The ability of preoperative serum CA-125 to predict optimal primary tumor cytoreduction in stage III epithelial ovarian carcinoma

Diagnostic and Therapeutic Pathway of Advanced Ovarian Cancer with Peritoneal Metastases

Over two thirds of ovarian cancer patients present with advanced stage disease at the time of diagnosis. In this scenario, standard treatment includes a combination of cytoreductive surgery and carboplatinum-paclitaxel-based chemotherapy. Despite the survival advantage of patients treated with upfront cytoreductive surgery compared to women undergoing neo-adjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) and interval debulking surgery (IDS) due to high tumor load or poor performance status has been demonstrated by multiple studies, this topic is still a matter of debate. As a consequence, selecting the adequate treatment through an appropriate diagnostic pathway represents a crucial step. Aiming to assess the likelihood of leaving no residual disease at the end of surgery, the role of the CT scan as a predictor of cytoreductive outcomes has shown controversial results. Similarly, CA 125 level as an expression of tumor load demonstrated limited applicability. On the contrary, laparoscopic assessment of disease distribution through a validated scoring system was able to identify, with the highest specificity, patients undergoing suboptimal cytoreduction and therefore best suitable for NACT-IDS. Against this background, with this article, we aim to provide a comprehensive review of available evidence on the diagnostic and treatment pathways of advanced ovarian cancer.

A prediction nomogram for suboptimal debulking surgery in patients with serous ovarian carcinoma based on MRI T1 dual-echo imaging and diffusion-weighted imaging

BACKGROUND

Serous ovarian carcinoma (SOC) has the highest morbidity and mortality among ovarian carcinoma. Accurate identification of the probability of suboptimal debulking surgery (SDS) is critical. This study aimed to develop a preoperative prediction nomogram of SDS for patients with SOC.

METHODS

A prediction model was established including 205 patients of SOC from institution A, and 45 patients from institution B were enrolled for external validation. Multivariate logistic regression was used to screen independent predictors and establish a nomogram to predict the occurrence of SDS.

RESULTS

Multivariate logistic regression demonstrated that the CA-125 level (odds ratio [OR] 8.260, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.003-43.372), relationship between the sigmoid colon/rectum and ovarian mass (OR 28.701, 95% CI 4.561-286.070), diaphragmatic metastasis (OR 12.369, 95% CI 1.675-274.063), and FIGO stage (OR 32.990, 95% CI 6.623-274.509) were independent predictors for SDS. The area under the curve, concordance index, and 95% CI of the nomogram constructed from the above four factors were 0.951, 0.934, and 0.919-0.982, respectively. The model showed a good fit by the Hosmer-Lemeshow test (training set, p = 0.2475; internal validation set, p = 0.2355; external validation set, p = 0.2707). The external validation proved the reliability of the prediction nomogram. The calibration curve was close to the ideal diagonal line. The decision curve analysis demonstrated a significantly better net benefit. The clinical impact curve indicated good effectiveness in clinical application.

CONCLUSION

A prediction nomogram for SDS in patients with SOC provides gynecologists with an accurate and effective tool for appropriate management.

Evaluation of serum CA125-Tn glycoform in peritoneal dissemination and surgical completeness of high-grade serous ovarian cancer

BACKGROUND

Peritoneal dissemination is the predominant feature of malignant progression in ovarian cancer and is a major cause of poor surgical outcomes and clinical prognoses. Abnormal glycosylation of carbohydrate antigen 125 (CA125) may be involved in peritoneal implantation and metastasis. Here, we evaluated the clinical relevance of CA125-Tn glycoform in the assessment of high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC).

METHODS

A total of 72 patients diagnosed with HGSOC were included. Pre-treatment serum CA125-Tn levels were measured using an antibody-lectin enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The association of CA125-Tn with clinical factors was analyzed in all cases, whereas its association with peritoneal dissemination, residual disease, and progression-free survival was analyzed in stage III-IV cases.

RESULTS

Pre-treatment serum CA125-Tn levels were significantly higher in advanced-stage HGSOC patients than in early-stage patients (P = 0.029). In advanced-stage patients, the pre-treatment CA125-Tn level increased with an increase in Fagotti's score (P = 0.004) and with the extension of peritoneal dissemination (P = 0.011). The pre-treatment CA125-Tn level increased with the volume of residual disease (P = 0.005). The association between CA125-Tn level and suboptimal surgery remained significant even after adjustment for treatment type and stage. Pre-treatment CA125-Tn levels were also related to disease recurrence.

CONCLUSION

Serum CA125-Tn level could be a novel biomarker for peritoneal dissemination and a promising predictor of surgical completeness in ovarian cancer. Patients with lower CA125-Tn levels were more likely to have no residual disease. CA125-Tn could help surgeons to adopt optimized treatment strategies for patients with advanced ovarian cancer as a pre-treatment evaluator.

Preoperative Cancer Antigen 125 Level as Predictor for Complete Cytoreduction in Ovarian Cancer: A Prospective Cohort Study and Systematic Review

Background: The tumor marker ‘cancer antigen 125’ (CA-125) plays a role in the management of women with advanced stage ovarian cancer. This study aims to describe the predictive value of pre-treatment CA-125 level and the reduction after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) on surgical outcome. Methods: A systematic review and a prospective clinical study were performed. Multiple databases were searched from database inception to April 2022. The clinical study is part of a randomized controlled trial named “PlaComOv-study”. A regression analysis was performed to demonstrate correlations between preoperative CA-125 levels, CA-125 reduction after NACT, and surgical outcome. Results: Fourteen relevant articles were analyzed of which eleven reported that lower preoperative CA-125 levels were associated with a higher probability of complete cytoreduction. In the clinical study, 326 patients with FIGO stage IIIB-IV ovarian cancer who underwent CRS were enrolled from 2018 to 2020. Patients who underwent interval CRS with preoperative CA-125 levels ≤35 kU/L had higher odds of achieving complete CRS than patients with CA-125 level >35 kU/L (85% vs. 67%, OR 2.79, 95%CI 1.44−5.41, p = 0.002). In multivariable analysis with presence of ascites and peritoneal carcinomatosis, normalized preoperative CA-125 did not appear as a significant predictor for complete CRS. Conclusions: In literature, preoperative CA-125 levels ≤35 kU/L were associated with a significant higher percentage of complete CRS in univariable analysis. According to our cohort study, preoperative CA-125 level ≤35 kU/L cannot independently predict surgical outcome either for primary or interval CRS.

18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (18F-FDG PET/CT) predictive score for complete resection in primary cytoreductive surgery

OBJECTIVE

To assess the value of preoperative 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (18F-FDG PET/CT) scan, combined with clinical variables, in predicting complete cytoreduction in selected patients with advanced ovarian cancer.

METHODS

We carried out a multicenter, observational, retrospective study evaluating patients who underwent primary cytoreductive surgery for advanced ovarian cancer in two Spanish centers between January 2017 and January 2022. Inclusion criteria were histological confirmation of invasive epithelial ovarian carcinoma; preoperative International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage III or IV; upfront cytoreductive surgery; and 18F-FDG PET/CT performed 1 month prior to surgery. A modified 18F-FDG PET/CT peritoneal cancer index score was calculated for all patients. Clinical variables and preoperative 18F-FDG PET/CT findings were analyzed and a multivariate model was constructed. A predictive score based on the odds ratio of the variables was calculated to determine patient selection.

RESULTS

A total of 45 patients underwent primary cytoreductive surgery. Complete resection was achieved in 36 (80%) patients. On multivariate analysis, two clinical variables (age ≥58 years and American Society of Anesthesiology score ≥3) and two preoperative 18F-FDG PET/CT scan findings (presence of extra-abdominal lymph node involvement and modified peritoneal cancer index value of 6 or more) were associated with gross residual disease. For this multivariate model predictive of non-complete cytoreduction, the area under the curve was 0.881. A predictive value of ≥5 was the most predictive cut-off for gross residual disease. Complete resection rate was 91.7% in patients with a score of ≤4 and 33.3% in patients with a score of ≥5 points on the predictive score.

CONCLUSIONS

In selected patients, a predictive score value ≥5 may be consider as a cut-off point for triaging patients to diagnostic laparoscopy before the primary surgery or neoadjuvant chemotherapy.

Can circulating PD-1, PD-L1, BTN3A1, pan-BTN3As, BTN2A1 and BTLA levels enhance prognostic power of CA125 in patients with advanced high-grade serous ovarian cancer?

