The special role of ultrasound for screening, staging and surveillance of malignant ovarian tumors: distinction from other methods of diagnostic imaging

A Novel Classifier Based on Urinary Proteomics for Distinguishing Between Benign and Malignant Ovarian Tumors

Background

Preoperative differentiation of benign and malignant tumor types is critical for providing individualized treatment interventions to improve prognosis of patients with ovarian cancer. High-throughput proteomics analysis of urine samples was performed to identify reliable and non-invasive biomarkers that could effectively discriminate between the two ovarian tumor types.

Methods

In total, 132 urine samples from 73 malignant and 59 benign cases of ovarian carcinoma were divided into C1 (training and test datasets) and C2 (validation dataset) cohorts. Mass spectrometry (MS) data of all samples were acquired in data-independent acquisition (DIA) mode with an Orbitrap mass spectrometer and analyzed using DIA-NN software. The generated classifier was trained with Random Forest algorithm from the training dataset and validated in the test and validation datasets. Serum CA125 and HE4 levels were additionally determined in all patients. Finally, classification accuracy of the classifier, serum CA125 and serum HE4 in all samples were evaluated and plotted via receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis.

Results

In total, 2,199 proteins were quantified and 69 identified with differential expression in benign and malignant groups of the C1 cohort. A classifier incorporating five proteins (WFDC2, PTMA, PVRL4, FIBA, and PVRL2) was trained and validated in this study. Evaluation of the performance of the classifier revealed AUC values of 0.970 and 0.952 in the test and validation datasets, respectively. In all 132 patients, AUCs of 0.966, 0.947, and 0.979 were achieved with the classifier, serum CA125, and serum HE4, respectively. Among eight patients with early stage malignancy, 7, 6, and 4 were accurately diagnosed based on classifier, serum CA125, and serum HE4, respectively.

Conclusion

The novel classifier incorporating a urinary protein panel presents a promising non-invasive diagnostic biomarker for classifying benign and malignant ovarian tumors.

Utility of Preoperative Inflammatory Markers to Distinguish Epithelial Ovarian Cancer from Benign Ovarian Masses

Background: Inflammatory markers have been reported to be predictors for the presence of epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC), however, the cut-off value of each marker remains unclear and predictive capability of the markers in different histology types of EOC is still unknown.

Methods: A total of 207 patients with benign ovarian masses and 887 EOC patients who underwent surgical resection, and were pathologically diagnosed were included. We compared the difference of preoperative inflammatory markers between benign ovarian masses and EOC patients. Stratified analysis by histology subtype was further conducted. Logistic regression analyses and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves was used to evaluate the predictive capability of the markers.

Results: Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR) were significantly associated with all stages and subtypes of EOC (P<0.001). The optimal cut-off points based on ROC curve analyses for NLR, PLR, and LMR were found to be 2.139 (AUC=0.749, P<0.001), 182.698 (AUC=0.730, P<0.001), and 3.619 (AUC = 0.709, P<0.001), respectively. In low CA125 level patients, high level of NLR and PLR increase the risk of endometrioid EOC, while low level of LMR were significantly associated with an increased risk of serous EOC.

Conclusions: In addition to CA125, NLR, PLR, and LMR could be used as predictors of EOC and preoperative inflammatory markers may be used as a potential biomarker for predicting different histotypes of EOC.

Ultrasonography features and screening of ovarian masses in reproductive-age women

Ovarian neoplasms can develop at any age, carry a high risk for malignant transformation, reduce the reproductive potential of a woman and are an indication for surgery. The search for optimal screening algorithms for ovarian tumors is still ongoing. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prognostic efficacy of ultrasonography (US) features in differentiating between benign, malignant and borderline tumors in reproductive-age women. We examined 168 reproductive-age women with ovarian masses who underwent surgery in 2012–2015 and compared the results of histopathological examinations with pulsed-Doppler US findings. We did not establish a correlation between the size/volume of the tumor and their morphological structure. We identified the echotexture characteristics associated with malignancy, including the presence of a solid component (р < 0.001); septations (р = 0.029) and projections on the internal surface of the tumor capsule (р < 0.001); moderate or significant buildup of free fluid in the small pelvis (р = 0.007), and the nodular surface of the tumor capsule (р = 0.008). Solid ovarian masses were at increased (31.69-fold) risk of transformation into malignant or borderline tumors, whereas for a mixed (cystic and solid) type the risk of such transformation increased 3.46-fold. We also identified Doppler parameters that can clearly discriminate between benign and malignant growths, including the blood flow rate in the tumor over 1.85 cm/s (р = 0.007) and RMI over 0.16 (р = 0.013). The sensitivity and specificity of our diagnostic model are 87% and 68%, respectively, with a probability threshold of 0.3.

