Interest of pelvic and paraaortic lymphadenectomy in patients with stage IB and II cervical carcinoma

Genetic analysis of cervical cancer with lymph node metastasis

OBJECTIVE

To find out the differences in gene characteristics between cervical cancer patients with and without lymph node metastasis, and to provide reference for therapy.

METHODS

From January 2018 to June 2022, recurrent cervical cancer patients 39 cases with lymph node metastasis and 73 cases without lymph node metastasis underwent testing of 1,021 cancer-related genes by next-generation sequencing. Maftools software was used to analyze somatic single nucleotide/insertion-deletion variation mutation, co-occurring mutation, cosmic mutation characteristics, oncogenic signaling pathways.

RESULTS

EP300 and FBXW7 were significantly enriched in lymph node-positive patients. Lymph node-positive patients with EP300 or FBXW7 mutations had lower overall survival (OS) after recurrence. Both lymph node-positive and -negative patients had plenty of co-occurring mutations but few mutually exclusive mutations. Lymph node-positive co-occurring mutation number ≥6 had lower OS, while lymph node-negative co-occurring mutation number ≥3 had lower OS after recurrence. The etiology of SBS3 was defects in DNA double strand break repair by homologous recombination, which exclusively exist in lymph node-positive patients. There was no difference in median tumor mutation burden (TMB) between positive and negative lymph nodes, but TMB was significantly associated with PIK3CA mutation.

CONCLUSION

The somatic SNV/Indels of EP300 and FBXW7, SBS3 homologous recombination-mediated DNA repair defect were enriched in lymph node-positive patients. For lymph node-positive patients, EP300 or FBXW7 mutations predicted poor prognosis. No matter lymph node-positive or negative, more co-occurring mutation number predicted poor prognosis. PIK3CA mutation may account for the higher TMB and help identify patients who benefit from immunotherapy.

Two cases of strangulated bowel obstruction due to exposed vessel and nerve after laparoscopic and robot-assisted lateral lymph node dissection (LLND) for rectal cancer

BACKGROUND

The majority of small bowel obstructions (SBO) are caused by adhesion due to abdominal surgery. Internal hernias, a very rare cause of SBO, can arise from exposed blood vessels and nerves during pelvic lymphadenectomy (PL). In this report, we present two cases of SBO following laparoscopic and robot-assisted lateral lymph node dissection (LLND) for rectal cancer, one case each, of which obstructions were attributed to the exposure of blood vessels and nerves during the procedures.

CASE PRESENTATION

Case 1: A 68-year-old man underwent laparoscopic perineal rectal amputation and LLND for rectal cancer. Four years and three months after surgery, he visited to the emergency room with a chief complaint of left groin pain. Computed tomography (CT) revealed a closed-loop in the left pelvic cavity. We performed an open surgery to find that the small intestine was fitted into the gap between the left obturator nerve and the left pelvic wall, which was exposed by LLND. The intestine was not resected because coloration and peristalsis of the intestine improved after the hernia was released. The obturator nerve was preserved. Case 2: A 57-year-old man underwent a robot-assisted rectal amputation with LLND for rectal cancer. Eight months after surgery, he presented to the emergency room with a complaint of abdominal pain. CT revealed a closed-loop in the right pelvic cavity, and he underwent a laparoscopic surgery with a diagnosis of strangulated SBO. The small intestine was strangulated by an internal hernia caused by the right umbilical arterial cord, which was exposed by LLND. The incarcerated small intestine was released from the gap between the umbilical arterial cord and the pelvic wall. No bowel resection was performed. The umbilical arterial cord causing the internal hernia was resected.

CONCLUSION

Although strangulated SBO due to an exposed intestinal cord after PL has been a rare condition to date, it is crucial for surgeons to keep this condition in mind.

Outcomes of surgical resection and intraoperative electron radiotherapy for patients with para-aortic recurrences of gastrointestinal and gynecologic malignancies

BACKGROUND

Para-aortic lymph node (PALN) metastases from primary pelvic malignancies are often treated with resection, but recurrence is common. We report toxicity and oncologic outcomes for patients with PALN metastases from gastrointestinal and gynecologic malignancies treated with resection and intraoperative electron radiotherapy (IORT).

METHODS

We retrospectively identified patients with recurrent PALN metastases who underwent resection with IORT. All patients were included in the local recurrence (LR) and toxicity analyses. Only patients with primary colorectal tumors were included in the survival analysis.

RESULTS

There were 26 patients with a median follow up of 10.4 months. The rate of para-aortic local control (LC) was 77% (20/26 patients) and the rate of any cancer recurrence was 58% (15/26 patients). Median time from surgery and IORT to any recurrence was 7 months. The LR rate for those with positive/close margins was 58% (7/12 patients) versus 7% (1/14 patients) for those with negative margins (p = 0.009). 15% (4/26 patients) developed surgical wound and/or infectious complications, 8% (2/26 patients) developed lower extremity edema, 8% (2/26 patients) experienced diarrhea, and 19% (5/26 patients) developed an acute kidney injury. There were no reported nerve injuries, bowel perforations, or bowel obstructions. For patients with primary colorectal tumors (n = 19), the median survival (OS) was 23 months.

CONCLUSIONS

We report favorable LC and acceptable toxicity for patients receiving surgical resection and IORT for a population that has historically poor outcomes. Our data show disease control rates similar to literature comparisons for patients with strong risk factors for LR, such as positive/close margins.

Efficacy of lymph node dissection on stage IIICr of cervical cancer before CCRT: study protocol for a phase III, randomized controlled clinical trial (CQGOG0103)

BACKGROUND

Cervical cancer is still present a major public health problem, especially in developing countries. In International Federation of Gynaecology and Obstetrics 2018, allowing assessment of retroperitoneal lymph nodes by imaging and/or pathological findings and, if deemed metastatic, the case is designated as stage IIIC (with r and p notations). Patients with lymph node metastases have lower overall survival (OS), progression free survival (PFS), and survival after recurrence, especially those who have unresectable macroscopical positive lymph nodes. Retrospective analysis suggests that there may be a benefit to debulking macroscopic nodes that would be otherwise difficult to sterilize with standard doses of radiation therapy. However, there are no prospective study reporting that resecting macroscopic nodes before concurrent chemoradiation therapy (CCRT) would improve PFS or OS of cervical cancer and no guidelines for surgical resection of bulky lymph nodes. The CQGOG0103 study is a prospective, multicenter and randomized controlled trial (RCT) evaluating lymph node dissection on stage IIICr of cervical cancer.

METHODS

Eligible patients are histologically confirmed cervical squamous cell carcinoma, adenocarcinoma, adeno-squamous cell carcinoma. Stage IIICr (confirmed by computed tomography [CT]/magnetic resonance imaging/positron emission tomography/CT) and the short diameter of image-positive lymph node ≥15 mm. 452 patients will be equally randomized to receive either CCRT (pelvic external-beam radiotherapy [EBRT]/extended-field EBRT + cisplatin [40 mg/m²] or carboplatin [the area under curve=2] every week for 5 cycles + brachytherapy) or open/minimally invasive pelvic and para-aortic lymph node dissection followed by CCRT. Randomization is stratified by status of para-aortic lymph node. The primary endpoint is PFS. Secondary endpoints are OS and surgical complications. A total of 452 patients will be enrolled from multiple hospitals in China within 4 years and followed up for 5 years.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04555226.

