rate of CCS, and whether this indeed leads to a longer progression free and overall survival. The main research question is: does the use of the PlasmaJet Surgical Device in surgery for advanced stage ovarian cancer result in an increased number of complete cytoreductive surgeries when compared with conventional surgical techniques. Secondary study objectives are: 30-day morbidity, duration of surgery, blood loss, length of hospitalisation, Quality of Life, disease-free survival, overall survival, percentage colostomy, cost-effectiveness.

METHODS

The study design is a multicentre single-blinded superiority RCT in two university and nine non-university hospitals in The Netherlands. Three hundred and thirty women undergoing cytoreductive surgery for advanced stage ovarian carcinoma (FIGO Stage IIIB-IV) will be randomized into two arms: use of the PlasmaJet (intervention group) versus the use of standard surgical instruments combined with electrocoagulation (control group). The primary outcome is the rate of complete cytoreductive surgery in both groups. Secondary study objectives are: 30-day morbidity, duration of surgery, blood loss, length of hospitalisation, Quality of Life, disease-free survival, overall survival, percentage colostomy, cost-effectiveness. Quality of life will be evaluated using validated questionnaires at baseline, at 1 and 6 months after surgery and at 1, 2, 3 and 4 years after surgery.

DISCUSSION

We hypothesize the additional value of the use of the PlasmaJet in CCS for advanced stage epithelial ovarian cancer. More knowledge about efficacy, side effects, recurrence rates, cost effectiveness and pathology findings after using the PlasmaJet Device is advocated. This RCT may aid in this void.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Dutch Trial Register NTR6624 . Registered 18 August 2017. Medical Ethical Committee approval number: NL62035.078.17 (Medical Ethical Committee Erasmus Medical Centre Rotterdam).

Exploratory outcome analyses according to stage and/or residual disease in the ICON7 trial of carboplatin and paclitaxel with or without bevacizumab for newly diagnosed ovarian cancer

OBJECTIVE

In the randomized phase 3 ICON7 trial (ISRCTN91273375), adding bevacizumab to chemotherapy for newly diagnosed ovarian cancer significantly improved progression-free survival (PFS; primary endpoint) but not overall survival (OS; secondary endpoint) in the intent-to-treat (ITT) population. We explored treatment effect according to stage and extent of residual disease.

METHODS

Patients with stage IIB-IV or high-risk (grade 3/clear-cell) stage I-IIA ovarian cancer were randomized to receive six cycles of carboplatin and paclitaxel either alone or with bevacizumab 7.5 mg/kg every 3 weeks followed by single-agent bevacizumab for 12 further cycles (total duration 12 months). Post hoc exploratory analyses of subgroups defined by stage and extent of residual disease at diagnosis within the stage IIIB-IV population (European indication) was performed.

RESULTS

The PFS benefit from bevacizumab was seen consistently in all subgroups explored. The PFS hazard ratio was 0.77 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.59-0.99) in 411 patients with stage IIIB-IV ovarian cancer with no visible residuum and 0.81 (95% CI, 0.69-0.95) in 749 patients with stage IIIB-IV disease and visible residuum. As in the ITT population, no OS difference was detected in any subgroup except the previously described 'high-risk' subgroup. Safety results in analyzed subgroups were consistent with the overall population.

CONCLUSIONS

Adding bevacizumab to front-line chemotherapy improves PFS irrespective of stage/residual disease. In patients with stage III with >1 cm residuum, stage IV or inoperable disease, this translates into an OS benefit. No OS benefit or detriment was seen in other subgroups explored.

Exploratory outcome analyses according to stage and/or residual disease in the ICON7 trial of carboplatin and paclitaxel with or without bevacizumab for newly diagnosed ovarian cancer

OBJECTIVE

In the randomized phase 3 ICON7 trial (ISRCTN91273375), adding bevacizumab to chemotherapy for newly diagnosed ovarian cancer significantly improved progression-free survival (PFS; primary endpoint) but not overall survival (OS; secondary endpoint) in the intent-to-treat (ITT) population. We explored treatment effect according to stage and extent of residual disease.

METHODS

Patients with stage IIB-IV or high-risk (grade 3/clear-cell) stage I-IIA ovarian cancer were randomized to receive six cycles of carboplatin and paclitaxel either alone or with bevacizumab 7.5 mg/kg every 3 weeks followed by single-agent bevacizumab for 12 further cycles (total duration 12 months). Post hoc exploratory analyses of subgroups defined by stage and extent of residual disease at diagnosis within the stage IIIB-IV population (European indication) was performed.

RESULTS

The PFS benefit from bevacizumab was seen consistently in all subgroups explored. The PFS hazard ratio was 0.77 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.59-0.99) in 411 patients with stage IIIB-IV ovarian cancer with no visible residuum and 0.81 (95% CI, 0.69-0.95) in 749 patients with stage IIIB-IV disease and visible residuum. As in the ITT population, no OS difference was detected in any subgroup except the previously described 'high-risk' subgroup. Safety results in analyzed subgroups were consistent with the overall population.

CONCLUSIONS

Adding bevacizumab to front-line chemotherapy improves PFS irrespective of stage/residual disease. In patients with stage III with >1 cm residuum, stage IV or inoperable disease, this translates into an OS benefit. No OS benefit or detriment was seen in other subgroups explored.