Ovarian cancer screening in the general population

Background Ovarian carcinoma is a poor prognosis cancer mainly due to its late diagnosis. Its incidence is relatively low but mortality is high. The symptomatology is only slightly specific, which complicates diagnostic management. It would therefore be interesting to be able to establish a diagnosis as early as possible in order to improve the prognosis of patients suffering from ovarian cancer. Materials and methods Currently, the combination of an ultrasound examination with a cancer antigen (CA)-125 assay is the most effective diagnostic technique, but not already admitted as a screening method. Therefore, we realized an exhaustive analysis of the most important studies in the last 15 years, in order to find new approaches in ovarian cancer screening. Results The age for initiating screening and its frequency are issues that are not fully resolved. The false positives and morbidity that result from screening are currently notable limitations. Conclusions The latest data do not support effective screening in the general population.

Surgically Managed Ovarian Masses at the Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne -19 Year Experience

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

To describe the clinicopathological characteristics and management of surgically removed ovarian masses at the Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne from 1993 to 2012.

METHODS

Medical records were reviewed retrospectively. Data regarding clinical findings, imaging and surgical management were evaluated.

RESULTS

There were 266 ovarian masses found in 258 surgeries (eight had bilateral masses). Most were benign (246/266, 92.5%), 2.3% (6/266) were borderline, and 5.3% (14/266) were malignant. The most common presenting symptom was abdominal pain for benign masses (169/246, 68.7%), and a palpable mass for borderline and malignant masses (12/20, 60.0%). Sensitivity and specificity of ultrasound for detection of malignancy was 64.7% and 52.9% respectively. Ovarian torsion occurred in 22.1% (n=57), none with malignancy, with seven cases diagnosed under one year of age. Sensitivity and specificity of ultrasound for ovarian torsion was 22.0% and 91.9%, respectively. The proportion undergoing ovarian cystectomy rather than oophorectomy has increased from 56.3% during 1993-1997 to 93.8% during 2008-2012 (p<0.005). Ovarian torsion was managed with ovarian conservation in 82.6% of cases between 2008-2012.

CONCLUSION

The majority of pediatric and adolescent ovarian masses were benign. Sensitivity of ultrasound was fair for detection of malignancy, and poor for ovarian torsion. Conservative surgeries are increasingly common.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV - case series with no comparison group TYPE OF STUDY: Retrospective Study.

Diagnostic accuracy of inflammatory markers for distinguishing malignant and benign ovarian masses

Objective: To evaluate the role of inflammatory markers for distinguishing malignant and benign ovarian masses.

Methods: Preoperative demographic, clinicopathologic, and laboratory variables were reviewed in patients with an ovarian mass that was subsequently diagnosed as either epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) or a benign ovarian mass on histologic analysis. The differences between variables of the two groups were further evaluated. Logistic regression analysis was applied to evaluate variables to predict the presence of EOC.

Results: According to the analysis of 229 patients with EOC, 120 (52.4%) patients had serous adenocarcinoma. Of the 229 patients, 110 (48.1%) patients had stage I or II disease and 119 (52.0%) had stage III or IV disease. There was a significant difference between EOC and benign ovarian mass in median values of variables such as age, white blood cell (WBC) count, hemoglobin concentration, platelet count, cancer antigen 125 (CA125) levels, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR) (all P < 0.001, except for WBC count [P = 0.009]). In addition, there was significant difference in median values of these continuous variables among early-stage EOC, advanced-stage EOC, and benign ovarian mass (P < 0.001 for all variables). On multivariate logistic regression analysis, age (odds ratio [OR] = 4.14, P < 0.001), CA125 levels (OR = 9.87, P < 0.001), NLR (OR = 1.76, P = 0.049), PLR (OR = 2.41, P = 0.004), and LMR (OR = 0.51, P = 0.024) were found to significantly predict the presence of EOC.