The most common subtype of ovarian cancer (OC) is the high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma (HGSOC), accounting for 70%–80% of all OC deaths. Although HGSOC is a potentially immunogenic tumor, clinical studies assessing the effectiveness of inhibitors of programmed death protein and its ligand (PD-1/PD-L1) in OC patients so far showed only response rates <15%. However, recent studies revealed an interesting prognostic role of plasma PD-1/PD-L1 and other circulating immunoregulatory molecules, such as the B- and T-lymphocyte attenuator (BTLA), butyrophilin sub-family 3A/CD277 receptors (BTN3A), and butyrophilin sub-family 2 member A1 (BTN2A1), in several solid tumors. Since evidence showed the prognostic relevance of pretreatment serum CA125 levels in OC, the aim of our study was to investigate if soluble forms of inhibitory immune checkpoints can enhance prognostic power of CA125 in advanced HGSOC women. Using specific ELISA tests, we examined the circulating PD-1, PD-L1, pan-BTN3As, BTN3A1, BTN2A1, and BTLA levels in 100 advanced HGSOC patients before treatment, correlating them with baseline serum CA125, age at diagnosis, body mass index (BMI), and peritoneal carcinomatosis. A multivariate analysis revealed that plasma BTN3A1 ≤4.75 ng/ml (HR, 1.94; 95% CI, 1.23–3.07; p=0.004), age at diagnosis ≤60 years (HR, 1.65; 95% CI, 1.05–2.59; p=0.03) and absence of peritoneal carcinomatosis (HR, 2.65; 95% CI, 1.66–4.22; p<0.0001) were independent prognostic factors for a longer progression-free survival (PFS) (≥30 months) in advanced HGSOC women. However, further two-factor multivariate analyses highlighted that baseline serum CA125 levels >401 U/ml and each soluble protein above respective concentration cutoff were covariates associated with shorter PFS (<30 months) and unfavorable clinical outcome, suggesting that contemporary measurement of both biomarkers than CA125 only could strengthen prognostic power of serum CA125 in predicting PFS of advanced HGSOC women. Plasma PD-L1, PD-1, BTN3A1, pan-sBTN3As, BTN2A1, or BTLA levels could be helpful biomarkers to increase prognostic value of CA125.

CT of Ovarian Cancer for Primary Treatment Planning: What the Surgeon Needs to Know-Radiology In Training

A 60-year-old woman presented with intermittent abdominal pain, an elevated serum CA-125 level, and an abnormal CT examination and was ultimately diagnosed with advanced-stage high-grade serous ovarian cancer. Key tumor locations on CT scans that should be highlighted by the radiologist to guide treatment selection are discussed.

Surgery in Advanced Ovary Cancer: Primary versus Interval Cytoreduction

Primary debulking surgery (PDS) has remained the only treatment of ovarian cancer with survival advantage since its development in the 1970s. However, survival advantage is only observed in patients who are optimally resected. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) has emerged as an alternative for patients in whom optimal resection is unlikely and/or patients with comorbidities at high risk for perioperative complications. The purpose of this review is to summarize the evidence to date for PDS and NACT in the treatment of stage III/IV ovarian carcinoma. We systematically searched the PubMed database for relevant articles. Prior to 2010, NACT was reserved for non-surgical candidates. After publication of EORTC 55971, the first randomized trial demonstrating non-inferiority of NACT followed by interval debulking surgery, NACT was considered in a wider breadth of patients. Since EORTC 55971, 3 randomized trials-CHORUS, JCOG0602, and SCORPION-have studied NACT versus PDS. While CHORUS supported EORTC 55971, JCOG0602 failed to demonstrate non-inferiority and SCORPION failed to demonstrate superiority of NACT. Despite conflicting data, a subset of patients would benefit from NACT while preserving survival including poor surgical candidates and inoperable disease. Further randomized trials are needed to assess the role of NACT.

The role of computed tomography in the assessment of tumour extent and the risk of residual disease after upfront surgery in advanced ovarian cancer (AOC)

Purpose

Epithelial ovarian cancer is usually diagnosed in the advanced stages. To choose the best therapeutic approach, an accurate preoperative assessment of the tumour extent is crucial. This study aimed to determine whether the peritoneal cancer index (PCI), the amount of ascites, and the presence of cardiophrenic nodes (CPLNs) visualized by computed tomography (CT) can assess the tumour extent (S-PCI) and residual disease (RD) for advanced ovarian cancer (AOC) patients treated with upfront surgery.

Methods

In total, 118 AOC cases were included between January 2016 and December 2018 at Skåne University Hospital, Lund, Sweden. Linear regression and interclass correlation (ICC) analyses were used to determine the relationship between CT-PCI and S-PCI. The patients were stratified in complete cytoreductive surgery (CCS) with no RD or to non-CCS with RD of any size. The amount of ascites on CT (CT-ascites), CA-125 and the presence of radiological enlarged CPLNs (CT-CPLN) were analysed to evaluate their impact on estimating RD.

Results

CT-PCI correlated well with S-PCI (0.397; 95% CI 0.252–0.541; p < 0.001). The risk of RD was also related to CT-PCI (OR 1.069 (1.009–1.131), p < 0.023) with a cut-off of 21 for CT-PCI (0.715, p = 0.000). The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value were 58.5, 70.3, 52.2 and 75.4%, respectively. CT-ascites above 1000 ml predicted RD (OR 3.510 (1.298–9.491) p < 0.013).

Conclusion

CT is a reliable tool to assess the extent of the disease in advanced ovarian cancer. Higher CT-PCI scores and large volumes of ascites estimated on CT predicted RD of any size.

Complete Laparoscopic Interval Debulking Surgery for Advanced Ovarian Cancer Achieves Similar Survival Outcomes to Open Approach: A Propensity-Matched Study

Background: To assess the laparoscopic interval debulking surgery (IDS) outcomes compared to laparotomy, by analyzing the overall survival (OS) and the progression free survival (PFS), as well as the intra- and post-operative morbidity.Methods: In this retrospective propensity-score-matched cohort study, all patients with stage III or IV FIGO (International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics) serous ovarian cancer, undergoing complete IDS after neoadjuvant chemotherapy, from January 1st of 2009 to June 1st 2019, were included.Results: Thirty-seven patients were included in the laparoscopy group and 40 in the laparotomy group. There was no significant difference in terms of median OS between laparoscopy and laparotomy (23.1 months [95% CI 15.7-29.7] versus 26.3 months [95% CI 21.7-31.7], respectively, p = 0.17) and median PFS (14.8 months [95% CI 10.6-21.5] versus 12 months [95% CI 11-15.1], p = 0.057). After applying the propensity score, 25 patients were included in each group. Laparoscopy was associated with significantly less early postoperative complications (6 versus 17, p = 0.01) and shorter hospital stay (7.6 days versus 12.1, p < 0.001) and a significantly better OS (HR 0.45 [95% CI 0.19-0.95], p = 0.04), but with no significant difference in terms of PFS (HR 0.71 [95% CI 0.27-1.88], p = 0.49).Conclusion: In carefully-selected patients with advanced ovarian cancer, complete laparoscopic interval debulking surgery achieves similar survival outcomes to open laparotomy. Therefore, laparoscopy appears as a safe alternative to laparotomy for IDS after NACT in selected patients with advanced ovarian cancer and a low burden of disease.

Preoperative Predictors of Optimal Tumor Resectability in Patients With Epithelial Ovarian Cancer

Background

Several studies have shown that whether complete tumor resection can be achieved during debulking surgery depends on various patient-related factors. However, none of these studies was conducted among patients with epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) in sub-Saharan Africa. In this study, we aimed to determine the preoperative predictors of optimal tumor resectability (OTR) during primary debulking surgery (PDS) in patients with EOC.

Methodology

In this study, we reviewed all patients with histologically diagnosed EOC who underwent PDS between January 2011 and December 2020. We included 83 patients with complete clinical records for subsequent data analysis. Descriptive statistics were computed for patients’ data, and binary logistic regression analysis was used to assess the strength of associations between patients’ preoperative characteristics and OTR.

Results

The overall rate of OTR was 53.0%, while the rate in advanced EOC patients was 36.1%. In the univariate analyses, pleural effusion, ascites, tumor bilaterality, size of the largest tumor, retroperitoneal lymph nodes, omental caking, peritoneal thickening, significant extrapelvic tumor, serum cancer antigen-125 (CA-125) levels, and hemoglobin levels were recorded as the predictors of OTR. However, after adjusting for covariates in the final multivariate models, we found that the absence of moderate-to-large pleural effusion (odds ratio (OR) = 5.60; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.32, 23.71) and having serum CA-125 levels of ≤370 U/mL (OR = 6.80; 95% CI = 1.19, 38.79) were the overall independent predictors of OTR while not having any preexisting comorbidity (OR = 18.21; 95% CI = 2.40, 38.10), and the absence of pleural effusions (OR = 13.75; 95% CI = 1.80, 24.85) or enlarged retroperitoneal lymph nodes (OR = 11.95; 95% CI = 1.35, 16.07) were predictors of OTR in advanced EOC patients.

Conclusions

We demonstrated that the radiological absence of pleural effusions and enlarged retroperitoneal lymph nodes and having no preexisting medical morbidity and serum CA-125 levels of ≤370 U/mL were the independent predictors of OTR during PDS. The preliminary data generated from this study can be used to develop variables for a prediction model in a future validation study.