The role of pre-treatment paraaortic surgical staging for cervical cancer in the EMBRACE criteria

Background

The State-of-the-Art Treatment for Locally Advanced Cervical Cancer (LACC) is Definite Radio-Chemotherapy based on the Image-guided intensity modulated External beam radiochemotherapy and MRI-based adaptive BRAchytherapy (EMBRACE) trial, according to the FIGO staging. This staging is based on clinical examination and imaging studies; however, there are limitations of imaging techniques which may result in adverse events or death due to insufficient or overtreatment. The aim of the study was to evaluate the feasibility and outcomes of surgical staging in LACC prior to radiotherapy (RT) to personalise target volumes for radiotherapy.

Methods

From 2008 to 2018, 138 patients with FIGO 2018 stages IB3-IIIC2 cervical cancer underwent a pretherapeutic laparoscopic staging procedure. The pathological diagnosis was compared with the results of preoperative CT scan. Patients were treated with chemoradiotherapy tailored according to the staging results.

Results

The mean patient age was 43 years, the mean body mass index was 27 kg/m²; most lesions were squamous cervical cancer (92%). Staging CT scan had a 77% concordance with the histological findings. Sensitivity was 29%, specificity 85%, positive predictive value 21% and negative predictive value 89%. Surgical staging led to change of stage in 24% of cases. Para -aortic dissection led to change the initially planned radiotherapy fields in 47% of the cases. Major complications included involuntary section of the inferior mesenteric artery (IMA) without clinical repercussion, an infected retroperitoneal haematoma and a symptomatic lymphocele requiring laparoscopic drainage.

Conclusion

Laparoscopic staging before primary chemoradiation in patients with LACC was feasible, safe and reproducible, allowing reduction of the radiotherapy treatment volumes of patients.

Prophylactic extended-field irradiation for locally advanced cervical cancer

Concomitant chemoradiotherapy is the standard treatment for locally advanced cervical cancer. Pelvic irradiation is commonly recommended for patients with negative para-aortic lymph nodes(PALNs). However, owing to the development of imaging-guided brachytherapy, distant failure has become the main failure pattern. The PALNs are a vital site of distant metastasis, and the para-aortic region may contain occult microscopic metastases that are barely detected owing to imaging technology restriction. The prognostic of patients who experienced PALN failure is dismal. Typically, there are four ways to decrease PALN failure. First, surgical staging can be performed to assess the occurrence of metastasis in the para-aortic region; however, the application of surgical staging is decreasing owing to controversial survival benefits and accompanying complications of surgery. Second, regular imaging surveillance and timely salvage of early recurrences could reduce PALN failure. Third, better systemic adjuvant therapy could be recommended since it has enormous potential to reduce distant metastases and improve overall survival. Fourth, performing prophylactic extended-field irradiation (EFI), including pelvic and para-aortic region irradiation, can sterilize occult microscopic metastases in the para-aortic region and improve survival. Prior investigations have revealed that prophylactic EFI could reduce PALN failure as well as distant metastasis and present the benefit of survival. Yet, owing to the serious morbidity induced by enlarged irradiation field in the era of conventional irradiation techniques, further research on EFI is stagnated. Nowadays, with the development of new technologies, intensity modulated radiation therapy can deliver a higher dose to tumors with acceptable toxicity. Prophylactic EFI regained attention. However, the inclusion criteria of prophylactic EFI in existing studies reveal great discrepancies. Thus, it is urgent to precisely identify indications for better survival and lower complications in patients with cervical cancer. In this review, we identify indications and summary guidelines for prophylactic EFI, which may provide a foundation for further trials and clinical applications.

Strangulated small bowel obstruction caused by isolated obturator nerve and pelvic vessels after pelvic lymphadenectomy in gynecologic surgery: two case reports

Background

Although small bowel obstruction (SBO) is a major complication occurring after abdominal surgery, few reports have described strangulated SBO after pelvic lymphadenectomy (PL). This report describes two cases of strangulated SBO caused by a skeletonized obturator nerve and pelvic vessels after laparoscopic PL during gynecologic surgery.

Case presentation

Case 1: A 57-year-old woman with endometrial cancer underwent a laparoscopic semi-radical total hysterectomy with PL. Nine months after the operation, she visited our emergency room complaining about subacute pain spreading in the right groin, right buttock, and dorsal part of the right thigh. She had no abdominal pain. Although her symptoms were not typical, computed tomography (CT) revealed strangulated SBO in the right pelvis. Laparoscopic surgery revealed that the small bowel was ischemic. Then we converted to open surgery. We transected the right obturator nerve and umbilical artery, which constructed an internal hernia orifice in the right pelvis, followed by resection of the ischemic small bowel. Fortunately, during 6-month follow-up, she showed only slight difficulty in walking as a postoperative complication. Case 2: A 62-year-old woman with cervical cancer underwent laparoscopic radical hysterectomy with PL. Six months after the operation, she visited our hospital emergently because of sudden onset of abdominal pain and vomiting. CT showed strangulated SBO. Urgent laparoscopic surgery exhibited the incarcerated small bowel at the right pelvis. Consequently, we converted to open surgery. The terminal ileum was detained into the space constructed by the right umbilical artery. We cut the umbilical artery and performed ileocecal resection. After the surgery, she was discharged with no complication or sequela.

Conclusion

When examining a patient after PL who complains of severe pain or symptoms, one should consider the possibility of PL-related SBO, even if the pain is apparently atypical for SBO.

Current Standards in the Management of Early and Locally Advanced Cervical Cancer: Update on the Benefit of Neoadjuvant/Adjuvant Strategies

Globally, cervical cancers continue to be one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths. The primary treatment of patients with early-stage disease includes surgery or radiation therapy with or without chemotherapy. The main challenge in treating these patients is to maintain a curative approach and limit treatment-related morbidity. Traditionally, inoperable patients are treated with radiation therapy solely and operable patients undergo upfront surgery followed by adjuvant (chemo) radiotherapy in cases with poor histopathological prognostic features. Patients with locally advanced cervical cancers are treated with concurrent chemoradiotherapy followed by an image-guided brachytherapy boost. In these patients, the main pattern of failure is distant relapse, encouraging intensification of systemic treatments to improve disease control. Ongoing trials are evaluating immunotherapy in locally advanced tumours following its encouraging efficacy reported in the recurrent and metastatic settings. In this article, clinical evidence of neoadjuvant and adjuvant treatments in cervical cancer patients is reviewed, with a focus on potential strategies to improve patients' outcome and minimize treatment-related morbidity.