Exploratory outcome analyses according to stage and/or residual disease in the ICON7 trial of carboplatin and paclitaxel with or without bevacizumab for newly diagnosed ovarian cancer

OBJECTIVE

In the randomized phase 3 ICON7 trial (ISRCTN91273375), adding bevacizumab to chemotherapy for newly diagnosed ovarian cancer significantly improved progression-free survival (PFS; primary endpoint) but not overall survival (OS; secondary endpoint) in the intent-to-treat (ITT) population. We explored treatment effect according to stage and extent of residual disease.

METHODS

Patients with stage IIB-IV or high-risk (grade 3/clear-cell) stage I-IIA ovarian cancer were randomized to receive six cycles of carboplatin and paclitaxel either alone or with bevacizumab 7.5 mg/kg every 3 weeks followed by single-agent bevacizumab for 12 further cycles (total duration 12 months). Post hoc exploratory analyses of subgroups defined by stage and extent of residual disease at diagnosis within the stage IIIB-IV population (European indication) was performed.

RESULTS

The PFS benefit from bevacizumab was seen consistently in all subgroups explored. The PFS hazard ratio was 0.77 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.59-0.99) in 411 patients with stage IIIB-IV ovarian cancer with no visible residuum and 0.81 (95% CI, 0.69-0.95) in 749 patients with stage IIIB-IV disease and visible residuum. As in the ITT population, no OS difference was detected in any subgroup except the previously described 'high-risk' subgroup. Safety results in analyzed subgroups were consistent with the overall population.

CONCLUSIONS

Adding bevacizumab to front-line chemotherapy improves PFS irrespective of stage/residual disease. In patients with stage III with >1 cm residuum, stage IV or inoperable disease, this translates into an OS benefit. No OS benefit or detriment was seen in other subgroups explored.

Long-term survival in patients with epithelial ovarian cancer following cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC)

OBJECTIVE

Despite a high response rate to first-line therapy, prognosis of epithelial ovarian carcinoma (EOC) remains poor. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the frequency of long-term survivors and to identify the prognostic factors associated with long-term survival in a French cohort of 566 patients.

METHODS

Patients treated with cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) for EOC in 13 French centers between 1991 and 2010 were included. Long-term survivors were defined as patients who survived more than 5 years after HIPEC and CRS, irrespective of relapse.

RESULTS

Seventy-eight long-term survivors were analyzed. The median follow-up was 74 months. Median age at the time of first HIPEC was 55.4 years (range [22.6-77.6]. Seven patients had advanced EOC and 71 patients had recurrent EOC (37 patients had platinum-resistant EOC and 32 had platinum-sensitive disease). More than half of the long-term survivors had high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC). In univariate analysis, age ≥50 years (p = .004), peritoneal cancer index (PCI) ≤ 8 (p = .049) and CA-125 < 100 (p = .02) were associated with long-term survival. There was a trend towards an association between higher CC-score and long-term survival (p = .057).

CONCLUSION

Age ≥50 years, PCI ≤8 and CA125 < 100 were associated with long-term survival in univariate analysis. There was a trend towards the significance of CC-score. Platinum-status was not associated with long-term survival.

Changes in ovarian cancer survival during the 20 years before the era of targeted therapy

Background

The survival of patients with ovarian cancer has improved because of surgery and chemotherapy. This study aimed to estimate the changes in survival rates among Korean women with ovarian cancer prior to the introduction of targeted therapy for ovarian cancer.

Methods

Data were obtained from the Korea Central Cancer Registry regarding patients who were diagnosed with epithelial ovarian cancer between 1995 and 2014. The relative survival rates were calculated for 5-year periods using the Ederer II method. Cox proportional hazard models were created to assess the associations of demographic and clinicopathological factors with ovarian cancer survival.

Results

During the study period, 22,880 women were diagnosed with epithelial ovarian cancer. The 5-year relative survival rate improved from 57.2% during 1995–1999 to 63.8% during 2010–2014 (P < 0.001). Survival outcomes improved between 1995 and 1999 and 2010–2014 for the serous and endometrioid carcinoma subtypes (P < 0.001). However, no improvements were observed for the mucinous and clear cell carcinoma subtypes (P = 0.189 and P = 0.293, respectively). Multivariate analysis revealed that younger age, early stage, recent diagnosis, primary surgical treatment, and non-serous histological subtype were favorable prognostic factors.

Conclusion

Survival outcomes have improved for serous and endometrioid epithelial ovarian cancer in the last 20 years. However, no improvement was observed for patients with mucinous and clear cell carcinoma subtypes.

A triage strategy in advanced ovarian cancer management based on multiple predictive models for R0 resection: a prospective cohort study

Objective

To present the surgical outcomes of advanced epithelial ovarian cancer (AEOC) since the implementation of a personalized approach and to validate multiple predictive models for R0 resection.

Methods

Personalized strategies included: 1) Non-invasive model: preoperative clinico-radiological assessment according to Suidan criteria with a predictive score for all individuals. Patients with a score 0–2 were recommended for primary debulking surgery (PDS, group A), or otherwise were counseled on the choices of PDS, neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC, group B) or staging laparoscopy (S-LPS). 2) Minimally invasive model: S-LPS with a predictive index value (PIV) according to Fagotti. Individuals with a PIV <8 underwent PDS (group C) or otherwise received NAC (group D). Intraoperative assessment (with Eisenkop, peritoneal cancer index [PCI], and Aletti scores) and surgical results were prospectively collected.

