The syndromes of hydatidiform mole. I. Cytogenetic and morphologic correlations

Aneuploidy is frequent in heterozygous diploid and triploid hydatidiform moles

Hydatidiform moles are abnormal conceptuses. Many hydatidiform moles are diploid androgenetic, and of these, most are homozygous in all loci. Additionally, most hydatidiform moles are euploid. Using Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) array analysis, in two studies a higher frequency of aneuploidy was observed in diploid androgenetic heterozygous conceptuses, than in their homozygous counterparts. In the Danish Mole Project, we analyze conceptuses suspected to be hydatidiform moles due to the clinical presentation, using karyotyping and Short Tandem Repeat (STR) analysis. Among 278 diploid androgenetic conceptuses, 226 were homozygous in all loci and 52 (18.7%) were heterozygous in several loci. Among 142 triploid diandric conceptuses, 141 were heterozygous for paternally inherited alleles in several loci. Here we show that the frequencies of aneuploidy in diploid androgenetic heterozygous and triploid diandric heterozygous conceptuses were significantly higher than the frequency of aneuploidy in diploid androgenetic homozygous conceptuses. In diploid androgenetic and triploid diandric conceptuses that are heterozygous for paternally inherited alleles, the two paternally inherited sets of genomes originate in two spermatozoa. Each spermatozoon provides one pair of centrioles to the zygote. The presence of two pairs of centrioles may cause an increased risk of aneuploidy.

Chimeric Singleton Placenta Comprising Placental Mesenchymal Dysplasia and Complete Hydatidiform Mole with Live Birth and Postpartum Diagnosis of Gestational Trophoblastic Neoplasia

INTRODUCTION

Placental mesenchymal dysplasia (PMD) is a benign lesion that is often misdiagnosed as complete (CHM) or partial hydatidiform mole. PMD usually results in live birth but can be associated with several fetal defects. Herein, we report PMD with CHM in a singleton placenta with live birth.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 34-year-old gravida 2, para 1, living 1 (G2P1L1) woman was referred on suspicion of a molar pregnancy in the first trimester. Maternal serum human chorionic gonadotrophin levels were increased during early pregnancy, with multicystic lesions and placentomegaly observed on ultrasonography. Levels decreased to normal with no fetal structural abnormalities observed. A healthy male infant was delivered at 34 gestational weeks. Placental p57KIP2 immunostaining and short tandem repeat analysis revealed three distinct histologies and genetic features: normal infant and placenta, PMD, and CHM. Gestational trophoblastic neoplasia was diagnosed and up to fourth-line chemotherapy administered.

CONCLUSION

Distinguishing PMD from hydatidiform moles is critical for avoiding unnecessary termination of pregnancy. CHM coexisting with a live fetus rarely occurs. This case is unique in that a healthy male infant was born from a singleton placenta with PMD and CHM.

Presentation, medical complications and development of gestational trophoblastic neoplasia of hydatidiform mole after intracytoplasmic sperm injection as compared to hydatidiform mole after spontaneous conception - a retrospective cohort study and literature review

OBJECTIVE

To describe the natural history of hydatidiform mole (HM) after intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), emphasizing the clinical and oncological outcomes, as compared to patients who had HM after spontaneous conception (SC).

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective historical cohort study of patients with HM followed at the Rio de Janeiro Federal University, from January 1st 2000-December 31st 2020.

RESULTS

Comparing singleton HM after SC to those following ICSI there were differences in terms of maternal age (24 vs 34 years, p < 0.01), gestational age at diagnosis (10 vs 7 weeks, p < 0.01), preevacuation human chorionic gonadotropin levels (200,000 vs 99,000 IU/L, p < 0.01), occurrence of genital bleeding (60.5 vs 26.9%, p < 0.01) and hyperemesis (23 vs 3.9%, p = 0.02) at presentation, and time to remission (12 vs 5 weeks, p < 0.01), respectively. There were no differences observed in the cases of twin mole, regardless of the form of fertilization that gave rise to HM, except molar histology with greater occurrence of partial hydatidiform mole (10.7 vs 40.0%, p = 0.01) following ICSI. Univariate logistic regression for occurrence of postmolar GTN after ICSI identified no predictor variable for this outcome. However, after adjusting for maternal age and complete hydatidiform mole histology, multivariable logistic regression showed the risk of GTN with HM after ICSI had an adjusted odds ratio of 0.22 (95%CI:0.05-0.93, p = 0.04), suggesting a possible protective effect when compared to HM after SC.

CONCLUSIONS

Singleton HM after ICSI are diagnosed earlier in gestation, present with fewer medical complications, and may be less likely to develop GTN when compared with HM after SC.

Influence of COVID-19 pandemic on molar pregnancy and postmolar gestational trophoblastic neoplasia: An observational study

OBJECTIVE

To assess whether the incidence and aggressiveness of molar pregnancy (MP) and postmolar gestational trophoblastic neoplasia (GTN) changed during the COVID-19 pandemic.

DESIGN

Observational study with two separate designs: retrospective multicentre cohort of patients with MP/postmolar GTN and a cross-sectional analysis, with application of a questionnaire.