Comparison of positron emission tomography with computed tomography examination with histopathological assessment of pelvic lymph nodes in patients with cervical cancer treated surgically

INTRODUCTION

According to the literature, fluor-18-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography with computed tomography (18F-FDG-PET-CT) is the most effective technique for the examination and detection of metastases in the lymph nodes in patients with cervical cancer. This study aimed to compare the diagnostic value of the preoperative evaluation using 18F-FDG-PET-CT with a histopathological examination of the lymph nodes removed during radical hysterectomy and pelvic lymph node dissection in patients with cervical cancer.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Retrospective analysis covered the medical records of 42 patients with cervical cancer (stage IA-IB according to International Federation of Gynaecology and Obstetrics 2009) treated with radical Piver type III hysterectomy and pelvic lymph node dissection. The preoperative diagnosis was made using a PET/CT examination. Results: The result of the 18F-FDG-PET-CT examination highlighted a suspicion of lymph node metastases in 13 patients (31%). The histopathological examination confirmed this in 12 patients (29%). Metastatic lymph nodes were correctly diagnosed using 18F-FDG-PET-CT in 8 out of the 12 cases confirmed by the histopathological examination. In the patient-based study, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and accuracy were 66.8%, 83.3%, 61.5%, 86.2 % and 78.6%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

We confirmed the usefulness of PET in the preoperative assessment of cervical cancer advancement, especially in correlation with the new 2018 International Federation of Gynaecology and Obstetrics staging system.

Strategies for the Treatment of Cervical Cancer with Bulky Pelvic Lymph Nodes: An Overview of the Current Evidence

Cervical cancer commonly metastasizes first to the pelvic lymph nodes and then subsequently spreads to distant organs, making lymph node metastases the most significant prognostic factor in cervical cancer, and the strategy for its treatment directly influences prognosis. This review focuses on the treatment strategies for cases of cervical cancer with bulky pelvic lymph nodes. Concurrent chemoradiotherapy is the standard treatment modality for patients with pelvic lymph node metastases, but it is inadequate for bulky pelvic lymph nodes. Accordingly, surgical resection of the bulky lymph nodes has been attempted, and its therapeutic significance has been reported. If the bulky lymph nodes are unresectable, definitive concurrent chemoradiotherapy is performed. If it yields an inadequate degree of lymph node shrinkage, boosted radiation should be considered. The addition of chemotherapy after concurrent chemoradiotherapy has also been reported to be effective in patients with lymph node metastases and is currently being evaluated in clinical trials.

Application of apparent diffusion coefficient values derived from diffusion-weighted imaging for assessing different sized metastatic lymph nodes in cervical cancers

BACKGROUND

Lymph nodes metastasis is an important factor affecting survival rate and recurrence in cervical cancer patients. Currently, diagnosis of metastatic lymph nodes is mainly based on morphological changes on imaging. However, it is difficult to differentiate normal-sized metastatic lymph nodes with short axis of 5-10mm.

PURPOSE

To assess the diagnostic value of apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) for discriminating different-sized metastatic lymph nodes in patients with cervical cancers.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Pathologically confirmed cervical cancer patients were documented from January 2013 to July 2018 in our hospital. A total of 133 patients who underwent conventional MRI and diffusion-weighted imaging with complete pathology were finally enrolled. A total of 157 lymph nodes were harvested and analyzed. All lymph nodes were divided into three groups according to pathology and their short axis (S) measured on axial T2-weighted imaging: normal-sized (5 mm<S<10 mm) benign lymph nodes (Group 1); normal-sized (5 mm<S<10 mm) metastatic lymph nodes (Group 2); enlarged (S≥10 mm) metastatic lymph nodes (Group 3). Mean ADC (ADC_mean), minimum ADC (ADC_min), and maximum ADC (ADC_max) values of lymph nodes were analyzed and compared among the three groups.

RESULTS

ADC_mean of Groups 1 and 2 were significantly larger than those of Group 3 (P<0.001, P=0.005, respectively). ADC_min of Group 1 were significantly larger than those of Groups 2 and 3 (P<0.001, P<0.001, respectively). ADC_max was not statistically different among the three groups. ADC_mean had the relatively highest area under the curve (AUC) of 0.644 for assessing enlarged metastatic lymph nodes, with a sensitivity of 64.4% and specificity of 67.9%. ADC_min had the highest AUC of 0.758 for assessing normal-sized metastatic lymph nodes, with a sensitivity of 84.7% and specificity of 60.7%.

CONCLUSION

Diffusion-weighted imaging can be used to differentiate enlarged metastatic lymph nodes from benign lymph nodes, and ADC_min can be further used to identify micro-metastasis in normal-sized lymph nodes.

18F-FDG PET/CT Identifies Predictors of Survival in Patients with Locally Advanced Cervical Carcinoma and Paraaortic Lymph Node Involvement to Allow Intensification of Treatment

Our objective was to use ¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT to identify a high-risk subgroup requiring therapeutic intensification among patients with locally advanced cervical cancer (LACC) and paraaortic lymph node (PALN) involvement. Methods: In this retrospective multicentric study, patients with LACC and PALN involvement concurrently treated with chemoradiotherapy and extended-field radiotherapy between 2006 and 2016 were included. A senior nuclear medicine specialist in PET for gynecologic oncology reviewed all ¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT scans. Metabolic parameters including SUV_max, metabolic tumor volume, and total lesion glycolysis (TLG) were determined for the primary tumor, pelvic lymph nodes, and PALNs. Associations between these parameters and overall survival (OS) were assessed with the Cox proportional hazards model. Results: Sixty-eight patients were enrolled in the study. Three-year OS was 55.5% (95% confidence interval, 40.8-68.0). When adjusted for age, stage, and histology, pelvic lymph node TLG, PALN TLG, and PALN SUV_max were significantly associated with OS (P < 0.005). Conclusion: ¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT was able to identify predictors of survival in the homogeneous subgroup of patients with LACC and PALN involvement, thus allowing therapeutic intensification to be proposed.

The diagnostic performance of PET/CT scans for the detection of para-aortic metastatic lymph nodes in patients with cervical cancer: A meta-analysis

Objective

We performed a meta-analysis to evaluate the diagnostic value of positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) in the detection of para-aortic lymph node metastasis in cervical cancer.

Methods

We searched the PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Chinese Biological Medicine (CBM), Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang and VIP databases in all languages from their inception to September 2018. Stat15.0 software was used to obtain pooled estimates of sensitivity (SEN), specificity (SPE), positive likelihood ratio (PLR), and negative likelihood ratio (NLR) as well as a summary receiver operating characteristic (SROC) curves. Deek‘s funnel plot was used to assess publication bias. QUADAS-2 was used to evaluate the quality of the studies. The protocol for this meta-analysis is registered in PROSPERO (CRD42019115330).

Results

We obtained 14 studies, and the pooled estimates for sensitivity and specificity of PET/CT were 0.71 (95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.54–0.83) and 0.97 (95% CI = 0.93–0.98), respectively. Pooled PLR and NLR were 21.53 and 0.30, respectively. The diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) was70.59, and the area under the curve (AUC) was 0.95.

Conclusion

PET/CT is an effective and important imaging method for the diagnosis of para-aortic lymph node metastasis in early cervical cancer.

The prognostic value of lymph node ratio in stage IIIC cervical cancer patients triaged to primary treatment by radical hysterectomy with systematic pelvic and para-aortic lymphadenectomy

Objective

The aim of this study was to determine the prognostic value of lymph node ratio (LNR) in women with 2018 International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics stage IIIC cervical cancer.