Results

Between September 2015 and August 2017, 161 pathologically confirmed epithelial ovarian cancer patients were included. A total of 52 (32.3%) patients had a predictive score of 0–2, and 109 (67.7%) patients had a score ≥3. Among these individuals, 41 (25.5%) patients received S-LPS. Finally, 110 (68.3%) patients underwent PDS (A+C), and 51 (31.7%) patients received NAC (B+D). The R0 resection rates in PDS and NAC patients were 56.4% and 60.8%, respectively. The area under the curve (AUC) of Suidan criteria was 0.548 for group (A+C). The AUC of Fagotti score was 0.702 for group C. The AUC of Eisenkop, PCI, and Aletti scores were 0.808, 0.797, and 0.524, respectively.

Conclusion

The Suidan criteria were not effective in these AEOC patients. S-LPS was helpful in decision-making for PDS and should be endorsed in the future.

Prognostic value of progesterone receptor expression in ovarian cancer: a meta-analysis

Objective

While a prognosis value of progesterone receptor (PR) in ovarian cancer has been reported in some publications, controversial data were presented by different reports. In order to address the disagreement of progesterone receptor in ovarian cancer survival, we conducted this meta-analysis.

Methods

Relevant articles on progesterone receptor and ovarian cancer prognosis were identified via a thorough search of PubMed, Embase and Cochrane Central. Hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were extracted from studies on overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS)/progress-free survival (PFS)/recurrence-free survival (RFS).

Result

A total of 28 eligible studies containing 5685 patients were collected for analysis. It was found that progesterone receptor positivity was significantly associated with favorable overall survival (OS) (HR = 0.86, 95% CI = 0.78 to 0.95, P = 0.002) and disease-free survival (DFS)/progress-free survival (PFS)/recurrence-free survival (RFS) (HR = 0.75, 95% CI = 0.61 to 0.93, P = 0.008) of ovarian cancer patients. Subgroup analysis showed that progesterone receptor expression was associated with a favorable prognosis of unclassified ovarian cancer, European origin, and immunohistochemical detection method.

Conclusion

Progesterone receptor expression can be used as a favorable prognostic predictor in ovarian cancer managements.

WT1, p53 and p16 expression in the diagnosis of low- and high-grade serous ovarian carcinomas and their relation to prognosis

Objective

To evaluate the diagnostic and prognostic value of the immunohistochemical expression of WT1, p53 and p16 in low- (LGSOCs) and high-grade serous ovarian carcinomas (HGSOCs).

Results

HGSOC had a significantly higher proportion of advanced stage disease, higher CA125 levels, higher proportion of post-surgery residual disease and higher recurrence or disease progression. WT1 was expressed in 71.4% of LGSOCs and in 57.1% of HGSOCs (p = 0.32). Focal and/or complete absence of p53 expression with negative p16 expression was found in 90.5% of LGSOCs, in contrast to the 88.1% of HGSOCs with diffuse or complete absence of p53 expression with positive p16 expression (<0.001). The IHC p53/p16 index and the morphological classification were closely matched (k = 0.68). In the univariate analysis, FIGO stage, post-surgery residual disease and histological grade were significantly associated with progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). The IHC p53/p16 index was associated only with PFS. WT1 was not associated with PFS or OS. According to the multivariate analysis, advanced FIGO stage and presence of post-surgery residual disease remained independent prognostic factors for worst PFS, however these features had only a trend association with OS.

Methods

21 LGSOC and 85 HGSOC stage I-IV cases were included. The morphological classification was assessed according to the World Health Organization (WHO) criteria. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was performed in tissue microarray slides. IHC p53/p16 index was compared with the morphological classification.

Conclusions

The IHC p53/p16 index was a good marker for the differentiation of LGSOC and HGSOC, but the morphologic classification showed a better association with survival. FIGO stage and post-surgery residual disease remained the only independent prognostic factors for survival.

Correlation between Surgeon's assessment and radiographic evaluation of residual disease in women with advanced stage ovarian cancer reported to have undergone optimal surgical cytoreduction: An NRG Oncology/Gynecologic Oncology Group study

PURPOSE

We sought to determine the level of concordance among surgeons' assessment of residual disease (RD) and pre-treatment computed tomography (CT) findings among women who underwent optimal surgical cytoreduction for advanced stage ovarian cancer.

METHODS

This is a post-trial ad hoc analysis of a phase 3 randomized clinical trial evaluating the impact of bevacizumab in primary and maintenance therapy for patients with advanced stage ovarian cancer following surgical cytoreduction. All subjects underwent imaging of the chest/abdomen/pelvis to establish a post-surgical baseline prior to the initiation of chemotherapy. Information collected on trial was utilized to compare surgeon's operative assessment of RD, to pre-treatment imaging.

RESULTS

Of 1873 enrolled patients, surgical outcome was described as optimal (RD≤1cm) in 639 subjects. Twelve patients were excluded as they did not have a baseline, pretreatment imaging, leaving 627 participants for analysis. The average interval from surgery to baseline scan was 26days (range: 1-109). In 251 cases (40%), the post-operative scan was discordant with surgeon assessment, demonstrating RD>1cm in size. RD>1cm was most commonly identified in the right upper quadrant (28.4%), retroperitoneal para-aortic lymph nodes (RD>1.5cm; 28.2%) and the left upper quadrant (10.7%). Patients with RD>1cm on pre-treatment CT (discordant) exhibited a significantly greater risk of disease progression (HR 1.30; 95% CI 1.08-1.56; p=0.0059).