Predictive Values of Preoperative Markers for Resectable Pancreatic Body and Tail Cancer Determined by MDCT to Detect Occult Metastases

BACKGROUND

To evaluate the clinical value of preoperative markers in predicting occult metastases in resectable pancreatic body and tail cancer judged by a recent multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) scan of the abdomen.

METHODS

The data from a retrospective collected database from 2010 to 2019 with 699 patients who had MDCT scan predicted resectable mass in pancreatic body and tail and were pathological confirmed as adenocarcinoma after surgery. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was plotted for serum CA19-9, CA125, CEA and tumor size measured by MDCT. The optimal cut-off point-related sensitivity and specificity were calculated, respectively.

RESULTS

Occult metastases were found in 73 (73/699, 10.4%) pancreatic body and tail cancer patients underwent exploration. The area under curve (AUC) for CA19-9, CA125, CEA and tumor size were 0.624, 0.733, 0.561 and 0.697, respectively. The optimal cut-off for CA19-9, CA125 and tumor size is 226 U/ml, 22.1 U/ml and 3.3 cm, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of CA19-9 for predicting occult metastases were 67.1% and 60.4%, 72.6% and 64.7% for CA125, 80.8% and 51.4% for tumor size.

CONCLUSION

CA125 is superior to CA19-9 and tumor size for predicting occulting metastases in MDCT scan suggested resectable pancreatic body and tail cancer. The high level of CA125 (≥ 22.1 U/ml) is regarded as high risk for occulting metastases, and laparoscopy should be applied for these patients.

Survival outcomes of acute normovolemic hemodilution in patients undergoing primary debulking surgery for advanced ovarian cancer: A Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center Team Ovary study

OBJECTIVE

To describe oncologic outcomes after using acute normovolemic hemodilution (ANH) to reduce requirement for allogenic red blood cell transfusions (ABT) in patients undergoing primary debulking surgery (PDS) for advanced ovarian cancer.

METHODS

We performed a post-hoc analysis of a recent prospective trial investigating the safety and feasibility of ANH during PDS for advanced ovarian cancer. We report long-term survival outcomes. We compared demographics, clinicopathological characteristics, survival outcomes in this cohort of Stage IIIB-IVB high-grade serous ovarian cancer patients undergoing ANH (ANH group), with a retrospective cohort of all other patients (standard group) undergoing PDS during the same time period (01/2012-04/2017). Standard statistical tests were used.

RESULTS

There were no demographic or clinicopathological differences between ANH (n = 33) and standard groups (n = 360), except for higher median age at diagnosis (57 vs. 62 years, respectively; p = 0.044) and shorter operative time (357 vs. 446 min, respectively; p < 0.001) in the standard group. Cytoreductive outcomes (ANH vs. standard): 0 mm, 69.7 vs. 63.9%; gross residual disease (RD) ≤1 cm, 21.2 vs. 26.9%; >1 cm, 9.1 vs. 9.2% (p = 0.78). RD after PDS was the only independent factor associated with worse progression-free survival (PFS) on multivariable analysis (p < 0.001). Patients with BRCA mutations trended towards improved PFS (p = 0.057). Significant factors for overall survival (OS) on multivariable analysis: preoperative CA125 (p = 0.004), ascites (p = 0.018), RD after PDS (p = 0.04), BRCA mutation status (p < 0.001). After adjustment for potential confounders, ANH was not independently associated with PFS or OS [PFS: HR 0.928 (0.618-1.395); p = 0.721; OS: HR 0.588 (95%CI: 0.317-1.092); p = 0.093].

CONCLUSIONS

ANH is an innovative approach in intraoperative management. It was previously proven to decrease need for ABT while maintaining the ability to achieve complete gross resection and associated benefits.

HE4 in the evaluation of tumor load and prognostic stratification of high grade serous ovarian carcinoma

OBJECTIVE

Human epididymis protein 4 (HE4) is a validated, complementary biomarker to cancer antigen 125 (CA125) for high grade serous ovarian carcinoma (HGSC). Currently, there are insufficient data on the utility of longitudinal HE4 measurement during HGSC treatment and follow up. We set to provide a comprehensive analysis on the kinetics and prognostic performance of HE4 with serial measurements during HGSC treatment and follow up.

METHODS

This prospective study included 143 patients with advanced HGSC (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01276574). Serum CA125 and HE4 were measured at baseline, before each cycle of chemotherapy and during follow up until first progression. Baseline biomarker values were compared to the tumor load assessed during surgery and to residual disease. Biomarker nadir values and concentrations at progression were correlated to survival.

RESULTS

The baseline HE4 concentration distinguished patients with a high tumor load from patients with a low tumor load assessed during surgery (p<.0001). The baseline CA125 level was not associated with tumor load to a similar extent (p=.067). At progression, the HE4 level was an independent predictor of worse survival in the multivariate analysis (p=.002). All patients that were alive 3 years post-progression had a serum HE4 concentration below 199.20 pmol/l at the 1st recurrence.

CONCLUSION

HE4 is a feasible biomarker in the treatment monitoring and prognostic stratification of patients with HGSC. Specifically, the serum level of HE4 at first relapse was associated with the survival of patients and it may be a useful complementary tool in the selection of second line treatments. This is to the best of our knowledge the first time this finding has been reported.

Prognostic relevance of high pretreatment CA125 levels in primary serous ovarian cancer

The objective of the present study was to analyze the prognostic relevance of pretreatment serum CA125 ≥500 U/ml and its role as a non-invasive factor for estimating optimal cytoreduction (≤1 cm) in primary serous ovarian cancer. Clinicopathological parameters and CA125 levels prior to primary cytoreductive surgery were retrospectively evaluated in all 261 consecutive patients with primary epithelial ovarian cancer from a single centre. Inclusion criteria were existing preoperative CA125 level, serous ovarian cancer and performed full primary treatment (surgery/platinum-based chemotherapy). A total of 136 patients met the criteria. Among them, 74 patients had CA125 ≥500 U/ml. The other 62 patients that met the aforementioned criteria and had CA125 <500 U/ml were defined as controls. The present study tested cut-off CA125 values to detect subgroups affecting prognosis. The goal was to evaluate patients with optimal cytoreduction (R≤1 cm). Univariate analyses were performed with PASW to identify clinicopathological parameters associated with the pretreatment CA125 level. For survival analyses, a cut-off-value of CA125 ≥500 U/ml was used to identify the association between preoperative CA125 levels, resection status and prognosis. To test significant differences between examined groups, Student's t-test and the Mann-Whitney test were used. P<0.05 was considered to indicate a statistically significant difference. Significantly worse prognosis in terms of overall survival (P=0.023) and progression-free survival (P=0.011) was detected in the CA125 ≥500 U/ml group of optimally cytoreduced patients compared with in the CA125 <500 U/ml group. The complete cytoreduction rate was higher in CA125 <500 U/ml (33.9%) vs. CA125 ≥500 U/ml (21.6%). A CA125 level >1,404 U/ml had a higher rate of suboptimal cytoreduction (32.4%) compared with lower CA125 levels. A pretreatment CA125 level ≥500 U/ml had significantly worse prognostic impact after optimal cytoreduction compared with CA125 <500 U/ml. The higher the CA125 level the higher the suboptimal cytoreduction rate. Patients with CA125 ≥500 U/ml may be candidates for an initial laparoscopic approach to specify resectability and to determine how to proceed. Overall, CA125 levels appear to be helpful in predicting suboptimal cytoreductive surgery for patients with primary ovarian cancer, but should be interpreted together with clinical and radiologic findings. This may improve defining the optimal treatment strategy in these patients.

Clinical Utility of Preoperative Assessment in Ovarian Cancer Cytoreduction

Ovarian cancer is the deadliest gynecologic cancer, in part due to late presentation. Many women have vague early symptoms and present with disseminated disease. Cytoreductive surgery can be extensive, involving multiple organ systems. Novel therapies and recent clinical trials have provided evidence that, compared to primary cytoreduction, neoadjuvant chemotherapy has equivalent survival outcomes with less morbidity. There is increasing need for validated tools and mechanisms for clinicians to determine the optimal management of ovarian cancer patients.

The role of CA-125, GLS and FASN in predicting cytoreduction for epithelial ovarian cancers

OBJECTIVE

Cytoreduction has an important role in improving the survival rate of epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) patients. This study aimed to assess the ability of preoperative serum CA125, FASN and GLS as predictors of cytoreductive surgery for epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC).

RESULTS

The average values of serum CA-125, FASN, and GLS in the suboptimal cytoreduction group were higher than those in optimal cytoreduction group. The cut off point (COP) was 248.55 (p = 0.0001) with 73.2% sensitivity and 73.6% specificity for CA-125, 0.445 (p = 0.017) with 62.5% sensitivity and 60.4% specificity for FASN, and 22.895 (p = 0.0001) with 73.2% sensitivity and 75.5% specificity for GLS. The COP of CA-125 and GLS combined was 29.16 (p = 0.0001) with sensitivity 82.1% and specificity 73.6%, while the COP of CA-125, GLS, and FASN combined was 0.83 (p = 0.0001) with 87.5% sensitivity and 73.6% specificity.