Methods

In this retrospective dual-institutional study, a total of 185 node-positive cervical cancer patients who had undergone radical hysterectomy with systematic pelvic and para-aortic lymphadenectomy were included. All of the patients received adjuvant chemoradiation after surgery. LNR was defined as the ratio of positive lymph nodes (LNs) to the total number of LNs removed. The patients were categorized into 2 groups according to LNR; LNR <0.05 and LNR ≥0.05. The prognostic value of LNR was evaluated with univariate log-rank tests and multivariate Cox regression models.

Results

A total of 138 patients (74.6%) had stage IIIC1 disease and 47 (25.4%) patients had stage IIIC2 disease. With a median follow-up period of 45.5 months (range 3–135 months), the 5-year disease-free survival (DFS) rate was 62.5% whereas the 5-year overall survival (OS) rate was 70.4% for the entire study population. The 5-year DFS rates for LNR <0.05 and LNR ≥0.05 were 78.2%, and 48.4%, respectively (p<0.001). Additionally, the 5-year OS rates for LNR <0.05 and LNR ≥0.05 were 80.6%, and 61.2%, respectively (p=0.007). On multivariate analysis, LNR ≥0.05 was associated with a worse DFS (hazard ratio [HR]=2.12; 95% confidence interval [CI]=1.15–3.90; p=0.015) and OS (HR=1.95; 95% CI=1.01–3.77; p=0.046) in women with stage IIIC cervical cancer.

Conclusions

LNR ≥0.05 seems to be an independent prognostic factor for decreased DFS and OS in stage IIIC cervical carcinoma.

Extranodal extension is a strong prognosticator in HPV-positive oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma

OBJECTIVE

To comprehensively examine the prognostic significance of extranodal extension (ENE) in human papillomavirus-positive oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (HPV-positive OPSCC).

METHODS

Retrospective cohort of cases diagnosed with HPV-positive OPSCC from 2010 to 2015 in the National Cancer Database. Inclusion of all OPSCC HPV-positive cases with appropriate International Classification of Diseases-0-3 codes that received surgery with a neck dissection. Univariate and multivariable analyses were conducted. Hazard ratios (HR) for the independent effects of ENE and N stage on overall survival were estimated by Cox proportional hazards regression.

RESULTS

Cases that were ENE-negative had the highest 5-year survival (92.6%; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 90.5%-94.7%). ENE-positive cases had the lowest 5-year survival (84.0%; 95% CI: 80.7%-87.4%). After adjusting for confounding variables, ENE-positivity was associated with almost twice the hazard of death (HR = 1.90; 95% CI: 1.35-2.67) compared to ENE-negative cases. Nodal (N) category 1, ENE-positive status was associated with an increased risk of death (HR = 1.88; 95% CI: 1.26-2.80) compared with N1, ENE-negative status. Compared to N1/ENE-negative cases, N2/ENE-positive cases had the poorest survival (HR: 2.93; 95% CI: 1.94-4.43). Both microscopic and macroscopic ENE were associated with worse outcomes compared to node-positive/ENE-negative status.

CONCLUSION

The implementation of the American Joint Committee on Cancer 8th edition staging system provides a much-improved framework to develop and discuss treatment plans for HPV-positive OPSCC. We feel that careful consideration should be given to the importance of ENE in patients with HPV-positive OPSCC.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

4 Laryngoscope, 130:939-945, 2020.

A comprehensive analysis of the factors of positive pelvic lymph nodes on survival of cervical cancer patients with 2018 FIGO stage IIIC1p

Objective: To evaluate the factors associated with positive pelvic lymph nodes (LNs) on the survival of patients with 2018 FIGO stage IIIC1p cervical cancer. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 155 patients with pelvic lymph node metastasis (LNM) confirmed by pathology after radical resection of cervical cancer treated at Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, China, between March 2008 and October 2011. We analyzed the influence of the factors associated with positive pelvic LNs on the survival of patients. Results: The 5-year progress-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) of patients were 78.1% and 81.9%, respectively. The 5-year PFS and OS of patients with more than 2 LNM were worse compared with patients with 1 or 2 LNM (68.4% vs 83.7%, p=0.013; 72.4% vs 87.6%, p=0.017, respectively). The 5-year PFS and OS of patients with more than 2 LNM sites were worse than that of patients with 1 or 2 LNM sites (60.0% vs 82.4%, p=0.008; 70.0% vs 84.8%, p=0.045, respectively). The 5-year PFS and OS of patients with common iliac LNM was poorer than that of patients without common iliac LNM (60.7% vs 81.9%, p=0.008; 67.9% vs 85.0%, p=0.020, respectively). Compared with other patients, the survival of patients with these three factors (more than 2 LNM, more than 2 LNM sites, and common iliac LNM) was the worst (p<0.05). Conclusion: More than 2 LNM, more than 2 LNM sites, and common iliac LNM were predictive factors of poor survival in stage IIIC1p cervical cancer patients. Survival of patients with stage IIIC1p cervical cancer declined with increasing presence of such factors. The combined evaluation of the factors associated with positive pelvic LNs is a more comprehensive and pragmatic approach in evaluating the prognosis of cervical cancer.

Perineural invasion in cervical cancer: pay attention to the indications of nerve-sparing radical hysterectomy

Perineural invasion (PNI) in early-stage cervical cancer, is associated with multiple high-risk factors and represents a poor outcome in the patients. For nerve-sparing radical hysterectomy (NSRH) to become a standard and widely used treatment for cervical cancer, we need to define its oncological safety, and to establish standardized surgical procedures and indications of NSRH. Here, we review the definition and mechanisms, and clinical significance of PNI in cervical cancer, and discuss the indications of NSRH. PNI should be regarded as one of the main pathological features of cervical cancer and a factor affecting prognosis. A deeper understanding of PNI in cervical cancer, hopefully, will provide clear indications of NSRH.

Does postoperative prophylactic irradiation of para-aortic lymph nodes reduce the risk of recurrence in uterine cervical cancer with positive pelvic lymph nodes?

BACKGROUND

In cervical cancer, para-aortic lymph nodes are common sites of metastasis. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the clinical benefits of prophylactic irradiation as postoperative therapy.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study was conducted during 2001-2015 at a single institution. Patients with a high risk of para-aortic lymph nodes recurrence were eligible for this study, and we identified patients who had pelvic lymph node metastasis and underwent radical surgery and concurrent chemo-radiotherapy. As a result, 33 and 46 patients were included in the treatment (prophylactic irradiation) and non-treatment groups, respectively. Baseline differences between the two groups were adjusted with the inverse probability of treatment weighting using propensity scores composed of the independent variables including age, stage, tumor size, pathological findings, lymph node status, and pathological subtypes.

RESULTS

In the 68-month median follow-up period (range 6-178 months), 25 patients experienced recurrence, and 17 patients were dead. After adjustment with the inverse probability of treatment weighting, the recurrence rates tended to decrease in the treatment group, but there was no significant difference between the two groups [treatment vs. non-treatment, 29.4% and 44.3%, respectively; hazard ratio, 0.593 (95% CI 0.320-1.099); P = 0.097]. However, adjusted para-aortic lymph nodes recurrence rates were not significantly different [treatment vs. non-treatment, 7.8% and 11.4%, respectively; odds ratio, 0.660 (95% CI 0.187-2.322); P = 0.558]. Moreover, Kaplan-Meier curves showing post-recurrence survival revealed no significant difference between the two groups (P = 0.141).