CONCLUSIONS

Among patients reported to have undergone optimal cytoreduction, 40% were found to have lesions >1cm on postoperative, pretreatment imaging. Although inflammatory changes and/or rapid tumor regrowth could account for the discordance, the impact on PFS and distribution of RD may suggest underestimation by the operating surgeon.

Meigs to modern times: The evolution of debulking surgery in advanced ovarian cancer

Joe V. Meigs was a visionary clinician and an early adopter of radical techniques in the surgical treatment of ovarian cancer. His 1934 textbook "Tumors of the Female Pelvic Organs", consolidated his approach to this "hopeless" disease, with pearls on diagnosis, outcomes, and even speculations about the benefits of minimally invasive surgery. Decades before adjuvant chemotherapy would prove of value, and in an era when sophisticated statistics were unheard of, he nonetheless tried to eke out what benefits he could using the methods available in his time. We transition his original findings and observations through the advent of platinum-based chemotherapy, retrospective cohort studies supporting the benefits of primary debulking, and finally the long-awaited randomized controlled trial. We aim to provide historical context for the underpinnings of how cytoreductive surgery has evolved into its current role in the treatment of advanced ovarian cancer.

WT1, p53 and p16 expression in the diagnosis of low- and high-grade serous ovarian carcinomas and their relation to prognosis

Objective

To evaluate the diagnostic and prognostic value of the immunohistochemical expression of WT1, p53 and p16 in low- (LGSOCs) and high-grade serous ovarian carcinomas (HGSOCs).

Results

HGSOC had a significantly higher proportion of advanced stage disease, higher CA125 levels, higher proportion of post-surgery residual disease and higher recurrence or disease progression. WT1 was expressed in 71.4% of LGSOCs and in 57.1% of HGSOCs (p = 0.32). Focal and/or complete absence of p53 expression with negative p16 expression was found in 90.5% of LGSOCs, in contrast to the 88.1% of HGSOCs with diffuse or complete absence of p53 expression with positive p16 expression (<0.001). The IHC p53/p16 index and the morphological classification were closely matched (k = 0.68). In the univariate analysis, FIGO stage, post-surgery residual disease and histological grade were significantly associated with progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). The IHC p53/p16 index was associated only with PFS. WT1 was not associated with PFS or OS. According to the multivariate analysis, advanced FIGO stage and presence of post-surgery residual disease remained independent prognostic factors for worst PFS, however these features had only a trend association with OS.

Methods

21 LGSOC and 85 HGSOC stage I–IV cases were included. The morphological classification was assessed according to the World Health Organization (WHO) criteria. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was performed in tissue microarray slides. IHC p53/p16 index was compared with the morphological classification.

Conclusions

The IHC p53/p16 index was a good marker for the differentiation of LGSOC and HGSOC, but the morphologic classification showed a better association with survival. FIGO stage and post-surgery residual disease remained the only independent prognostic factors for survival.

A Novel Tumor-Specific Agent for Intraoperative Near-Infrared Fluorescence Imaging: A Translational Study in Healthy Volunteers and Patients with Ovarian Cancer

PURPOSE

Completeness of cytoreductive surgery is a key prognostic factor for survival in patients with ovarian cancer. The ability to differentiate clearly between malignant and healthy tissue is essential for achieving complete cytoreduction. Using current approaches, this differentiation is often difficult and can lead to incomplete tumor removal. Near-infrared fluorescence imaging has the potential to improve the detection of malignant tissue during surgery, significantly improving outcome. Here, we report the use of OTL38, a near-infrared (796 nm) fluorescent agent, that binds folate receptor alpha, which is expressed in >90% of epithelial ovarian cancers.

EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN

We first performed a randomized, placebo-controlled study in 30 healthy volunteers. Four single increasing doses of OTL38 were delivered intravenously. At fixed times following drug delivery, tolerability and blood/skin pharmacokinetics were assessed. Next, using the results of the first study, three doses were selected and administered to 12 patients who had epithelial ovarian cancer and were scheduled for cytoreductive surgery. We measured tolerability and blood pharmacokinetics, as well as the ability to detect the tumor using intraoperative fluorescence imaging.

RESULTS

Intravenous infusion of OTL38 in 30 healthy volunteers yielded an optimal dosage range and time window for intraoperative imaging. In 12 patients with ovarian cancer, OTL38 accumulated in folate receptor alpha-positive tumors and metastases, enabling the surgeon to resect an additional 29% of malignant lesions that were not identified previously using inspection and/or palpation.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrates that performing real-time intraoperative near-infrared fluorescence imaging using a tumor-specific agent is feasible and potentially clinically beneficial. Clin Cancer Res; 22(12); 2929-38. ©2016 AACR.

The Role of HE4, a Novel Biomarker, in Predicting Optimal Cytoreduction After Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy in Advanced Ovarian Cancer

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to evaluate serum human epididymis protein 4 (HE4) changes during neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) to establish HE4 predebulking surgery cutoff values and to demonstrate that CA125, HE4, and computed tomography (CT) taken together are better able to predict complete cytoreduction after NACT in advanced ovarian cancer patients.