The Value of Contrast-Enhanced CT in the Detection of Residual Disease After Neo-Adjuvant Chemotherapy in Ovarian Cancer

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the diagnostic performance of contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) in predicting residual disease following neo-adjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) in stage III/IV ovarian cancer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This was a retrospective observational cohort study including consecutive patients with primary stage III/IV ovarian cancer who received NACT before interval debulking surgery. CT findings before interval debulking surgerywere correlated with histological/surgical findings. Diagnostic characteristics were calculated on patient-based and lesion-based analyses. False negative results on peritoneal carcinomatosis detection were correlated with lesion size and site.

RESULTS

On patient-based analysis, CT (n = 58) had a sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and accuracy of 92.16%, 57.14%, 94.00%, 50.00%, and 87.93%. On lesion-based analysis, the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy were 63.01%, 73.47%, 82.51%, 50.00%, and 66.51%. False negative results were associated with lesion size (p < 0.001). The diagnostic performance of CT on the detection of peritoneal carcinomatosis was low at the subdiaphragmatic spaces, bowel serosa and mesentery (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

CT had low negative predictive value in determining residual disease following NACT on both patient-based and lesion-based analyses, especially for non-measurable lesions and at the subdiaphragmatic spaces, bowel serosa and mesentery.

A longitudinal analysis of CA125 glycoforms in the monitoring and follow up of high grade serous ovarian cancer

OBJECTIVE

Cancer antigen 125 (CA125) is generally considered the gold standard of biomarkers in the diagnosis and monitoring of high grade serous ovarian carcinoma (HGSC). We recently reported, that two CA125 glycoforms (CA125-STn and CA125-MGL) have a high specificity to HGSC and further hypothesized, that these cancer specific glycoforms are feasible candidates as biomarkers in HGSC treatment and follow up.

METHODS

Our cohort consisted of 122 patients diagnosed with HGSC. Serum samples were collected longitudinally at the time of diagnosis, during treatment and follow up. Serum levels of CA125, CA125-STn and CA125-MGL were determined and compared or correlated with different end points (tumor load assessed intraoperatively, residual disease, treatment response, progression free survival).

RESULTS

Serum CA125-STn levels at diagnosis differentiated patients with low tumor load and high tumor load (p = 0,030), indicating a favorable detection of tumor volume. Similarly, the CA125-STn levels at diagnosis were significantly lower in patients with subsequent complete cytoreduction than in patients with suboptimal cytoreduction (p = 0,025). Conventional CA125 did not differentiate these patients (p = 0,363 and p = 0,154). The CA125-STn nadir value predicted the progression free survival of patients. The detection of disease relapse was improved with CA125-STn, which presented higher fold increase in 80,0% of patients and earlier increase in 37,0% of patients.

CONCLUSIONS

CA125-STn showed promise as a useful biomarker in the monitoring and follow up of patients with HGSC utilizing a robust and affordable technique. Our findings are topical as a suitable indicator of tumor load facilitates patient selection in an era of new targeted therapies.

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.

[Diagnostic and prognostic value of tumor markers, scores (clinical and biological) algorithms, in front of an ovarian mass suspected of an epithelial 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]

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the diagnostic value of serum/urinary biomarkers and the operability diagnosis strategy to make management recommendations.

METHODS

Bibliographical search in French and English languages by consultation of Pubmed, Cochrane and Embase databases.

RESULTS

For the diagnosis of a suspicious adnexal mass on imaging: Serum CA125 antigen is recommended (grade A). Serum CAE is not recommended (grade C). The low evidence in literature concerning diagnostic value of CA19.9 does not allow any recommendation concerning its use. Serum Human epididymis protein 4 (HE4) is recommended (grade A). Comparison of data concerning diagnosis value of CA125 and HE4 show similar results for the prediction of malignancy in case of a suspicious adnexal mass on imaging (NP1). Urinary HE4 is not recommended (grade A). The use of circulating tumor DNA is not recommended (grade A). Tumor associated antigen-antibodies (AAbs) is not recommended (grade B). The use of ROMA score (Risk of Ovarian Malignancy Algorithm) is recommended (grade A). The use of Copenhagen index (CPH-I), R-OPS score, OVA500 is not recommended (grade C). For the prediction of resectability of an ovarian cancer with peritoneal carcinomatosis in the context of a primary debulking surgery: It is not recommendend to use serum CA125 (grade A). The low evidence in literature concerning diagnostic value of HE4 does not allow any recommendation concerning its use in this context. No recommendation can be given concerning CA19.9 and CAE. For the prediction of resectability of an ovarian cancer with peritoneal carcinomatosis in the context of surgery after neoadjuvant chemotherapy: the low evidence in literature concerning diagnostic value of serum markers in this context does not allow any recommendation concerning their use in this context. Place of laparoscopy for the prediction of resectability in case of upfront surgery of an ovarian cancer with peritoneal carcinomatosis robust data shows that the use of laparoscopy significantly reduce futile laparotomies (LE1). Laparoscopy is recommended in this context (grade A). Fagotti score is a reproducible tool (LE1) permitting the evaluation of feasibility of an optimal upfront debulking (NP4), its use is recommended (grade C). A Fagotti score≥8 is correlated to a low probability of complete or optimal debulking surgery (LE4) (grade C). There is no sufficient evidence to recommend the use of the modified Fagotti score or any other laparoscopic score (LE4). In case of laparotomy for an ovarian cancer with peritoneal carcinomatosis, the use of Peritoneal Cancer Index (PCI) is recommended (grade C). For the prediction of overall survival, disease free survival and the prediction of postoperative complications, the clinical and statistical of actually available tools do not allow any recommendation.

The ability of whole-body SUVmax in F-18 FDG PET/CT to predict suboptimal cytoreduction during primary debulking surgery for advanced ovarian cancer

Background

The aim of this study was to (1) evaluate the ability of F-18 fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (FDG PET/CT) parameters to predict suboptimal cytoreduction and (2) to create a risk model for predicting suboptimal cytoreduction in advanced ovarian cancer. From 2011 to 2015, 51 patients underwent primary cytoreductive surgery for advanced ovarian cancer were enrolled. A residual disease with maximal diameter >  1 cm was considered a suboptimal surgical result. The SUVmax values for nine abdominal regions, the sum of 9 regional SUVmax (WB1SUVmax) and WB2SUVmax (WB1SUVmax plus SUVmax of lymph nodes) were used for PET parameter. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to determine the predictive value of PET and clinical parameters for risk model. In addition, assessments of disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) were performed.

Results

Seventeen of the 51 patients (33.3%) underwent suboptimal cytoreduction. The ECOG status (OR, 4.091), SUVmax of central (OR, 5.250), right upper (OR, 4.148), left upper (OR, 5.921) and WB2SUVmax (OR, 4.148) were associated with suboptimal cytoreduction. The risk model can divide the risk groups of suboptimal cytoreduction (area under the curve (AUC), 0.775; p = 0.0001). The DFS and OS in the high-risk group were significantly worse than those in the low-risk group (p = 0.0379 for DFS; p = 0.0211 for OS).

Conclusions

The presence of hypermetabolic lesions in the central, right upper, and left upper regions showed predictive value for suboptimal cytoreduction. Our risk model may be helpful for selecting patients who may show suboptimal cytoreduction.

Model for Prediction of Optimal Debulking of Epithelial Ovarian Cancer

Background: Primary cytoreduction surgery followed by chemotherapy is the cornerstone treatment for epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC). In patients with a low probability of optimal primary surgical debulking, neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) followed by interval debulking increases the chance of optimal surgery. The aim of this study was to develop a model to identify preoperative predictors for suboptimal cytoreduction. Methods: Medical records of patients with EOC who underwent primary cytoreductive surgery in a referral tertiary gyneco-oncology center were reviewed from 2007 to 2017. Data were collected on a range of characteristics including demographic features, comorbidities, serum tumor markers, hematologic markers, preoperative imaging, surgical procedures, and pathologic reports. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to clarify the ability of preoperative factors to predict suboptimal primary surgery. Results: The majority of patients (71.3%) who underwent primary cytoreductive surgery were optimally debulked. Based on the Youden index, the best cut-off point for the serum CA125 level to distinguish suboptimal debulking was 420U/ml with 0.730 (95%CI:0.559 to 0.862) sensitivity and 0.783 (0.684 to 0.862) specificity. Multiple logistic regression results showed that serum CA125 level >420 U/ ml (p value <0.001), the presence of liver metastasis on preoperative imaging (p value: 0.041) and ascites (p value: 0.032) or massive ascites (p value:0.010) significantly increased the risk of suboptimal debulking (logit p = 2.36 CA125 level +1.85 Liverinvolvement +1.68 presence of Ascites+ 2.28 Massive Ascites). Conclusion:The present study suggests that a serum CA125 level >420 U/ml, the presence of ascites or massive ascites and liver metastasis are strong predictors of suboptimal primary surgery in cases of EOC. Based on the constructed model, with any of these 4 factors, the probability of suboptimal debulking in EOC is more than 80%.