Conclusion: The three LMR, NLR, and PLR markers were found to be predictors for the presence of EOC. Further prospective studies to assess these markers as screening tools for the presence of EOC are required.

Cancer Predisposition Cascade Screening for Hereditary Breast/Ovarian Cancer and Lynch Syndromes in Switzerland: Study Protocol

BACKGROUND

Breast, colorectal, ovarian, and endometrial cancers constitute approximately 30% of newly diagnosed cancer cases in Switzerland, affecting more than 12,000 individuals annually. Hundreds of these patients are likely to carry germline pathogenic variants associated with hereditary breast ovarian cancer (HBOC) or Lynch syndrome (LS). Genetic services (counseling and testing) for hereditary susceptibility to cancer can prevent many cancer diagnoses and deaths through early identification and risk management.

OBJECTIVE

Cascade screening is the systematic identification and testing of relatives of a known mutation carrier. It determines whether asymptomatic relatives also carry the known variant, needing management options to reduce future harmful outcomes. Specific aims of the CASCADE study are to (1) survey index cases with HBOC or LS from clinic-based genetic testing records and determine their current cancer status and surveillance practices, needs for coordination of medical care, psychosocial needs, patient-provider and patient-family communication, quality of life, and willingness to serve as advocates for cancer genetic services to blood relatives, (2) survey first- and second-degree relatives and first-cousins identified from pedigrees or family history records of HBOC and LS index cases and determine their current cancer and mutation status, cancer surveillance practices, needs for coordination of medical care, barriers and facilitators to using cancer genetic services, psychosocial needs, patient-provider and patient-family communication, quality of life, and willingness to participate in a study designed to increase use of cancer genetic services, and (3) explore the influence of patient-provider communication about genetic cancer risk on patient-family communication and the acceptability of a family-based communication, coping, and decision support intervention with focus group(s) of mutation carriers and relatives.

METHODS

CASCADE is a longitudinal study using surveys (online or paper/pencil) and focus groups, designed to elicit factors that enhance cascade genetic testing for HBOC and LS in Switzerland. Repeated observations are the optimal way for assessing these outcomes. Focus groups will examine barriers in patient-provider and patient-family communication, and the acceptability of a family-based communication, coping, and decision-support intervention. The survey will be developed in English, translated into three languages (German, French, and Italian), and back-translated into English, except for scales with validated versions in these languages.

RESULTS

Descriptive analyses will include calculating means, standard deviations, frequencies, and percentages of variables and participant descriptors. Bivariate analyses (Pearson correlations, chi-square test for differences in proportions, and t test for differences in means) will assess associations between demographics and clinical characteristics. Regression analyses will incorporate generalized estimating equations for pairing index cases with their relatives and explore whether predictors are in direct, mediating, or moderating relationship to an outcome. Focus group data will be transcribed verbatim and analyzed for common themes.

CONCLUSIONS

Robust evidence from basic science and descriptive population-based studies in Switzerland support the necessity of cascade screening for genetic predisposition to HBOC and LS. CASCADE is designed to address translation of this knowledge into public health interventions.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03124212; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03124212 (Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/6tKZnNDBt).

Transvaginal Sonography-Guided Core Biopsy of Adnexal Masses as a Useful Diagnostic Alternative Replacing Cytologic Examination or Laparoscopy in Advanced Ovarian Cancer Patients

Objective

The aim of this study was to evaluate transvaginal sonography (TVS)-guided core biopsy of the adnexal masses for neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) in patients with advanced ovarian malignancies.

Materials and Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 52 patients who had undergone TVS-guided core biopsies in our gynecologic cancer center between May 2009 and October 2015. TVS-guided core biopsies were performed on patients with advanced ovarian malignancies who were considered as candidates for NACT and patients with adnexal masses who required a differential diagnosis of non-gynecologic tumors.