METHODS

From January 2006 to November 2015, patients affected by epithelial advanced ovarian cancer (International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics stage III-IV), considered not optimally resectable, were included in this prospective study. After 3 cycles of NACT, all patients underwent debulking surgery and were allocated, according to residual tumor (RT), into group A (RT = 0) and group B (RT > 0). Serum CA125, HE4, and CT images were recorded during NACT and compared singularly and with each other in term of accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive value.

RESULTS

A total of 94 and 20 patients were included in group A and group B, respectively. The HE4 values recorded before debulking surgery correlated with RT. The identified HE4 cutoff value of 226 pmol/L after NACT was able to classify patients at high or low risk of suboptimal surgery, with a sensitivity of 75% and a specificity of 85% (positive predictive value, 0.87; negative predictive value, 0.70). The combination of CA125, HE4, and CT imaging resulted in the best combination with a sensitivity of 96% and a specificity of 92% (positive predictive value, 0.96; negative predictive value, 0.94).

CONCLUSIONS

The novel biomarker HE4, in addition to CA125 and CT, is better able to predict the RT at debulking surgery and the prognosis of patients.

Intraoperative imaging of folate receptor alpha positive ovarian and breast cancer using the tumor specific agent EC17

Introduction

Intraoperative fluorescence imaging of the folate-receptor alpha (FRα) could support completeness of resection in cancer surgery. Feasibility of EC17, a FRα-targeting agent that fluoresces at 500nm, was demonstrated in a limited series of ovarian cancer patients. Our objective was to evaluate EC17 in a larger group of ovarian cancer patients. In addition, we assessed the feasibility of EC17 in patients with breast cancer.

Methods

Two-to-three hours before surgery 0.1mg/kg EC17 was intravenously administered to 12 patients undergoing surgery for ovarian cancer and to 3 patients undergoing surgery for biopsy-proven FRα-positive breast cancer. The number of lesions/positive margins detected with fluorescence and concordance between fluorescence and tumor- and FRα-status was assessed in addition to safety and pharmacokinetics.

Results

Fluorescence imaging in ovarian cancer patients allowed detection of 57 lesions of which 44 (77%) appeared malignant on histopathology. Seven out of these 44 (16%) were not detected with inspection/palpation. Histopathology demonstrated concordance between fluorescence and FRα- and tumor status. Fluorescence imaging in breast cancer patients, allowed detection of tumor-specific fluorescence signal. At the 500nm wavelength, autofluorescence of normal breast tissue was present to such extent that it interfered with tumor identification.

Conclusions

FRα is a favorable target for fluorescence-guided surgery as EC17 produced a clear fluorescent signal in ovarian and breast cancer tissue. This resulted in resection of ovarian cancer lesions that were otherwise not detected. Notwithstanding, autofluorescence caused false-positive lesions in ovarian cancer and difficulty in discriminating breast cancer-specific fluorescence from background signal. Optimization of the 500nm fluorophore, will minimize autofluorescence and further improve intraoperative tumor detection.

Epithelial ovarian cancer: the molecular genetics of epithelial ovarian cancer

BACKGROUND

Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among women worldwide, despite gains in diagnostics and treatments made over the last three decades. Existing markers of ovarian cancer possess very limited clinical relevance highlighting the emerging need for identification of novel prognostic biomarkers as well as better predictive factors that might allow the stratification of patients who could benefit from a more targeted approach.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A summary of molecular genetics of EOC.

RESULTS

Large-scale high-throughput genomic technologies appear to be powerful tools for investigations into the genetic abnormalities in ovarian tumors, including studies on dysregulated genes and aberrantly activated signaling pathways. Such technologies can complement well-established clinical histopathology analysis and tumor grading and will hope to result in better, more tailored treatments in the future. Genomic signatures obtained by gene expression profiling of EOC may be able to predict survival outcomes and other important clinical outcomes, such as the success of surgical treatment. Finally, genomic analyses may allow for the identification of novel predictive biomarkers for purposes of treatment planning. These data combined suggest a pathway to progress in the treatment of advanced ovarian cancer and the promise of fulfilling the objective of providing personalized medicine to women with ovarian cancer.

CONCLUSIONS

The understanding of basic molecular events in the tumorigenesis and chemoresistance of EOC together with discovery of potential biomarkers may be greatly enhanced through large-scale genomic studies. In order to maximize the impact of these technologies, however, extensive validation studies are required.

Minimal Macroscopic Residual Disease (0.1-1 cm). Is It Still a Surgical Goal in Advanced Ovarian Cancer?

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this review was to try to determine by searching in the literature what is the survival in patients with advanced ovarian cancer after a primary debulking with minimal macroscopic residual disease (MMRD; 0.1-10 mm). Additionally, this review aimed to explore the survival in patients with residual disease from 0.1 to 0.5 cm.

METHODS

A retrospective search was accomplished in the PubMed database looking for all English-language articles published between January 1, 2007 and December 31, 2014, under the following search strategy: "ovarian cancer and cytoreduction" or "ovarian cancer and phase III trial". We selected those articles that contain information on both percentage of MMRD (0.1-1 cm) and median overall survival (OS) in this subset of patients with stage III to stage IV ovarian cancer after primary debulking surgery.