SETTING

Six Brazilian Reference Centres on gestational trophoblastic disease.

POPULATION

2662 patients with MP/postmolar GTN treated from March-December/2015-2020 were retrospectively evaluated and 528 of these patients answered a questionnaire.

METHODS

Longitudinal retrospective multicentre study of patients diagnosed with MP/ postmolar GTN at presentation and a cross-sectional analysis, with application of a questionnaire, exclusive to patients treated during the period of study, to assess living and health conditions during the COVID-19 pandemic compared with previous years.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The incidence of MP/postmolar GTN.

RESULTS

Compared with the last 5 pre-pandemic years, MP/postmolar GTN incidence remained stable during 2020 (COVID-19 pandemic). Multivariable logistic regression, adjusted for the patient age, showed that during 2020, presentation with MP was more likely to be >10 weeks of gestation (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 2.50, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.90-3.29, P < 0.001), have a pre-evacuation hCG level ≥100 000 iu/l (aOR 1.77, 95% CI 1.38-2.28, P < 0.001) and time to the initiation of chemotherapy ≥7 months (aOR 1.86, 95% CI 1.01-3.43, P = 0.047) when compared with 2015-2019.

CONCLUSIONS

Although the incidence of MP/postmolar GTN remained stable during the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil, the pandemic was associated with greater gestational age at MP diagnosis and more protracted delays in initiation of chemotherapy for postmolar GTN.

Partial Molar Pregnancy Presenting as a Tubal Ectopic Pregnancy

Background

Tubal molar pregnancy is extremely rare, with no more than 200 cases reported in the literature. The incidence is approximated at 1.5 per 1,000,000 pregnancies.

Case

We report the case of a 22-year-old woman with an overall initial stable clinical presentation who was noted to have a ruptured ectopic pregnancy. She was surgically treated, and pathology revealed partial hydatidiform molar ectopic pregnancy. At the time of surgical intervention, the treating physicians had not considered molar ectopic pregnancy within the differential diagnosis, since this is a very rare presentation. Once the pathology was discovered, the patient was contacted to be scheduled for close follow-up and counseling to reduce progression to choriocarcinomas.

Conclusion

This case report highlights the importance of sending, reviewing, and following up on pathologic specimens for all patients undergoing surgical intervention for presumed ectopic pregnancy and ensuring that appropriate follow-up is in place for those patients.

Gestational Trophoblastic Disease: Contemporary Diagnostic Approach

Pathologic diagnosis of gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD)-hydatidiform moles and gestational trophoblastic neoplasms-underwent a major shift in the past decade from morphology-based recognition to precise molecular genetic classification of entities, which also allows for prognostic stratification of molar gestations. This article highlights these recent advances and their integration into the routine pathology practice. The traditional gross and histomorphologic features of each entity are also reviewed with special focus on differential diagnoses and their clinical implications.

Complete Molar Pregnancies with a Coexisting Fetus: Pregnancy Outcomes and Review of Literature

Objective  The objective of the study was to review the obstetric outcomes of complete hydatidiform molar pregnancies with a coexisting fetus (CHMCF), a rare clinical entity that is not well described. Materials and Methods  We performed a retrospective case series with pathology-confirmed HMCF. The cases were collected via solicitation through a private maternal-fetal medicine physician group on social media. Each contributing institution from across the United States ( n  = 9) obtained written informed consent from the patients directly, obtained institutional data transfer agreements as required, and transmitted the data using a Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) compliant modality. Data collected included maternal, fetal/genetic, placental, and delivery characteristics. For descriptive analysis, continuous variables were reported as median with standard deviation and range. Results  Nine institutions contributed to the 14 cases collected. Nine (64%) cases of CHMCF were a product of assisted reproductive technology and one case was trizygotic. The median gestational age at diagnosis was 12 weeks and 2 days (9 weeks-19 weeks and 4 days), and over half were diagnosed in the first trimester. The median human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) at diagnosis was 355,494 mIU/mL (49,770-700,486 mIU/mL). Placental mass size universally enlarged over the surveillance period. When invasive testing was performed, insufficient sample or no growth was noted in 40% of the sampled cases. Antenatal complications occurred in all delivered patients, with postpartum hemorrhage (71%) and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (29%) being the most frequent outcomes. Delivery outcomes were variable. Four patients developed gestational trophoblastic neoplasia. Conclusion  This series is the largest report of obstetric outcomes for CHMCF to date and highlights the need to counsel patients about the severe maternal and fetal complications in continuing pregnancies, including progression to gestational trophoblastic neoplastic disease. Key Points CHMCF is a rare obstetric complication and may be associated with the use of assisted reproductive technology.Universally, patients with CHMCF who elected to manage expectantly developed antenatal complications.The risk of developing gestational trophoblastic neoplasia after CHMCF is high, and termination of the pregnancy did not decrease this risk.