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.

A novel algorithm for the treatment strategy for advanced epithelial ovarian cancer: consecutive imaging, frailty assessment, and diagnostic laparoscopy

Background

This study aimed to evaluate the perioperative outcomes and prognostic impact of the consecutive steps of imaging, frailty assessment, and diagnostic laparoscopy (DLS) in patients with advanced epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC).

Methods

Patients diagnosed with EOC during 2012–2015 were analyzed retrospectively. Surgical and survival outcomes were compared between three treatment groups: patients without high tumor dissemination (HTD) who underwent primary debulking surgery (PDS group); patients with HTD who underwent DLS (DLS group); and patients with HTD diagnosed by cytological confirmation of malignancy followed by neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT group).

Results

Of 181 patients, 85, 38, and 58 underwent PDS, DLS, and NACT, respectively. Among the 38 consecutive patients who initially underwent DLS, 6 were considered suitable for PDS; the remaining 32 were eligible for NACT followed by interval debulking surgery. The median operative times of debulking surgery in the PDS, DLS, and NACT groups were 365 min (interquartile range [IQR]: 216.5–476.5 min), 266.2 min (IQR: 160.3–193.5 min), and 339.0 min (IQR: 205–425 min; P = 0.042), respectively, with respective median estimated blood loss volumes of 962.2 mL (IQR: 300–1037.5 mL), 267.1 mL (IQR: 150–450 mL), and 861.7 mL (IQR: 150–1200 mL; P = 0.023). The DLS group had significantly reduced transfusion requirements and intensive care unit admission rates (P = 0.006). The Kaplan–Meier survival analysis indicated significantly poor PFS in the NACT group. However, there was no significant difference in OS among the three groups.

Conclusions

The consecutive steps of imaging, frailty assessment, and DLS might facilitate rapid assessments of peritoneal disease extent and resectability; this novel algorithm might also be used to individualize treatment.

Preoperative prediction of suboptimal resection in advanced ovarian cancer based on clinical and CT parameters

Background Cytoreduction is important as a survival predictor in advanced ovarian cancer. Purpose To determine the prediction of suboptimal resection (SOR) in advanced ovarian cancer based on clinical and computed tomography (CT) parameters. Material and Methods Between 2007 and 2015, 327 consecutive patients with FIGO stage III-IV ovarian cancer and preoperative CT were included. During 2007-2012, patients were assigned to a derivation dataset ( n = 220) and the others were assigned to a validation dataset ( n = 107). Clinical parameters were reviewed and two radiologists assessed the presence or absence of tabulated parameters on CT images. Logistic regression analyses based on area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve (AUROC) were performed to identify variables predicting SOR, and generated simple score using Cox proportional hazards model. Results There was no statistical difference in patients' characteristics in both datasets, except for residual disease ( P = 0.001). Optimal resection improved from 45.0% (99/220) in the derivation dataset to 64.4% (69/107) in the validation dataset. Logistic regression identified that Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group-performance status (ECOG-PS 2), involvements of peritoneum, diaphragm, bowel mesentery and suprarenal lymph nodes, and pleural effusion were independent variables of SOR. Overall AUROC for score predicting SOR was 0.761 with sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of 70.6%, 73.2%, 68.7%, and 91.9%, respectively. In the derivation dataset, AUROC was 0.792, with sensitivity of 71.4% and specificity of 74.3%, and AUROC of 0.758 with sensitivity of 69.2% and specificity of 72.8% in the validation dataset. Conclusion CT may be a useful preoperative predictor of SOR in advanced ovarian cancer.

Preoperative evaluation of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma with synchronous liver metastasis: Diagnosis and assessment of unresectability

AIM

To identify predictors for synchronous liver metastasis from resectable pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) and assess unresectability of synchronous liver metastasis.

METHODS

Retrospective records of PDAC patients with synchronous liver metastasis who underwent simultaneous resections of primary PDAC and synchronous liver metastasis, or palliative surgical bypass, were collected from 2007 to 2015. A series of pre-operative clinical parameters, including tumor markers and inflammation-based indices, were analyzed by logistic regression to figure out predictive factors and assess unresectability of synchronous liver metastasis. Cox regression was used to identify prognostic factors in liver-metastasized PDAC patients after surgery, with intention to validate their conformance to the indications of simultaneous resections and palliative surgical bypass. Survival of patients from different groups were analyzed by the Kaplan-Meier method. Intra- and post-operative courses were compared, including complications. PDAC patients with no distant metastases who underwent curative resection served as the control group.

RESULTS

CA125 > 38 U/mL (OR = 12.397, 95%CI: 5.468-28.105, P < 0.001) and diabetes mellitus (OR = 3.343, 95%CI: 1.539-7.262, P = 0.002) independently predicted synchronous liver metastasis from resectable PDAC. CA125 > 62 U/mL (OR = 5.181, 95%CI: 1.612-16.665, P = 0.006) and age > 62 years (OR = 3.921, 95%CI: 1.217-12.632, P = 0.022) correlated with unresectability of synchronous liver metastasis, both of which also indicated a worse long-term outcome of liver-metastasized PDAC patients after surgery. After the simultaneous resections, patients with post-operatively elevated serum CA125 levels had shorter survival than those with post-operatively reduced serum CA125 levels (7.7 mo vs 16.3 mo, P = 0.013). The survival of liver-metastasized PDAC patients who underwent the simultaneous resections was similar to that of non-metastasized PDAC patients who underwent curative pancreatectomy alone (7.0 mo vs 16.9 mo, P < 0.001), with no higher rates of either pancreatic fistula (P = 0.072) or other complications (P = 0.230) and no greater impacts on length of hospital stay (P = 0.602) or post-operative diabetic control (P = 0.479).

CONCLUSION

The criterion set up by CA125 levels could facilitate careful diagnosis of synchronous liver metastases from PDAC, and prudent selection of appropriate patients for the simultaneous resections.

Surgery for advanced epithelial ovarian cancer

Cytoreductive surgery for patients with advanced epithelial ovarian cancer has been practised since the pioneering work of Tom Griffiths in 1975. Further research has demonstrated the prognostic significance of the extent of metastatic disease pre-operatively, and of complete cytoreduction post-operatively. Patients with advanced epithelial ovarian cancer should be referred to high volume cancer units, and managed by multidisciplinary teams. The role of thoracoscopy and resection of intrathoracic disease is presently investigational. In recent years, there has been increasing use of neoadjuvant chemotherapy and interval cytoreductive surgery in patients with poor performance status, which is usually due to large volume ascites and/or large pleural effusions. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy reduces the post-operative morbidity, but if the tumour responds well to the chemotherapy, the inflammatory response makes the surgery more difficult. Post-operative morbidity is generally tolerable, but increases in older patients, and in those having multiple, aggressive surgical procedures, such as bowel resection or diaphragmatic stripping. Primary cytoreductive surgery should be regarded as the gold standard for most patients until a test is developed which would allow the prediction of platinum resistance pre-operatively.

Serum CA125 and HE4 levels as predictors for optimal interval surgery and platinum sensitivity after neoadjuvant platinum-based chemotherapy in patients with advanced epithelial ovarian cancer

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study is to evaluate a new tumour marker, HE4, and to compare it with CA125 in predicting optimal cytoreduction and response to chemotherapy. Thirty patients with advanced epithelial ovarian cancer and multiple sera harvested during neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) were included.

RESULTS

Based on ROC curves analysis, CA125 ≤ 75 UI/ml and HE4 ≤ 252 pmol/L after the 3rd cycles of NAC, with a sensitivity of 93.7 % and a specificity of 92.3 % (PPV = 93.7 % and NPV = 92.3 %), offered the best combination for predicting optimal cytoreduction. In addition, the HE4 value of 115 pmol/L is the best cut-off level for identifying platinum-sensitive patients.

CONCLUSIONS

The introduction of HE4 as a new tool for predicting platinum-sensitivity and interval optimal cytoreduction is promising.

Preoperative Lymphocyte-Monocyte Ratio Is a Predictor of Suboptimal Cytoreduction in Stage III-IV Epithelial Ovarian Cancer

Objective: To determine whether the preoperative lymphocyte-monocyte ratio (LMR) is a predictor of suboptimal cytoreduction in advanced-stage epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC).

Methods: Preoperative clinico-pathologic and hematologic parameters were reviewed in a total of 154 patients with EOC submitted to primary cytoreductive surgery. Patients were categorized into two different groups according to the results of cytoreductive surgery: optimal and suboptimal cytoreduction. Continuous variables were categorized into two groups using the best cutoff points selected on the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve for suboptimal cytoreduction.