Results

Thirty-seven patients (71.2%) were scheduled to undergo NACT owing to the presence of coexisting illness, age, tumor burden, and location of metastatic sites. Fifteen patients (28.8%) underwent TVS-guided core biopsies to determine if they had primary or secondary ovarian tumors. Histopathologic examinations revealed primary ovarian tumors in 44 patients (84.6%). Nongynecologic tumors including gastrointestinal stromal tumor and metastatic tumor from gallbladder, gastric, and colorectal cancer were found to be the second most common disease (n = 5 [9.6%]). Findings in the samples were nondiagnostic in 4 patients (5.8%). With respect to the histological concordance rate between TVS-guided core biopsy and surgical specimen, diagnostic accuracy was 93.6%. There were no biopsy-related complications.

Conclusions

TVS-guided core biopsy may be a feasible procedure to diagnose adnexal masses, particularly in patients with advanced ovarian malignancies who are more likely to benefit from NACT.

Usefulness of the preoperative platelet count in the diagnosis of adnexal tumors

Platelets seem to play a role in the development of ovarian cancer. Platelet count (PLT) is an ubiquitous available parameter. We analyzed retrospectively data of 756 patients with primary adnexal tumors: 584 benign and 172 malignant (148 invasive and 24 borderline) cases. We compared the diagnostic accuracy of CA125, PLT, and a combination of CA125 and PLT. The cutoff values for CA125 and PLT were 35 U/ml and 350/nl, respectively. The median age of patients with benign and malignant tumors was 45 and 64 years, respectively. A total of 77/172 (44.8 %) malignant and 50/584 (8.6 %) benign cases presented with thrombocytosis (PLT ≥350/nl). The median PLT differed between benign and malignant cases (257/nl vs. 330/nl; p < 0.001), similarly as CA125 did (17 vs. 371 U/ml; p < 0.001). In the multivariate analysis, age, CA125, and thrombocytosis predicted independently the presence of malignancy. The results of CA125 were false positive in 21 % and false negative in 13 %. If considered together, thrombocytosis + CA125 were false positive only in 9 %, whereas the false negative rate was 12 %. The sensitivity and specificity of CA125, thrombocytosis, and thrombocytosis + CA125 for detecting adnexal malignancy were 0.88/0.78, 0.45/0.91, and 0.81/0.94, respectively. The positive predictive value (PPV) of CA125, thrombocytosis, and thrombocytosis + CA125 was 0.79, 0.61, and 0.91, respectively. In conclusion, PLT is an ubiquitously available parameter that could be useful in the diagnostic evaluation of pelvic mass. Considering thrombocytosis additionally to CA125 improves the specificity and PPV and reduces the false positive rate in detecting adnexal malignancy.

Simple laboratory score improves the preoperative diagnosis of adnexal mass

We assessed the diagnostic accuracy of a newly developed laboratory score-based on CA125, platelet count (PLT), C-reactive protein (CRP), and fibrinogen levels-in the preoperative diagnosis of adnexal mass. In this retrospective single-center study, we analyzed records of 142 patients with 54 malignant (38 %) and 88 benign (62 %) ovarian tumors. Preoperative levels of CA125, PLT, CRP, and fibrinogen were dichotomized according to the common cutoff values (CA125, 35 U/ml; PLT, 350/nl; CRP, 5.0 mg/l; fibrinogen, 400 mg/dl), resulting in "1" for results above the cutoff and "0" for results within the normal ranges. The values (1 or 0) were summarized to a "low" (0-2) or "high" (3-4) score. Its diagnostic accuracy was compared to the "gold standard," CA125. All parameters differed significantly between malignant and benign cases. The score was false positive in 5/88 (5.7 %) and false negative in 13/54 (24 %) of cases. Conversely, CA125 was false positive in 18/88 (20.4 %) and false negative in 4/54 (7.4 %). The diagnostic accuracy of CA125 (>35 U/ml) was sensitivity 0.93, specificity 0.80, positive predictive value (PPV) 0.74, negative predictive value (NPV) 0.95, and positive likelihood ratio (weighted by prevalence) (+LH/p) 2.78. The diagnostic accuracy of the score was sensitivity 0.76, specificity 0.94, PPV 0.89, NPV 0.86, and +LH/p 8.2. In conclusion, the score is easy to use and generates no additional costs. It provides a better specificity, PPV, and +LH/p than CA125. The sensitivity and NPV are lower, but acceptable. A validation of the score in a large patient cohort is needed.