CONCLUSIONS

Prophylactic para-aortic lymph nodes irradiation did not reduce the risk of recurrence.

The analysis of the long-term outcomes in elderly women treated for locally advanced cervical cancer

Purpose

Locally advanced cervical cancer (LACC) should be treated with a combination of external irradiation and brachytherapy with concurrent chemotherapy. However, as cervical carcinoma cells can disperse by way of the lymphatic system to either pelvic or para-aortic nodes, planning the extent of radiation requires precise information about the spread of the disease to the lymph nodes, especially to the para-aortic area.

Material and methods

All of the 75 women included in our study underwent chemoradiotherapy, which started with brachytherapy. Out of them, 54 have undergone radical hysterectomy with lymphadenectomy followed by chemoradiation. We have retrospectively analyzed the 5-year overall survival (OS) rates relative to the lymph node involvement, the type of lymphadenectomy performed (pelvic, para-aortic, or both), the size of the tumor (> or < 4 cm), the histological type, grading, and the age of patients.

Results

We observed significant differences in the OS rates relative to the age of the patients with LACC. We noted significant differences in the OS rates related to para-aortic lymphadenectomy and presence of lymph node metastases.

Conclusions

Para-aortic lymphadenectomy seems to have a positive influence on long-term outcomes in the LACC patients, and elderly patients may benefit more from applied therapy.

Impact of para-aortic recurrence risk-guided intensity-modulated radiotherapy in locally advanced cervical cancer with positive pelvic lymph nodes

OBJECTIVES

A previous study has suggested the benefit of sub-renal vein radiotherapy (SRVRT) for pelvic lymph node (PLN)-positive cervical cancer. In order to better select patients for SRVRT, this study aimed to evaluate the value of a risk-based radiation field based on PLN location and number in PLN-positive cervical cancer.

METHODS

We reviewed 198 patients with FIGO stage IB2-IVA cervical cancer, positive PLNs, and negative para-aortic lymph nodes (PALNs) from 2004 to 2015 at two tertiary centers. All patients underwent pelvic radiotherapy (PRT) or SRVRT with IMRT. The SRVRT extended the PRT field cranially to the level of the left renal vein. The prescribed doses were 45-50.4Gy in 1.8Gy per fraction.

RESULTS

Overall, 118 and 80 patients underwent PRT and SRVRT, respectively. The SRVRT group had more advanced disease based on FIGO stage, common iliac PLNs, and number of PLNs. The median follow-up was 63months (range: 7-151months). PALN failure was experienced by 28 patients (23.7%) in the PRT group and 1 patient (1.3%) in the SRVRT group (p<0.001). Compared with PRT, SRVRT significantly improved 5-year PALN recurrence-free survival (56.8% vs. 100%, p<0.001) and cancer-specific survival (56.5% vs. 93.9%, p<0.001) among patients with common iliac PLNs or ≥3 PLNs. No significant differences were observed in these outcomes among patients with PLNs below the common iliac bifurcation and 1-2 PLNs. The SRVRT did not increase severe toxicities.

CONCLUSIONS

Risk-based radiation field based on PLN location and number could optimize outcomes for PLN-positive cervical cancer.

Perineural invasion in early-stage cervical cancer and its relevance following surgery

Perineural invasion (PNI) is the neoplastic invasion of nerves by cancer cells, a process that has attracted attention as a novel prognostic factor for cancer. The present study aimed to investigate the prognostic value of PNI in patients with early-stage cervical cancer (International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics stage IA2-IIA). A total of 210 patients who underwent radical hysterectomy and pelvic lymphadenectomy between 2007 and 2012 were included in the current study, of whom 8.57% (18/210) exhibited PNI. Patients with PNI were more likely to exhibit adverse histopathological features, such as increased tumor size, depth of stromal invasion, parametrial invasion, lymphovascular space invasion and lymph nodes metastases (all P<0.05). Patients with PNI exhibited shorter disease-free and overall survival (P=0.002 and P=0.017, respectively). However, PNI was not identified as an independent risk factor for either recurrence or death by multivariate analysis. Furthermore, 88.9% (16/18) of patients with PNI received adjuvant therapy following surgery. PNI was significantly associated with well-established indicators for adjuvant therapy. In conclusion, PNI was associated with multiple high-risk factors and its presence was indicative of a poor outcome in patients with early-stage cervical cancer, which may influence management decisions regarding adjuvant therapy.

Completing or Abandoning Radical Hysterectomy in Early-Stage Lymph Node-Positive Cervical Cancer: Impact on Disease-Free Survival and Treatment-Related Toxicity

INTRODUCTION

Management regarding completing hysterectomy in case of intraoperative finding of positive lymph nodes in early-stage cervical cancer differs between institutions. The aim of this study was to compare survival and toxicity after completed hysterectomy followed by adjuvant (chemo-)radiotherapy versus abandoned hysterectomy and primary treatment with chemoradiotherapy (CRT).

METHODS

A retrospective multicenter cohort study was performed. All patients were scheduled for radical hysterectomy with pelvic lymphadenectomy (RHL). In the RHL group, hysterectomy was completed followed by adjuvant (chemo-)radiotherapy. In the second group, hysterectomy was abandoned, and CRT was conducted. Primary outcomes were disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival. A multivariable analysis on DFS was performed. Toxicity was scored according to the National Cancer Institute CTCAE (Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events) v4.03.

RESULTS

A total of 121 patients were included (RHL, n = 89; CRT, n = 32). There was no difference in overall survival (84% vs 77%). Five-year DFS was in favor of completing RHL (81% vs 67%). Multivariable analysis showed that, corrected for lymph node variables, treatment regimen was not associated with DFS. After RHL, pelvic recurrence rate was significantly lower compared with CRT (2% vs 16%). CTCAE grade 3-4 toxicity rates were higher in the CRT compared with the RHL group (59% vs 30%), mainly because of differences in chemotherapy-related hematologic toxicity.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with clinically N0 early-stage cervical cancer with intraoperative detection of positive nodes, completing RHL followed by adjuvant (chemo-)radiotherapy may result in a better pelvic control compared with abandoning hysterectomy and treatment with chemoradiotherapy. However, if corrected for lymph node variables, treatment (RHL or CRT) was not associated with DFS.

Risk stratification models for para-aortic lymph node metastasis and recurrence in stage IB-IIB cervical cancer

OBJECTIVE

To examine the surgical-pathological predictors of para-aortic lymph node (PAN) metastasis at radical hysterectomy, and for PAN recurrence among women who did not undergo PAN dissection at radical hysterectomy.

METHODS

This is a retrospective analysis of a nation-wide cohort study of surgically-treated stage IB-IIB cervical cancer (n=5,620). Multivariate models were used to identify independent surgical-pathological predictors for PAN metastasis/recurrence.