RESULTS

Thirteen publications were obtained including information of a total 11,999 patients with stage III to stage IV ovarian cancer. Five thousand thirty-seven patients (42%) had MMRD after the primary debulking (0.1-1 cm). Median overall survival in patients with MMRD was 40 months and disease-free survival (DFS) was 16 months. This group of patients obtained an advantage of 10 months in OS (40 vs 30 m) and 4 months in DFS (16 vs 12 m) compared with the group with suboptimal debulking (P < 0.001). Compared with the group of complete resection, patients with minimal macroscopic residuum showed a significant inferior median OS and DFS of 30 months and 14 months, respectively (OS, 70 vs 40 m; DFS, 30 vs 16 m) (P < 0.001). The group of residual disease of 0.1 to 0.5 cm reached a median survival of 53 months.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with ovarian cancer with MMRD after primary surgery obtain a modest but significant advantage in survival (10 months) over suboptimal patients. Patients with macroscopic residual disease (0.1-0.5 cm) obtain a better survival (53 months) than those with more than 0.5 to 1 cm. We propose that they should be classified as a different prognostic group.

Feasibility, safety and clinical outcomes of cardiophrenic lymph node resection in advanced ovarian cancer

OBJECTIVES

Surgical resection of enlarged cardiophrenic lymph nodes (CPLNs) in primary treatment of advanced ovarian cancer has not been widely studied. We report on a cohort of patients undergoing CPLN resection during primary cytoreductive surgery (CRS), examining its feasibility, safety, and potential impact on clinical outcomes.

METHODS

We identified all patients undergoing primary CRS/CPLN resection for Stages IIIB-IV high-grade epithelial ovarian cancer at our institution from 1/2001-12/2013. Clinical and pathological data were collected. Statistical tests were performed.

RESULTS

54 patients underwent CPLN resection. All had enlarged CPLNs on preoperative imaging. Median diameter of an enlarged CPLN: 1.3cm (range 0.6-2.9). Median patient age: 59y (range 41-74). 48 (88.9%) underwent transdiaphragmatic resection; 6 (11.1%) underwent video-assisted thoracic surgery. A median of 3 nodes (range 1-23) were resected. A median of 2 nodes (range 0-22) were positive for metastasis. 51/54 (94.4%) had positive nodes. 51 (94.4%) had chest tube placement; median time to removal: 4d (range 2-12). 44 (81.4%) had peritoneal carcinomatosis. 19 (35%) experienced major postoperative complications; 4 of these (7%) were surgery-related. Median time to adjuvant chemotherapy: 40d (range 19-205). All patients were optimally cytoreduced, 30 (55.6%) without visible residual disease. Median progression-free survival: 17.2mos (95% CI 12.6-21.8); median overall survival: 70.1mos (95% CI 51.2-89.0).

CONCLUSIONS

Enlarged CPLNs can be identified on preoperative imaging and may indicate metastases. Resection can identify extra-abdominal disease, confirm Stage IV disease, obtain optimal cytoreduction. In the proper setting it is feasible, safe, and does not delay chemotherapy. In select patients, it may improve survival.

Management of advanced ovarian cancer in South West Wales - a comparison between primary debulking surgery and primary chemotherapy treatment strategies in an unselected, consecutive patient cohort

OBJECTIVES

This study represents the first reported outcomes for patients with advanced ovarian cancer (AOC) in South-West Wales undergoing treatment with primary debulking surgery or primary chemotherapy respectively.

METHODS

This is a retrospective study of consecutive, unselected patients with advanced ovarian, fallopian tube or primary peritoneal cancer (FIGO III/IV) presenting to a regional cancer centre between October 2007 and October 2014. Patients were identified from Welsh Cancer Services records and relevant data was extracted from electronic National Health Service (NHS) databases. Main outcome measures were median overall survival (OS), progression free survival (PFS) and perioperative adverse events. Hazard ratio estimation was carried out with Cox Regression analysis and survival determined by Kaplan-Meier plots.

RESULTS

Of 220 women with AOC, 32.3% underwent primary debulking surgery (PDS) and 67.7% primary chemotherapy and interval debulking (PCT-IDS). Patients were often elderly (median age 67 years) with a poor performance status (26.5% PS >1). Complete cytoreduction (0cm residual) was achieved in 32.4% of patients in the PDS group and in 50.0% of patients undergoing IDS. Median OS for all patients was 21.9 months (PDS: 27.0 and PCT-IDS: 19.2 months; p >0.05) and median PFS was 13.1 months (PDS: 14.3 months and PCT-IDS: 13.0 months; p >0.05). Median overall and progression free survival for patients achieving complete cytoreduction were 48.0 and 23.2 months respectively in the PDS group and 35.4 months and 18.6 months in the IDS group (p >0.05).

CONCLUSION

This retrospective study of an unselected, consecutive cohort of women with AOC in South West Wales shows comparable survival outcomes with recently published trials, despite the relatively advanced age and poor performance status of our patient cohort. Over the seven-year study period, our data also demonstrated a non-significant trend towards improved survival following primary surgery in patients who achieved maximal cytoreduction. Our future aim therefore is to examine and develop the role of extended surgery in these patients.

The optimal time for surgery in women with serous ovarian cancer

BACKGROUND

Advanced high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma (HGSC) is commonly treated with surgery and chemotherapy. We investigated the survival of patients treated with primary or interval surgery at different times following neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Their survival was compared with that of patients treated with primary cytoreductive surgery and adjuvant chemotherapy.

METHODS

Patients with stage III or IV HGSC were included in this retrospective cohort study. Clinical data were obtained from patient records. Patients were divided into 2 groups based on treatment with neoadjuvant chemotherapy and interval cytoreductive surgery (NAC) or with primary cytoreductive surgery and adjuvant chemotherapy (PCS). Study groups were stratified by several clinical variables.