Borderline ovarian tumors and diagnostic dilemma of intraoperative diagnosis: could preoperative He4 assay and ROMA score assessment increase the frozen section accuracy? A multicenter case-control study

The aim of our study was to assess the value of a preoperative He4-serum-assay and ROMA-score assessment in improving the accuracy of frozen section histology in the diagnosis of borderline ovarian tumors (BOT). 113 women presenting with a unilateral ovarian mass diagnosed as serous/mucinous BOT at frozen-section-histology (FS) and/or confirmed on final pathology were recruited. Pathologists were informed of the results of preoperative clinical/instrumental assessment of all patients. For Group_A patients, additional information regarding He4, CA125, and ROMA score was available (in Group_B only CA125 was known). The comparison between Group A and Group B in terms of FS accuracy, demonstrated a consensual diagnosis in 62.8% versus 58.6% (P: n.s.), underdiagnosis in 25.6% versus 41.4% (P < 0.05), and overdiagnosis in 11.6% versus 0% (P < 0.01). Low FS diagnostic accuracy was associated with menopausal status (OR: 2.13), laparoscopic approach (OR: 2.18), mucinous histotype (OR: 2.23), low grading (OR: 1.30), and FIGO stage I (OR: 2.53). Ultrasound detection of papillae (OR: 0.29), septa (OR: 0.39), atypical vascularization (OR: 0.34), serum He4 assay (OR: 0.39), and ROMA score assessment (OR: 0.44) decreased the probability of underdiagnosis. A combined preoperative assessment through serum markers and ultrasonographic features may potentially reduce the risk of underdiagnosis of BOTs on FS while likely increasing the concomitant incidence of false-positive events.

Murine model for non-invasive imaging to detect and monitor ovarian cancer recurrence

Epithelial ovarian cancer is the most lethal gynecologic malignancy in the United States. Although patients initially respond to the current standard of care consisting of surgical debulking and combination chemotherapy consisting of platinum and taxane compounds, almost 90% of patients recur within a few years. In these patients the development of chemoresistant disease limits the efficacy of currently available chemotherapy agents and therefore contributes to the high mortality. To discover novel therapy options that can target recurrent disease, appropriate animal models that closely mimic the clinical profile of patients with recurrent ovarian cancer are required. The challenge in monitoring intra-peritoneal (i.p.) disease limits the use of i.p. models and thus most xenografts are established subcutaneously. We have developed a sensitive optical imaging platform that allows the detection and anatomical location of i.p. tumor mass. The platform includes the use of optical reporters that extend from the visible light range to near infrared, which in combination with 2-dimensional X-ray co-registration can provide anatomical location of molecular signals. Detection is significantly improved by the use of a rotation system that drives the animal to multiple angular positions for 360 degree imaging, allowing the identification of tumors that are not visible in single orientation. This platform provides a unique model to non-invasively monitor tumor growth and evaluate the efficacy of new therapies for the prevention or treatment of recurrent ovarian cancer.

In 2014, can we do better than CA125 in the early detection of ovarian cancer?

Ovarian cancer is a lethal gynecologic malignancy with greater than 70% of women presenting with advanced stage disease. Despite new treatments, long term outcomes have not significantly changed in the past 30 years with the five-year overall survival remaining between 20% and 40% for stage III and IV disease. In contrast patients with stage I disease have a greater than 90% five-year overall survival. Detection of ovarian cancer at an early stage would likely have significant impact on mortality rate. Screening biomarkers discovered at the bench have not translated to success in clinical trials. Existing screening modalities have not demonstrated survival benefit in completed prospective trials. Advances in high throughput screening are making it possible to evaluate the development of ovarian cancer in ways never before imagined. Data in the form of human “-omes” including the proteome, genome, metabolome, and transcriptome are now available in various packaged forms. With the correct pooling of resources including prospective collection of patient specimens, integration of high throughput screening, and use of molecular heterogeneity in biomarker discovery, we are poised to make progress in ovarian cancer screening. This review will summarize current biomarkers, imaging, and multimodality screening strategies in the context of emerging technologies.