Results: Based on data collected from the 154 patients, 133 (86.4%) and 21 (13.6%) patients presented with stage III and IV disease, respectively. One hundred seventeen (76.0%) patients had serous adenocarcinoma, and 92 (59.7%) had histologic tumor grade 3. The optimal and suboptimal cytoreduction groups included 96 (62.3%) and 58 patients (37.7%), respectively. The best LMR cutoff point for suboptimal cytoreduction was 3.75. On multivariate logistic regression analysis, age, cancer antigen 125, white blood cell count, and LMR were found to be the strongest predictors for suboptimal cytoreduction (P=0.0037, 0.0249, 0.0062, and 0.0015, respectively).

Conclusion: Preoperative LMR is an independent predictor of suboptimal cytoreduction. It provides additional prognostic information beyond the biological parameters of the tumor.

Usefulness of human epididymis protein 4 in predicting cytoreductive surgical outcomes for advanced ovarian tubal and peritoneal carcinoma

OBJECTIVE

Human epididymis protein 4 (HE4) is a promising biomarker of epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC). But its role in assessing the primary optimal debulking (OD) of EOC remains unknown. The purpose of this study is to elucidate the ability of preoperative HE4 in predicting the primary cytoreductive outcomes in advanced EOC, tubal or peritoneal carcinoma.

METHODS

We reviewed the records of 90 patients with advanced ovarian, tubal or peritoneal carcinoma who underwent primary cytoreduction at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology of Peking University People's Hospital between November 2005 and October 2010. Preoperative serum HE4 and CA125 levels were detected with EIA kit. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to determine the most useful HE4 cut-off value. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify significant preoperative clinical characteristics to predict optimal primary cytoreduction.

RESULTS

OD was achieved in 47.7% (43/48) of patients. The median preoperative HE4 level for patients with OD vs. suboptimal debulking was 423 and 820 pmol/L, respectively (P<0.001). The areas under the ROC curve for HE4 and CA125 were 0.716 and 0.599, respectively (P=0.080). The most useful HE4 cut-off value was 473 pmol/L. Suboptimal cytoreduction was obtained in 66.7% (38/57) of cases with HE4 ≥473 pmol/L compared with only 27.3% (9/33) of cases with HE4 <473 pmol/L. At this threshold, the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) for diagnosing suboptimal debulking were 81%, 56%, 67%, and 73%, respectively. Logistic regression analysis showed that the patients with HE4 ≥473 pmol/L were less likely to achieve OD (odds ratio =5.044, P=0.002).

CONCLUSIONS

Preoperative serum HE4 may be helpful to predict whether optimal cytoreductive surgery could be obtained or whether extended cytoreduction would be needed by an interdisciplinary team.

Surgical outcome prediction in patients with advanced ovarian cancer using computed tomography scans and intraoperative findings

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to identify features on preoperative computed tomography (CT) scans that are predictive of suboptimal primary cytoreduction and to evaluate the correlation between CT findings and intraoperative findings in advanced ovarian cancer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed preoperative CT scans and operative findings from patients with stage III/IV epithelial ovarian cancer who underwent primary cytoreduction between 2003 and 2006. Fourteen criteria were assessed. Clinical data were extracted from medical records. Residual tumors measuring ≥1 cm were considered suboptimal.

RESULTS

We retrospectively identified 118 patients who met the study inclusion criteria. The rate of optimal cytoreduction (≤1 cm residual disease) was 40%. On preoperative CT scans, omental extension to the stomach or spleen and inguinal or pelvic lymph nodes >2 cm were predictors of suboptimal cytoreduction on univariate (p = 0.016 and p = 0.028, respectively) and multivariate analysis (p = 0.042 and p = 0.029, respectively). Involvement of both omental extension and inguinal or pelvic lymph nodes had a positive predictive value (PPV) of 100%, a specificity of 100%, and an accuracy of 45.8% in predicting suboptimal cytoreduction. We correlated the preoperative CT findings with the intraoperative findings. There were significant correlations between CT and intraoperative findings of omental extension (p = 0.007), inguinal or pelvic lymph nodes >2 cm (p < 0.001), and large bowel mesentery implants >2 cm (p = 0.001).

CONCLUSION

The combination of omental extension to the stomach or spleen and involvement of inguinal or pelvic lymph nodes in preoperative CT scans is considered predictive of suboptimal cytoreduction. These patients may be more appropriately treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by surgical cytoreduction.

Does a standardized preoperative algorithm of clinical data improve outcomes in patients with ovarian cancer? A quality improvement project

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the potential impact of a standardized preoperative algorithm on outcomes of patients with suspected ovarian cancer.

METHODS

From January 1 to December 31, 2013, patients with suspected ovarian cancer were triaged to primary debulking surgery or neoadjuvant chemotherapy/interval debulking surgery (NACT/IDS) based on a comprehensive review of preoperative clinical data as part of a quality improvement project. Demographics, surgical, and postoperative data were collected.

RESULTS

A total of 110 patients with newly diagnosed ovarian cancer were identified: 68 (62%) underwent PDS with an 85% optimal debulking rate. The 30-day readmission rate was 14.7% with a 2.9% 60-day mortality rate. Forty-two patients (38%) underwent NACT. Two patients (4.8%) died before receiving NACT. Thirty-five patients have undergone IDS with an 89% optimal debulking rate. The 30-day readmission rate was 8.5% with a 5.7% 60-day mortality rate after IDS.

CONCLUSIONS

Although it is difficult to predict which patients will undergo optimal debulking at the time of PDS, surgical morbidity and mortality can be decreased by using NACT in select patients. The initiation of a quality improvement project has contributed to an improvement in patient outcomes at our institution.

A framework for a personalized surgical approach to ovarian cancer

The standard approach for the treatment of advanced-stage ovarian cancer is upfront cytoreductive surgery followed by a combination of platinum-based and taxane-based chemotherapy. The extent of residual disease following upfront cytoreductive surgery correlates with objective response to adjuvant chemotherapy, rate of pathological complete response at second-look assessment operations, and progression-free survival and overall survival. Contemporary data and meta-analyses indicate a correlation between volume of residual disease and patient outcome, with those patients undergoing complete gross resection having the best outcomes. Thus, attention has focused on surgical efforts to remove as much disease as possible with the metric of 'optimal' cytoreduction being R0 disease. Because patients with R0 resection seem to have the best overall outcomes, preoperative or intraoperative assessment to avoid unnecessary primary debulking surgery has become common. The use of serum CA-125 levels, physical examination and CT imaging have lacked accuracy in determining if disease can be optimally debulked. Therefore, an algorithm that identifies patients in whom complete gross resection at primary surgery is likely to be achieved would be expected to improve patient survival. We discuss contemporary definitions of 'optimal' residual disease, and opportunities to personalize surgical therapy and improve the quality of surgical care.

Predictors of optimal cytoreduction in patients with newly diagnosed advanced-stage epithelial ovarian cancer: Time to incorporate laparoscopic assessment into the standard of care

The standard management of advanced-stage ovarian cancer has been a subject of debate, and much controversy remains as to whether patients should have primary cytoreductive surgery followed by chemotherapy or neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by interval cytoreductive surgery. In addition, there is increasing evidence that the patients who ultimately gain the most benefit from surgery are those with no residual disease at the completion of surgery (R0 resection). Therefore, to determine the best therapeutic strategy (primary cytoreductive surgery vs. neoadjuvant chemotherapy) for an individual patient, it is critically important to estimate the likelihood that primary cytoreductive surgery will leave no macroscopic residual disease. A number of studies have evaluated the use of serologic markers, such as CA-125, and imaging modalities, such as computed tomography (CT) or positron emission tomography/CT (PET/CT), to determine which patients are ideal candidates for primary cytoreductive surgery. More recently, laparoscopy has been proposed as a reliable predictor of R0 resection. In this report, we provide a review of the existing literature on the proposed criteria to predict the outcome of cytoreductive surgery and the role of laparoscopy-based scores in the management of advanced ovarian cancer.

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy in gynaecological cancers - Implications for staging

The management of advanced gynaecological cancers remains a therapeutic challenge. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy has been used to reduce tumour size, thus facilitating subsequent local treatment in the form of surgery or radiation. For advanced epithelial ovarian cancer, data from several non-randomized and one randomized studies indicate that neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by interval debulking surgery is a reasonable approach in patients deemed inoperable. Such an approach results in optimum debulking (no visible tumour) in approximately 40% of the patients with reduced operative morbidity. Overall and progression free-survival is comparable to the group treated with primary debulking surgery followed by chemotherapy. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by surgery is associated with improved survival for women with stage IB2-IIA cervix cancer. There is a resurgence of interest for using short-course neoadjuvant chemotherapy prior to concurrent chemo-radiation. Currently, this is being tested in randomized trials.