RESULTS

There were 120 (2.1%) cases of PAN metastasis at surgery with parametrial involvement (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]=1.65), deep stromal invasion (aOR=2.61), ovarian metastasis (aOR=3.10), and pelvic nodal metastasis (single-node aOR=5.39 and multiple-node aOR=33.5, respectively) being independent risk factors (all, p<0.05). Without any risk factors, the incidence of PAN metastasis was 0.9%, while women exhibiting certain risk factor patterns (>20% of the study population) had PAN metastasis incidences of ≥4%. Among 4,663 clinically PAN-negative cases at surgery, PAN recurrence was seen in 195 (4.2%) cases that was significantly higher than histologically PAN-negative cases (2.5%, p=0.046). In clinically PAN-negative cases, parametrial involvement (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR]=1.67), lympho-vascular space invasion (aHR=1.95), ovarian metastasis (aHR=2.60), and pelvic lymph node metastasis (single-node aHR=2.49 and multiple-node aHR=8.11, respectively) were independently associated with increased risk of PAN recurrence (all, p<0.05). Without any risk factors, 5-year PAN recurrence risk was 0.8%; however, women demonstrating certain risk factor patterns (>15% of the clinically PAN-negative population) had 5-year PAN recurrence risks being ≥8%.

CONCLUSION

Surgical-pathological risk factors proposed in this study will be useful to identify women with increased risk of PAN metastasis/recurrence.

Prophylactic lower para-aortic irradiation using intensity-modulated radiotherapy mitigates the risk of para-aortic recurrence in locally advanced cervical cancer: A 10-year institutional experience

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effects of prophylactic sub-renal vein radiotherapy (SRVRT) using intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) for cervical cancer.

METHODS

A total of 206 patients with FIGO stage IB2-IVA cervical cancer and negative para-aortic lymph nodes (PALNs) who underwent pelvic IMRT (PRT) or SRVRT between 2004 and 2013 at our institution were reviewed. SRVRT cranially extended the PRT field for PALNs up to the left renal vein level. The prescribed dose was consistent 50.4Gy in 28 fractions.

RESULTS

Overall, 110 and 96 patients underwent PRT and SRVRT, respectively. The SRVRT group had more advanced disease based on FIGO stage and positive pelvic lymph nodes (PLNs). The median follow-up time was 60months (range, 7-143). For the total study population, the 5-year PALN recurrence-free survival (PARFS) and overall survival (OS) for PRT vs. SRVRT were 87.6% vs. 97.9% (p=0.03) and 74.5% vs. 87.8% (p=0.04), respectively. In patients with FIGO III-IVA or positive PLNs, the 5-year PARFS and OS for PRT vs. SRVRT were 80.1% vs. 96.4% (p=0.02) and 58.1% vs. 83.5% (p=0.012), respectively. However, there were no significant differences in these outcomes for patients with FIGO IB-IIB and negative PLNs. In a multivariate analysis, only SRVRT was associated with better PARFS (HR, 0.21; 95% CI, 0.06-0.78; p=0.02). The SRVRT did not significantly increase severe late toxicities.

CONCLUSION

Prophylactic SRVRT using IMRT reduced PALN recurrence with tolerable toxicities, supporting the application of risk-based radiation fields for cervical cancer.

Robotic Surgery in Patients With Locally Advanced Cervical Cancer After Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy: Survival Outcomes

AIM

To evaluate the survival outcomes of consecutive patients with locally advanced cervical cancer (LACC) who underwent comprehensive robotic surgery after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Since 2009, patients with LACC (FIGO [International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics] stages IB2-IIB) were submitted to robotic surgical staging after 3 cycles of NACT. Clinical objective tumor response was assessed according to the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors, whereas pathologic responses were defined according to the criteria of the European study SNAP01. Univariable and multivariable analyses were performed to assess potential clinicopathologic prognostic factors affecting progression-free survival and overall survival (OS).

RESULTS

During the study period, 32 patients meeting the inclusion criteria were managed. The median (range) age and body mass index were 47.3 (8.6-75.5) years and 22.7 (17.5-37.1) kg/m(2), respectively. Overall, 28.0 (range, 12-58) lymph nodes were retrieved. According to the final pathologic examination, 6 (18.8%) women had positive pelvic lymph nodes, whereas 16 (50.0%) patients achieved an optimal pathological response. After a median follow-up of 36.3 (range, 5.2-71.1) months, 6 (18.8%) patients had a recurrence and subsequently died of disease.Positive nodal status was the only independent predictor of both progression-free survival (12.5 [2.3-69.1]; P < 0.0001) and OS (12.0 [2.0-60.4]; P < 0.0001) at multivariable analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

Nodal status represents the strongest predictor of survival in women with LACC. Similarly, NACT including 3 agents (TIP [paclitaxel 175 mg/m(2) + ifosfamide 5 g/m(2) + cisplatin 75 mg/m(2)] and TEP [paclitaxel 175 mg/m(2) + epirubicin 80 mg/m(2) + cisplatin 75 mg/m(2)] regimens) warranted better OS than those achieved by other schedules.

CPE overexpression is correlated with pelvic lymph node metastasis and poor prognosis in patients with early-stage cervical cancer

PURPOSE

Elevated carboxypeptidase E (CPE) levels play crucial roles in tumorigenesis and metastasis. This study investigated the expression and clinicopathological significance of CPE in early-stage cervical cancer.

METHODS

Elevated carboxypeptidase E expression was analyzed using quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blotting in normal cervical tissue, cervical cancer cell lines, and in cervical cancer tissues and adjacent noncancerous tissues (ANTs) from the same patient. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was used to examine CPE expression in tissue samples from 112 patients with early-stage cervical cancer (FIGO stages Ia2-IIa2), 60 patients with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia, and 19 patients with normal cervical tissues (NCTs). Associations between CPE expression and prognostic and diagnostic factors were evaluated statistically.

RESULTS

CPE expression was significantly higher in cervical cancer cell lines and tissues than in normal tissues and ANTs. Semi-quantitative analysis of IHC indicated that CPE gradually increased from CIN I to cervical cancer, but was absent in NCTs. CPE expression was seen in 40.2 % (45/112) of the cervical cancer samples. CPE expression was significantly associated with FIGO stage (P = 0.003), tumor size (P = 0.012), stromal invasion (P < 0.001), lymphovascular space invasion (P = 0.016), parametrial infiltration (P = 0.027), vaginal involvement (P = 0.007), postoperative adjuvant therapy (P = 0.024), recurrence (P < 0.001), survival (P < 0.001), and pelvic lymph node metastasis (PLNM) (P < 0.001), and it was significantly higher in tissues from patients with PLNM than without PLNM. Logistic regression analysis identified high-level CPE expression as an independent risk factor for PLNM (P = 0.001). Patients with higher CPE expression had shorter overall survival duration than patients with lower CPE expression. Univariate and multivariate Cox-regression analyses suggested that high-level CPE expression is an independent prognostic factor for overall survival in early-stage cervical cancer.

CONCLUSIONS

High-level CPE expression was associated with a poor prognosis in early-stage cervical cancer. CPE may serve as a biomarker for predicting PLNM and survival in these patients.

Does debulking of enlarged positive lymph nodes improve survival in different gynaecological cancers?