RESULTS

We included 334 patients in our study: 156 in the NAC and 178 in the PCS groups. Survival of patients in the NAC group was independent of when they underwent interval cytoreductive surgery following initiation of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (p < 0.001). Optimal surgical cytoreduction had no impact on overall survival in the NAC group (p < 0.001). Optimal cytoreduction (p < 0.001) and platinum sensitivity (p < 0.001) were independent predictors of improved survival in the PCS but not in the NAC group. Patients in the NAC group had significantly worse overall survival than those in the PCS group (31.6 v. 61.3 mo, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Women with advanced HGSC who underwent PCS had better survival than those who underwent interval NAC, regardless of the number of cycles of neoadjuvant therapy. Optimal cytoreduction did not provide a survival advantage in the NAC group.

Dealing with microscopic peritoneal metastases of epithelial ovarian cancer. A surgical challenge

Understanding biology and progression mechanisms of peritoneal metastases of epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) is a cornerstone in the knowledge and the comprehensive management of the disease. Despite clinical remission after the association of complete cytoreductive surgery and platinum-based chemotherapy, peritoneal recurrence still occurs in 60% of patients. Eligible studies, published from 1980 to June 2016, were retrieved through ClinicalTrials.gov, MEDLINE, Cochrane databases and bibliography searches. We reviewed all publications that deals with microscopic peritoneal metastases of EOC in French and English. To discuss expected benefits of intraperitoneal (IP) chemotherapy, fluorescence-guided surgery or IP photodynamic therapy, we reviewed most recent and relevant studies. The final reference list was generated on the basis of originality and relevance to the broad scope of this review. Published data concerning early-stage ovarian cancer suggest that occult peritoneal or epiploic metastases are present in 1.2%-15.1% of cases. In the frequent case of advanced-stage disease, residual microscopic lesions are ignored by conventional surgery. We are convinced that microscopic peritoneal metastases are a relevant surgical therapeutic target. This article discusses existing data on microscopic peritoneal metastases, the treatment indications, the diagnostic and therapeutic surgical approaches to be developed and their expected benefits. A local therapeutic strategy to target microscopic lesions is needed in addition to complete macroscopic cytoreductive surgery to decrease the rate of peritoneal recurrence. Intraperitoneal chemotherapy, and targeted photodynamic therapy could play a role in this new paradigm. The roles of these different options must be defined by future researches.

Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy and Cytoreductive Surgery in the Management of Peritoneal Carcinomatosis

BACKGROUND

Malignant peritoneal disease can lead to significant debility due to bowel obstructions, ascites, and cancer cachexia. Moreover, inadequate imaging techniques can lead to the suboptimal detection of disease, and the poor vascularity of tumors can lead to a poor response to systemic chemotherapy. However, combination cytoreductive surgery/hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) is a promising novel treatment for patients with this disease.

METHODS

The medical literature focusing on diagnostic updates and the management of peritoneal disease was reviewed. The application principles of HIPEC for use in peritoneal disease were also summarized.

RESULTS

Improvements in imaging and the application of laparoscopic techniques have significantly increased the rate of diagnosis of early peritoneal disease with consequently less morbid cytoreductive procedures. Appropriate patient selection based on prognostic scores along with complete cytoreduction can identify a cohort of patients likely to derive durable benefit from this combination treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Advances in diagnostic and therapeutic techniques, including surgical cytoreductive techniques, have demonstrated significant survival gains in patients with peritoneal disease. Although HIPEC can be used for the management of various types of histologies, further development of high-level evidence is necessary to advance the field.

Appropriate Recommendations for Surgical Debulking in Stage IV Ovarian Cancer

OPINION STATEMENT

Epithelial ovarian cancer continues to be the leading cause of death due to gynecologic malignancy, and it is the fifth leading cause of cancer death in women in the USA and seventh worldwide. In most women with ovarian cancer, the disease is diagnosed at an advanced stage and primary cytoreductive surgery is considered standard of care. Traditionally, the gynecologic oncology literature supports the dictum that aggressive radical debulking to reduce intra-abdominal tumor burden to minimal or less than 1 cm of disease has significant impact on overall survival. However, the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) trial found that survival after neoadjuvant followed by interval debulking surgery was similar to survival with the standard approach of primary surgery followed by chemotherapy. Many gynecologic oncologists have now adopted neoadjuvant chemotherapy for the treatment of stage IV ovarian cancer given the complex nature of this disease. Currently, there are conflicting results in the literature with regards to neoadjuvant chemotherapy versus primary debulking for stage IV ovarian cancer. While there is evidence that neoadjuvant treatment is not inferior to primary debulking, the literature also supports that maximizing debulking efforts with radical surgery can provide a survival benefit in patients with stage IV ovarian carcinoma.

[Surgical management of ovarian cancer: Trends in clinical practice]

Surgery has evolved as a mainstay of the management of ovarian cancer since evidence of the major benefit of complete surgery, i.e. achieving complete resection of the disease without visible macroscopic residue in a comprehensively explored abdominal cavity, has been made available. This objective may be difficult to complete in case of advanced ovarian cancer, as it requires the use of advanced techniques of peritoneal and visceral surgery, in the setting of adapted perioperative care, generally in institutions where the caseload is sufficient to ensure an appropriate surgical experience, and where specifically trained surgeons are available. In this paper using the data from the French national database PMSI, evidence of an evolution of the proportion of patients managed in centers where more than 20 patients a year are operated is shown. However, the recommendations of the governmental Plans Cancers are far from universally implemented.