A multicenter prospective trial evaluating the ability of preoperative computed tomography scan and serum CA-125 to predict suboptimal cytoreduction at primary debulking surgery for advanced ovarian, fallopian tube, and peritoneal cancer

OBJECTIVE

To assess the ability of preoperative computed tomography (CT) scan of the abdomen/pelvis and serum CA-125 to predict suboptimal (>1cm residual disease) primary cytoreduction in advanced ovarian, fallopian tube, and peritoneal cancer.

METHODS

This was a prospective, non-randomized, multicenter trial of patients who underwent primary cytoreduction for stage III-IV ovarian, fallopian tube, and peritoneal cancer. A CT scan of the abdomen/pelvis and serum CA-125 were obtained within 35 and 14 days before surgery, respectively. Four clinical and 20 radiologic criteria were assessed.

RESULTS

From 7/2001 to 12/2012, 669 patients were enrolled; 350 met eligibility criteria. The optimal debulking rate was 75%. On multivariate analysis, three clinical and six radiologic criteria were significantly associated with suboptimal debulking: age ≥ 60 years (p=0.01); CA-125 ≥ 500 U/mL (p<0.001); ASA 3-4 (p<0.001); suprarenal retroperitoneal lymph nodes >1cm (p<0.001); diffuse small bowel adhesions/thickening (p<0.001); and lesions >1cm in the small bowel mesentery (p=0.03), root of the superior mesenteric artery (p=0.003), perisplenic area (p<0.001), and lesser sac (p<0.001). A 'predictive value score' was assigned for each criterion, and the suboptimal debulking rates of patients who had a total score of 0, 1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8, and ≥ 9 were 5%, 10%, 17%, 34%, 52%, and 74%, respectively. A prognostic model combining these nine factors had a predictive accuracy of 0.758.

CONCLUSIONS

We identified nine criteria associated with suboptimal cytoreduction, and developed a predictive model in which the suboptimal rate was directly proportional to a predictive value score. These results may be helpful in pretreatment patient assessment.

Circulating and disseminated tumor cells in ovarian cancer: a systematic review

OBJECTIVES

Detecting circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in the peripheral blood and disseminated tumor cells (DTCs) in the bone marrow of cancer patients has proven feasible and of prognostic value in different neoplasms. However, the clinical significance of CTCs and DTCs in ovarian cancer and its association with outcome remains unclear.

METHODS

A literature search in PubMed was performed from January 2000 to December 2013 for studies evaluating CTCs and/or DTCs and its association with clinicopathological characteristics and clinical outcome in ovarian cancer. The main outcome measures were progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS).

RESULTS

Fourteen studies met the inclusion criteria. Median study size was 84 patients (range 43-216). Median follow-up was 19months (range 5-52). Most studies were small case series (n<100; studies; 71%). The majority of studies used an immunophenotyping approach to identify CTCs and/or DTCs, but only 3 studies (21%) used the FDA-approved Cell Search method. Despite the differences in methodology among studies the presence of CTCs and DTCs tended to be associated with higher baseline CA-125 serum levels, higher odds of residual disease after surgery, and worse survival in ovarian cancer across studies. No consistent intra-patient correlation was observed between DTCs detected in the bone marrow and CTCs detected in the blood.

CONCLUSIONS

The presence of CTCs and DTCs is associated with adverse clinicopathological characteristics and poor clinical outcomes in ovarian cancer patients. Its implementation as a valuable prognostic tool in the clinical setting requires uniform methodology and prospective validation.

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy and cytoreductive surgery in epithelial ovarian cancer

Ovarian cancer is one of the leading causes of death among gynecological cancers. This is because the majority of patients present with advanced stage disease. Primary debulking surgery (PDS) followed by adjuvant chemotherapy is still a mainstay of treatment. An optimal surgery, which is currently defined by leaving no gross residual tumor, is the goal of PDS. The extent of disease as well as the operative setting, including the surgeon’s skill, influences the likelihood of successful debulking. With extensive disease and a poor chance of optimal surgery or high morbidity anticipated, neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) prior to primary surgery is an option. Secondary surgery after induction chemotherapy is termed interval debulking surgery (IDS). Delayed PDS or IDS is offered to patients who show some clinical response and are without progressive disease. NACT or IDS has become more established in clinical practice and there are numerous publications regarding its advantages and disadvantages. However, data on survival are limited and inconsistent. Only one large randomized trial could demonstrate that NACT was not inferior to PDS while the few randomized trials on IDS had inconsistent results. Without a definite benefit of NACT prior to surgery over PDS, one must carefully weigh the chances of safe and successful PDS against the morbidity and risks of suboptimal surgery. Appropriate selection of a patient to undergo PDS followed by chemotherapy or, preferably, to have NACT prior to surgery is very important. Some clinical characteristics from physical examination, serum tumor markers and/or findings from imaging studies may be predictive of resectability. However, no specific features have been consistently identified in the literature. This article will address the clinical data on prediction of surgical outcomes, the role of NACT, and the role of IDS.

The use of CT findings to predict extent of tumor at primary surgery for ovarian cancer

BACKGROUND

High tumor dissemination (HTD) is a major risk factor for serious morbidity after primary ovarian cancer (OC) surgery, particularly in medically compromised patients. We performed a pilot study of whether CT findings could predict extent of disease and surgical complexity necessary in advanced OC.

METHODS

Preoperative CT images for patients with advanced OC from 1997-2003 were evaluated for rigorously defined disease-related findings and compared to both the findings at exploration and the required surgical procedures. Associations were assessed by the chi-square test.

RESULTS

Forty-six cases met inclusion criteria. Mean age was 66.4y, and 76% had residual disease (RD) 1cm or less. CT and surgical findings correlated (sensitivity/specificity) as follows: diaphragm disease (48%/100%); surface liver (100%/93%); omental cake (72%/65%); any sigmoid involvement (54%/100%); ascites (44%/100%); extra-pelvic large bowel involvement (29%/91%). When diaphragm disease and omental cake were present, HTD was found in all cases (positive predictive value and specificity=100%, sensitivity 48%). For CT findings of liver, large bowel and spleen involvement there was a strong trend toward resection (P=0.001, P=0.06 and P=0.06, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

The findings of diaphragm disease and omental cake on CT scan are highly predictive for high tumor dissemination (HTD) and thus likelihood of extensive surgery required to achieve low residual disease. In addition, multiple CT findings correlate strongly with the need for higher surgical complexity which should facilitate preoperative planning and/or triage to specialized centers. These preliminary data suggest specific CT findings can be used to optimize treatment planning.

Diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging evaluation of intra-abdominal sites of implants to predict likelihood of suboptimal cytoreductive surgery in patients with ovarian carcinoma

OBJECTIVES

To analyse the diagnostic accuracy and to establish a predictive score based on diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DWMRI) compared to exploratory laparotomy (EL) for predicting suboptimal cytoreductive surgery for different intra-abdominal sites of implants in patients with ovarian cancer.

METHODS

Thirty-four patients with advanced ovarian carcinoma were studied. Preoperative DWMRI of the abdomen and pelvis was performed. DWMRI findings were compared with EL. Ten anatomical sites were selected for inclusion in the score. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and accuracy for suboptimal cytoreduction were calculated for both DWMRI and EL. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to assess the ability to predict suboptimal cytoreduction.

RESULTS

Using predictive score, ROC curves were generated with an area under the curve of 0.938 for DWMRI and 0.947 for EL (P < 0.0001). For DWMRI, a score ≥6 had the highest overall accuracy at 91.1 % and identified patients with unnecessary EL with a sensitivity of 75 %. For EL, a score ≥4 had the highest overall accuracy at 88.2 % and was able to identify patients with unnecessary EL with a sensitivity of 87.5 %.

CONCLUSIONS

DWMRI is an emerging technique that may be useful to predict suboptimal cytoreduction in ovarian cancer.

KEY POINTS

• DWMRI is increasingly used in ovarian cancer. • DWMRI is an accurate technique for depicting intra-abdominal sites of implants • DWMRI is useful for predicting optimal cytoreductive surgical outcome. • We report a high predictive value similar to exploratory laparotomy.

Microvessel density and p53 mutations in advanced-stage epithelial ovarian cancer

We planned to determine the relationship between angiogenesis and p53 mutational status in advanced-stage epithelial ovarian cancer. Using 190 tumor samples from patients with stage III and IV ovarian cancer we performed p53 sequencing, immunohistochemistry, and CD31 microvessel density (MVD) determination. MVD was elevated in tumors with p53 null mutations compared to p53 missense mutation or no mutation. Disease recurrence was increased with higher MVD in both unadjusted and adjusted analyses. In adjusted analysis, p53 null mutation was associated with increased recurrence and worse overall survival. Worse overall survival and increased recurrence risk were also associated with the combination of CD31 MVD values >25 vessels/HPF and any p53 mutation. P53 mutation status and MVD may have prognostic significance in patients with advanced-stage ovarian cancer. Tumors with p53 null mutations are likely to be more vascular, contributing to decreased survival and increased recurrence probability.