Lymph-node-positive gynaecological cancers remain a pharmacotherapeutic challenge, and patients with lymph-node-positive gynaecological cancers have poor survival. The purpose of this review is to determine whether a survival advantage arises from surgical debulking of enlarged positive lymph nodes in different types of gynaecological cancers. Information from studies published on the survival benefits from debulking lymph nodes in gynaecological cancers was investigated. Pertaining to therapeutic lymphadenectomy, survival benefit can be analysed in two ways, direct survival benefit following therapeutic lymphadenectomy of bulky positive metastatic lymph nodes and indirect survival benefit, which results after a sequela of systematic lymphadenectomy, proper, accurate staging of disease and stage migration and tailor-made adjuvant treatment. The direct hypothesis of therapeutic lymphadenectomy and survival benefit has been prospected in cervical cancers and vulval cancers and in post-chemotherapy residual paraarotic nodal mass in germ cell ovarian cancer. The indirect survival benefit of therapeutic paraarotic lymphadenectomy in high-risk endometrial cancers and advanced epithelial ovarian cancers needs to be tested in randomized controlled trials. More randomized controlled trials are required to investigate this research question. Further, indirect benefit due to tailor-made adjuvant treatment, secondary to accurate staging achieved as a sequela of systematic lymphadenectomy, needs to be analysed in future trials.

Role of a Double Docking to Improve Lymph Node Dissection: When Robotically Assisted Laparoscopy for Para-aortic Lymphadenectomy Is Associated to a Pelvic Procedure

Objective

The objective of this study was to demonstrate that robotically assisted laparoscopy for aortic lymph node dissection was improved when double docking (DD) of the Da Vinci system is used for combined surgical procedures [defined by the combination of a pelvic procedure and a para-aortic lymphadenectomy (PAL)].

Methods

From February 2007 to February 2013, 41 patients underwent combined procedures including PAL up to the left renal vein in 2 cancer centers. We used 2 different approaches as follows: a single docking (SD) of the Da Vinci system (transperitoneal PAL and pelvic surgery) during the first period (22 patients) and a DD during the second period (19 patients). We recorded retrospectively the lymph node count (main criteria), operative time, estimated blood loss, hospital stay, and postoperative complications.

Results

We observed a statistical difference between SD and DD concerning aortic lymph node count (5.86 vs 10.89,P< 0.005). Operative time is longer in the DD group (326.1 vs 239.4 minutes,P< 0.05). No difference was observed concerning estimated blood loss. Hospital stay was longer in the DD group (4.9 vs 3.2 days,P< 0.05). Only 1 conversion to open was described in the SD group.

Conclusions

In our experience of robotically assisted laparoscopy, when PAL is combined to a pelvic procedure, the use of a DD seems to improve aortic lymph node count.

Despite a longer operative time compared to SD, DD seems to be a good solution to combine the advantages of robotic assistance to our quality criteria of aortic dissection.

Synopsis

We compare 2 techniques to realize robotic assisted para-aortic lymphadenectomy combined with pelvic procedure. Double docking seems to improve histological results compared to single docking.

How important is the number of pelvic lymph node retrieved to locorregional staging of cervix cancer?

Objective:

To explore how important is the number of pelvic lymph nodes dissected for the nodal staging in FIGO IA2-IB2 cervical cancer, submitted to radical surgical treatment.

Methods:

A cross-sectional study was carried out on patients who underwent Piver class II radical hysterectomy and pelvic lymphadenectomy, in two centers in the state of Pernambuco, from January, 2001 to December, 2008. The analysis of the area under the ROC curve was adopted as a summary-measure of discriminatory power of the number of nodes dissected in predicting the pelvic nodal status. Additionally, we also confirm our findings using logistic regression and the Fisher's exact test.

Results:

The postoperative pathological study included 662 pelvic lymph nodes dissected (median per-patient=9, q₂₅=6 − q₇₅=13) from 69 patients. The ROC curve analysis revealed AUC=0.642, for the discriminatory value of the number of nodes dissected in predicting the pelvic nodal status. Similar findings were found after categorization using 10 and 15 lymph nodes as cut-offs (AUC=0.605 and 0.526, respectively). Logistic regression revealed odds ratio of 0.912 (95% CI=0.805-1.032; p=0.125) for the predictive value of the number of nodes dissected, and a number of nodes ≥10 or ≥15 lymph nodes was not significantly associated with the nodal status by the Fischer's exact test (p=0.224 and p=0.699, respectively).

Conclusion:

The number of pelvic lymph nodes dissected did not correlate with pelvic lymph node metastatic involvement. This study suggests that dissection of a greater number of lymph nodes does not increase locoregional nodal staging in cervical cancer.

Mirror-image lymph node in FDG PET/CT and SPECT/CT for sentinel node detection

We report a case of a patient with presumed stage IB1 squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix in which FDG PET/CT scan revealed 1 hypermetabolic left iliac node suggestive to be malignant. Lymphoscintigraphy and SPECT/CT studies previous to sentinel node (SLN) biopsy revealed unilateral drainage in the right pelvis. Intraoperative pathological assessment of the SLN showed no tumoral involvement, and the hypermetabolic node revealed macrometastasis. Tumor node invasion can lead to a lymphatic blockage and become false-negative for SLN technique. Although FDG PET/CT has lower sensitivity than surgical staging, this case shows its value as a preoperative imaging technique.

Ultrasound guided conformal brachytherapy of cervix cancer: survival, patterns of failure, and late complications

Objective

The aim of this study was to report on the long-term results of transabdominal ultrasound guided conformal brachytherapy in patients with cervical cancer with respect to patterns of failures, treatment related toxicities and survival.

Methods

Three hundred and nine patients with cervical cancer who presented to Institute between January 1999 and December 2008 were staged with magnetic resonance imaging and positron emission tomography and treated with external beam radiotherapy and high dose rate conformal image guided brachytherapy with curative intent. Follow-up data relating to sites of failure and toxicity was recorded prospectively.

Results

Two hundred and ninety-two patients were available for analyses. The median (interquantile range) follow-up time was 4.1 years (range, 2.4 to 6.1 years). Five-year failure free survival and overall survival (OS) were 66% and 65%, respectively. Primary, pelvic, para-aortic, and distant failure were observed in 12.5%, 16.4%, 22%, and 23% of patients, respectively. In multivariate analysis, tumor volume and nodal disease related to survival, whereas local disease control and point A dose did not.

Conclusion

Ultrasound guided conformal brachytherapy of cervix cancer has led to optimal local control and OS. The Melbourne protocol compares favorably to the more technically elaborate and expensive GEC-ESTRO recommendations. The Melbourne protocol's technical simplicity with real-time imaging and treatment planning makes this a method of choice for treating patients with cervical cancer.

Can Pelvic Lymphadenectomy be Omitted in Stage IA2 to IIB Uterine Cervical Cancer?

Objectives

The aims of this study were to predict pelvic lymph node metastasis in uterine cervical cancer before surgery and to evaluate the potential efficacy of omitting pelvic lymphadenectomy.

Materials and Methods

A total of 163 patients with invasive uterine cervical cancer in FIGO stage IA2 to IIB, all of whom underwent primary radical hysterectomy with pelvic lymphadenectomy, participated in this study.