European Society of Gynaecologic Oncology Quality Indicators for Advanced Ovarian Cancer Surgery

Objectives

The surgical management of advanced ovarian cancer involves complex surgery. Implementation of a quality management program has a major impact on survival. The goal of this work was to develop a list of quality indicators (QIs) for advanced ovarian cancer surgery that can be used to audit and improve the clinical practice. This task has been carried out under the auspices of the European Society of Gynaecologic Oncology (ESGO).

Methods

Quality indicators were based on scientific evidence and/or expert consensus. A 4-step evaluation process included a systematic literature search for the identification of potential QIs and the documentation of scientific evidence, physical meetings of an ad hoc multidisciplinarity International Development Group, an internal validation of the targets and scoring system, and an external review process involving physicians and patients.

Results

Ten structural, process, or outcome indicators were selected. Quality indicators 1 to 3 are related to achievement of complete cytoreduction, caseload in the center, training, and experience of the surgeon. Quality indicators 4 to 6 are related to the overall management, including active participation to clinical research, decision-making process within a structured multidisciplinary team, and preoperative workup. Quality indicator 7 addresses the high value of adequate perioperative management. Quality indicators 8 to 10 highlight the need of recording pertinent information relevant to improvement of quality. An ESGO-approved template for the operative report has been designed. Quality indicators were described using a structured format specifying what the indicator is measuring, measurability specifications, and targets. Each QI was associated with a score, and an assessment form was built.

Conclusions

The ESGO quality criteria can be used for self-assessment, for institutional or governmental quality assurance programs, and for the certification of centers. Quality indicators and corresponding targets give practitioners and health administrators a quantitative basis for improving care and organizational processes in the surgical management of advanced ovarian cancer.

Ovarian cancer

Ovarian cancer is not a single disease and can be subdivided into at least five different histological subtypes that have different identifiable risk factors, cells of origin, molecular compositions, clinical features and treatments. Ovarian cancer is a global problem, is typically diagnosed at a late stage and has no effective screening strategy. Standard treatments for newly diagnosed cancer consist of cytoreductive surgery and platinum-based chemotherapy. In recurrent cancer, chemotherapy, anti-angiogenic agents and poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitors are used, and immunological therapies are currently being tested. High-grade serous carcinoma (HGSC) is the most commonly diagnosed form of ovarian cancer and at diagnosis is typically very responsive to platinum-based chemotherapy. However, in addition to the other histologies, HGSCs frequently relapse and become increasingly resistant to chemotherapy. Consequently, understanding the mechanisms underlying platinum resistance and finding ways to overcome them are active areas of study in ovarian cancer. Substantial progress has been made in identifying genes that are associated with a high risk of ovarian cancer (such as BRCA1 and BRCA2), as well as a precursor lesion of HGSC called serous tubal intraepithelial carcinoma, which holds promise for identifying individuals at high risk of developing the disease and for developing prevention strategies.

Ovarian cancer

Ovarian cancer is not a single disease and can be subdivided into at least five different histological subtypes that have different identifiable risk factors, cells of origin, molecular compositions, clinical features and treatments. Ovarian cancer is a global problem, is typically diagnosed at a late stage and has no effective screening strategy. Standard treatments for newly diagnosed cancer consist of cytoreductive surgery and platinum-based chemotherapy. In recurrent cancer, chemotherapy, anti-angiogenic agents and poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitors are used, and immunological therapies are currently being tested. High-grade serous carcinoma (HGSC) is the most commonly diagnosed form of ovarian cancer and at diagnosis is typically very responsive to platinum-based chemotherapy. However, in addition to the other histologies, HGSCs frequently relapse and become increasingly resistant to chemotherapy. Consequently, understanding the mechanisms underlying platinum resistance and finding ways to overcome them are active areas of study in ovarian cancer. Substantial progress has been made in identifying genes that are associated with a high risk of ovarian cancer (such as BRCA1 and BRCA2), as well as a precursor lesion of HGSC called serous tubal intraepithelial carcinoma, which holds promise for identifying individuals at high risk of developing the disease and for developing prevention strategies.

Ovarian cancer

Ovarian cancer is not a single disease and can be subdivided into at least five different histological subtypes that have different identifiable risk factors, cells of origin, molecular compositions, clinical features and treatments. Ovarian cancer is a global problem, is typically diagnosed at a late stage and has no effective screening strategy. Standard treatments for newly diagnosed cancer consist of cytoreductive surgery and platinum-based chemotherapy. In recurrent cancer, chemotherapy, anti-angiogenic agents and poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitors are used, and immunological therapies are currently being tested. High-grade serous carcinoma (HGSC) is the most commonly diagnosed form of ovarian cancer and at diagnosis is typically very responsive to platinum-based chemotherapy. However, in addition to the other histologies, HGSCs frequently relapse and become increasingly resistant to chemotherapy. Consequently, understanding the mechanisms underlying platinum resistance and finding ways to overcome them are active areas of study in ovarian cancer. Substantial progress has been made in identifying genes that are associated with a high risk of ovarian cancer (such as BRCA1 and BRCA2), as well as a precursor lesion of HGSC called serous tubal intraepithelial carcinoma, which holds promise for identifying individuals at high risk of developing the disease and for developing prevention strategies.