Can the preoperative HE4 level predict optimal cytoreduction in patients with advanced ovarian carcinoma?

OBJECTIVE

Optimal surgical outcome has been proved to be one of the most powerful survival determinants in the management of ovarian cancer patients. Actually, for ovarian cancer patients there is no general consensus on the preoperatively establishment of cytoreducibility.

METHODS

Between January 2011 and June 2012 patients affected by suspicious advanced ovarian cancer, referred to the Department of Gynecology of Campus Biomedico of Rome were enrolled in the study. All patients had serum CA125 and HE4 measured preoperatively. After a complete laparoscopy to assess the possibility of optimal debulking surgery defined as no visible residual tumor after cytoreduction (RT=0), patients were submitted to primary cytoreductive surgery (Group A) or addressed to neoadjuvant chemotherapy (Group B).

RESULTS

After diagnostic open laparoscopy, 36 patients underwent optimal primary cytoreductive surgery (Group A) and 21 patients were addressed to neoadjuvant chemotherapy (Group B). In our population, based on ROC curve, the HE4 value of 262pmol/L is the best cut-off to identify patients candidates to optimal cytoreduction with a sensitivity of 86.1% and a specificity of 89.5% (PPV=93.9% and NPV=77%). In addition, CA125 has a sensitivity of 58.3% and a specificity of 84% at cut-off of 414 UI/mL (AUC is 0.68, 95% C.I.=0.620 to 0.861).

CONCLUSION

Our data indicate that preoperative HE4 is a better predictor for optimal cytoreduction compared to CA125. The best combination in predicting cytoreduction is HE4≤262 pmol/L and ascites <500mL with a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 89.5% (PPV=94% and NPV=100%).

Preoperative HE4 expression in plasma predicts surgical outcome in primary ovarian cancer patients: results from the OVCAD study

OBJECTIVES

Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) is the major cause of death due to gynecological malignancies. The most important prognostic factors are residual tumor mass after surgery and platinum-response. No predictive biomarkers are available to identify patients who will benefit from standard treatment. The aim of our study was to analyze the role of HE4 in predicting surgical and clinical outcome in primary EOC.

METHODS

In the European multicentric project "OVCAD", 275 consecutive patients with primary EOC were enrolled. Patients were eligible if radical cytoreductive surgery was performed and platinum-based chemotherapy was applied. Plasma and ascites samples were collected before or during surgery. The concentrations of HE4 and CA125 was determined using ELISA and Luminex technique, respectively.

RESULTS

Median age at first diagnosis was 58 years (range 18-85 years). Most patients presented with advanced stage disease, FIGO III or IV (94.6%), grades II-III (96%) and serous histology (86.2%). In most cases a complete cytoreduction to no residual tumor mass was achieved (68.4%). Higher plasma HE4 levels correlated with poor surgery outcome in terms of macroscopically residual tumor mass (p<0.001) and platinum-resistance (p=0.009). Plasma CA125 and the risk index (HE4 and CA125) were independent predictive factors for surgical outcome (p=0.001, OR=3.37, 95% CI=1.61-7.06 and p<0.001, OR=6,041, 95% CI=2.33-15.65, respectively). FIGO stage III was an independent predictive factor for platinum response (p=0.039, OR=0.436, 95% CI=0.198-0.960).

CONCLUSIONS

The presented data are showing that the combination of HE4 and CA125 expression in plasma might predict the surgical outcome in EOC and by this may have a prognostic impact on PFS and OS.

Laparoscopic observation of the diaphragm undersurface in the staging of peritoneal carcinomatosis: comparison of three optical systems

OBJECTIVES

Endoscopy is a key tool in the diagnosis and management planning of peritoneal carcinomatosis. The aim of this study was to determine which type of endoscope is the most efficient for comprehensive staging of the upper abdomen peritoneal surface.

METHODS

From April 2010 to February 2011, endoscopies were performed on five human female fresh-frozen cadavers. Three endoscopes (rigid 0°, 30° and flexible) were used consecutively and compared.

RESULTS

The diaphragmatic areas explored with the flexible endoscope were significantly larger than those with the other two. On average, 135 (range 66-225), 168 (range 96-306), and 201 (range 128-399)cm(2) were observed using the 0°, 30°, and flexible laparoscopes, respectively. The p value obtained using the exact Wilcoxon test for paired data was 0.0019 between the 0° and 30° endoscopes and between the 30° and flexible endoscopes. The 30° endoscope was consistently better than the 0° endoscope for the observation of the diaphragm and spleen undersurface.

CONCLUSION

Flexible endoscopy seemed to be the most efficient for the evaluation of peritoneal carcinomatosis. However, due to a poorer image, the need for considerable practice, and the high equipment and maintenance cost of the flexible endoscope, the rigid 30° endoscope seems to be the best compromise.

Surgical management of epithelial ovarian cancer

Ovarian cancer affects approximately 21,880 women and accounts for over 13,000 deaths annually in the United States. Although survival rates have improved over the past several decades, directly as a result of advances in chemotherapy and surgery, ovarian cancer continues to have high mortality rates. Understanding the multiple roles of surgery throughout the disease course is the focus of this review.

Surgical risk score predicts suboptimal debulking or a major perioperative complication in patients with advanced epithelial ovarian, fallopian tube, or primary peritoneal cancer

BACKGROUND

Patients who present with an advanced ovarian cancer are typically treated with primary debulking surgery (PDS) or neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) followed by interval debulking surgery. The accurate pretreatment identification of patients best suited for PDS versus NAC is challenging. A paradigm for selecting one approach over the other could improve patient outcomes. In this study, we developed a prediction model for "successful surgery" (defined as optimal residual disease and no major perioperative complication) in patients who underwent PDS.

PATIENTS

Preoperative clinical characteristics, laboratory values, computed tomography findings, and surgical outcomes of 106 consecutive medically fit patients with advanced ovarian, tubal, or peritoneal cancer were reviewed. Preoperative predictors of suboptimal residual disease and major perioperative complications were determined using regression analysis. A surgical risk score (SRS) that minimized the false-negative rate (ie, likelihood of incorrectly predicting successful surgery) was constructed.

RESULTS

Sixty (57%) of the 106 patients were optimally cytoreduced. Fifty-six "radical procedures" were performed, and there were a total of 24 major perioperative complications. Diffuse peritoneal studding (P < 0.0001), para-aortic lymphadenopathy (P < 0.0001), and mesenteric involvement (Mes, P = 0.006) were associated with suboptimal (>1 cm) residual disease. Low albumin (P = 0.04) and splenic disease (spleen, P = 0.02) were the only 2 parameters associated with a higher risk of a major perioperative complication. The median SRSs of patients who had successful and "unsuccessful surgery" were 1 (0-4) and 3 (0-6), respectively. The false-negative rate of the SRS was only 7%.

CONCLUSIONS

We developed a model that incorporated complications, in addition to residual disease status, into predicting surgical outcome for medically fit patients with advanced ovarian cancer. The SRS might be useful in determining the initial treatment strategy (ie, PDS vs NAC) for these patients. The accuracy of the SRS needs to be validated in a prospective manner.

Changes in serum CA-125 can predict optimal cytoreduction to no gross residual disease in patients with advanced stage ovarian cancer treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the predictive power of serum CA-125 changes in the management of patients undergoing neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by interval debulking surgery (NACT-IDS) for a new diagnosis of epithelial ovarian carcinoma (EOC).

METHODS

Using the Cancer Registry databases from our institutions, a retrospective review of patients with FIGO stage IIIC and IV EOC who were treated with platinum-based NACT-IDS between January 2006 and December 2009 was conducted. Demographic data, CA-125 levels, radiographic data, chemotherapy, and surgical-pathologic information were obtained. Continuous variables were evaluated by Student's t test or Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney test.

RESULTS

One hundred-three patients with stage IIIC or IV EOC met study criteria. Median number of neoadjuvant cycles was 3. Ninety-nine patients (96.1%) were optimally cytoreduced. Forty-seven patients (47.5%) had resection to no residual disease (NRD). The median CA-125 at diagnosis and before interval debulking was 1749U/mL and 161U/mL, respectively. Comparing patients with NRD v. optimal macroscopic disease (OMD), there was no statistical difference in the mean CA-125 at diagnosis (1566U/mL v. 2077U/mL, p=0.1). There was a significant difference in the mean CA-125 prior to interval debulking, 92 v. 233U/mL (p=0.001). In the NRD group, 38 patients (80%) had preoperative CA-125≤100U/mL compared to 33 patients (63.4%) in the OMD group (p=0.04).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients who undergo NACT-IDS achieve a high rate of optimal cytoreduction. In our series, after treatment with taxane and platinum-based chemotherapy, patients with a preoperative CA-125 of ≤100U/mL were highly likely to be cytoreduced to no residual disease.