Results

The incidences of pelvic lymph node metastasis in stage IA2, stage IB1, stage IB2, stage IIA, and stage IIB cervical cancer were 0% (0/12), 17% (13/76), 22% (6/27), 33% (8/24), and 63% (15/24), respectively. A significant difference was observed in overall survival with nodal metastasis status (P< 0.0001). Univariate analysis revealed that parametrial invasion (P< 0.0001), tumor markers (P= 0.0006), tumor size greater than 2 cm (P< 0.0001), tumor size less than 3 cm (P= 0.0009), and tumor size greater than 4 cm (P= 0.0024) were correlated with pelvic lymph node metastasis. However, multivariate analysis revealed that parametrial invasion (P= 0.01; odds ratio, 3.37; 95% confidence interval, 1.31–9.0) and tumor size greater than 2 cm (P= 0.005; odds ratio, 4.93; 95% confidence interval, 1.54–22.01) were independently associated with nodal metastasis.

Conclusions

Pelvic lymphadenectomy may be avoided in patients with negative parametrial invasion and a tumor size less than 2 cm, thereby minimizing postoperative complications.

Laparoscopic lymphadenectomy in advanced cervical cancer: prognostic and therapeutic value

OBJECTIVE

Clinical benefit of surgical staging in locally advanced cervical cancer has not yet been proved. The goal of this study was to analyze the prognostic and therapeutic value of laparoscopic para-aortic lymphadenectomy with selective excision of suspicious pelvic nodes in patients with locally advanced cervical cancer.

METHODS

This is a retrospective study including 109 women treated in a single institution from 2000 to 2009. The International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics stage was IB2 in 12 women, IIB in 58 women, and IIIB in 39 women. None had suspicious para-aortic nodes by presurgical imaging evaluation. All patients underwent extraperitoneal para-aortic laparoscopic lymphadenectomy with selective excision of enlarged pelvic nodes and received pelvic radiotherapy with concomitant chemotherapy. Extended lumboaortic radiation therapy was added to patients with metastatic para-aortic nodes. The mean ± SD follow-up time was 43.1 ± 33.7 months.

RESULTS

Metastatic lymph nodes were identified in 23 (21.1%) of 109 patients in the para-aortic area and in 24 (53.3%) of 45 patients who underwent selective excision of pelvic nodes. Patients with nodal metastases had increased risk of mortality than those with negative nodes independently of the location (pelvic and/or para-aortic) of the metastases (hazard ratio, 4.07; 95% confidence interval, 1.36-12.16 for patients with pelvic metastases [P = 0.012]; and 3.73; 95% confidence interval, 1.38-10.09 for patients with para-aortic metastases [P = 0.010]). In the subset of women with para-aortic metastases treated by extended lumboaortic radiation therapy, neither the number of lymph nodes removed nor the number of positive nodes were associated with survival (P = 0.556 and P = 0.195, respectively).

CONCLUSION

Para-aortic and pelvic lymphadenectomy provides valuable information about mortality risk in patients with locally advanced cervical cancer.

Preoperative nomogram for the identification of lymph node metastasis in early cervical cancer

Background:

The objective of this study is to construct a preoperative nomogram predicting lymph node metastasis (LNM) in early-cervical cancer patients.

Methods:

Between 2009 and 2012, 493 early-cervical cancer patients received hysterectomy and pelvic/para-aortic lymphadenectomy. Patients who were diagnosed during 2009–2010 were assigned to a model-development cohort (n=304) and the others were assigned to a validation cohort (n=189). A multivariate logistic model was created from preoperative clinicopathologic data, from which a nomogram was developed and validated. A predicted probability of LNM<5% was defined as low risk.

Results:

Age, tumour size assessed by magnetic resonance imaging, and LNM assessed by positron emission tomography/computed tomography were independent predictors of nodal metastasis. The nomogram incorporating these three predictors demonstrated good discrimination and calibration (concordance index=0.878; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.833−0.917). In the validation cohort, the discrimination accuracy was 0.825 (95% CI, 0.736−0.895). In the model-development cohort, 34% of them were classified as low risk and negative predictive value (NPV) was 99.0%. In the validation cohort, 38% were identified as low risk and NPV was 95.8%. Integrating the model-development and validation cohorts, negative likelihood ratio was 0.094 (95% CI, 0.036−0.248).

Conclusion:

A robust nomogram predicting LNM in early cervical cancer was developed. This model may improve clinical trial design and help physicians to decide whether lymphadenectomy should be performed.

Nodal-staging surgery for locally advanced cervical cancer in the era of PET

Chemoradiation therapy is deemed the standard treatment by many North American and European teams for treatment of locally advanced cervical cancer. The prevalence of para-aortic nodal metastasis in these tumours is 10-25%. PET (with or without CT) is the most accurate imaging modality to assess extrapelvic disease in such tumours. The true-positive rate of PET is high, suggesting that surgical staging is not necessary if uptake takes place in the para-aortic region. Nevertheless, false-negative results (in the para-aortic region) have been recorded in 12% of patients, rising to 22% in those with uptake during PET of the pelvic nodes. In such situations, laparoscopic surgical para-aortic staging still has an important role for detection of patients with occult para-aortic spread misdiagnosed on PET or PET-CT, allowing optimisation of treatment (extension of radiation therapy fields to include the para-aortic area). Complications of the laparoscopic procedure were noted in 0-7% of patients. Survival of individuals (missed by PET) with para-aortic nodal metastasis of 5 mm or less (and managed by extended field chemoradiation therapy) seems to be similar to survival of those without para-aortic spread, suggesting a positive therapeutic effect of the addition of staging surgery. Nevertheless, the effect on survival of potential delay of chemoradiation owing to use of PET and staging surgery, and acute and late complications of surgery followed by chemoradiation therapy (particularly in case of extended field chemoradiation to para-aortic area), need to be studied.

Excisional cone as fertility-sparing treatment in early-stage cervical cancer

OBJECTIVE

To describe a case series of early-stage cervical cancer patients treated with excisional cone instead of radical trachelectomy as fertility-sparing surgery.

DESIGN

Prospective study.

SETTING

University hospital.

PATIENT(S)

Early-stage cervical cancer (International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics stage IA2-IB1), age ≤ 45 years, tumor ≤ 20 mm.

INTERVENTION(S)

Cold-knife conization and laparoscopic pelvic lymphadenectomy.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

Recurrence and pregnancy rate.

RESULT(S)

There were 17 patients: 4 (23.5%) IA2, 13 (76.5%) IB1; 12 (70.5%) squamous cell carcinoma, 4 (23.5%) adenocarcinoma, and 1 (6%) glassy cell tumor. Four cases (23.5%) involved lymphovascular space invasion. The median number of lymph nodes removed was 18 (range 13-51). None of the patients received neoadjuvant chemotherapy, and two patients (12%) received three courses of adjuvant chemotherapy. No recurrences were observed after a median follow-up of 16 months (range 8-101 months). Two of five patients (40%) attempting to conceive had a spontaneous pregnancy and delivery.

CONCLUSION(S)

In selected and informed patients, conization and laparoscopic pelvic lymphadenectomy seems to be feasible as a fertility-sparing surgical approach.