Molar pregnancy in the last 50 years: A bibliometric analysis of global research output

Molar pregnancy is a gestational trophoblastic disease characterized by an abnormal growth of placental tissues because of a nonviable pregnancy. The understanding of the pathophysiology and management of molar pregnancy has significantly increased in the recent years. This study aims to determine the characteristics and trends of published articles in the field of molar pregnancy through a bibliometric analysis. Using the Scopus database, we identified all original research articles on molar pregnancy from 1970 to 2020. Bibliographic and citation information were obtained, and visualization of collaboration networks of countries and keywords related to molar pregnancy was conducted using VOSviewer software. We obtained a total of 2009 relevant papers published between 1970 and 2020 from 80 different countries. The number of publications continued to increase through the years. However, the number of publications in molar pregnancy is still low compared to the other research fields in obstetrics and gynecology. The USA (n = 421, 32.1%), Japan (n = 199, 15.2%), and the UK (n = 191, 14.6%) contributed the greatest number of publications in this field. The top journals which contributed to the field of molar pregnancy include AJOG (n = 91), Obstetrics and Gynecology (n = 81), and the Gynecologic Oncology (n = 57). The most cited articles in molar pregnancy include papers on the genetics and chromosomal abnormalities in molar pregnancies. The focus of current research in this field was on elucidating the molecular mechanism of hydatidiform moles. Our bibliometric analysis showed the global research landscape, trends and development, scientific impact, and collaboration among researchers in the field of molar pregnancy.

A possible association between hydatidiform mole and the COVID-19 pandemic: A retrospective cohort study

Objective

To confirm an increase in the number of women with molar pregnancy during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

In this retrospective cohort study, all patients with complete or partial mole diagnosed at our institution between January 1, 2010 and October 31, 2020, were included. To verify whether there was an increase in the incidence of hydatidiform mole (HM) and deliveries in 2020, the incidences for each year from January 2010 to October 2020 were recorded. In addition, we identified all women who were diagnosed with HM from January to October 2020, and compared them with a control group who underwent uterine evacuation for missed abortion of a singleton pregnancy during the same period. We also documented the time taken to diagnose missed abortion or molar pregnancy to check if a delay in diagnosis can explain the increase in HM incidence.

Results

Between 2016 and 2019, there was a statistically significant increase in the incidence of molar pregnancy. A further increase occurred in 2020 (odds ratio = 2.071). The mean gestational age of the embryo at the time of diagnosis was smaller in the HM group than in the missed abortion group (6.3 ± 1.67–7.4 ± 2.4, one-sided P = 0.034), meaning that it took more time (days) to diagnose molar pregnancy than missed abortion (22.38 ± 10.32 vs. 15.83 ± 7.83 days, P = 0.012).

Conclusion

There was a significant increase in the incidence of molar pregnancy during the COVID-19 pandemic, possibly because of the delay in receiving medical care. We recommend providing gynecological primary care services during a crisis, such as a pandemic.

Genetics of gestational trophoblastic disease

The abnormal pregnancies complete and partial hydatidiform mole are genetically unusual, being associated with two copies of the paternal genome. Typical complete hydatidiform moles (CHMs) are diploid and androgenetic, while partial hydatidiform moles (PHMs) are diandric triploids. While diagnosis can usually be made on the basis of morphology, ancillary techniques that exploit their unusual genetic origin can be used to facilitate diagnosis. Genotyping and p57 immunostaining are now routinely used in the differential diagnosis of complete and partial hydatidiform moles, for investigating unusual mosaic or chimeric products of conception with a molar component and identifying the rare diploid, biparental HMs associated with an inherited predisposition to molar pregnancies. Genotyping also plays an important role in the differential diagnosis of gestational and non-gestational trophoblastic tumours and identification of the causative pregnancy where tumours are gestational. Recent developments include the use of cell-free DNA for non-invasive diagnosis of these conditions.

Gestational Trophoblastic Disease: Current Evaluation and Management

This review summarizes the current evaluation and management of gestational trophoblastic disease, including evacuation of hydatidiform moles, surveillance after evacuation of hydatidiform mole and the diagnosis and management of gestational trophoblastic neoplasia. Most women with gestational trophoblastic disease can be successfully managed with preservation of reproductive function. It is important to manage molar pregnancies properly to minimize acute complications and to identify gestational trophoblastic neoplasia promptly. Current International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics guidelines for making the diagnosis and staging of gestational trophoblastic neoplasia allow uniformity for reporting results of treatment. It is important to individualize treatment based on their risk factors, using less toxic therapy for patients with low-risk disease and aggressive multiagent therapy for patients with high-risk disease. Patients with gestational trophoblastic neoplasia should be managed in consultation with an individual experienced in the complex, multimodality treatment of these patients.

Thiol/Disulfide Homeostasis in Patients with Molar Pregnancies

Introduction: We aimed to investigate serum dynamic thiol and disulfide levels in patients with molar pregnancy (MP), and compare these concentrations with those of healthy pregnant women. Materials and Methods: Forty-one patients who were diagnosed with MP and 41 gestational age-matched healthy pregnant women were included in this prospective study. MP cases were separated in two groups as complete hydatidiform mole (CHM) and partial hydatidiform mole (PHM). Demographic features and thiol/disulfide homeostasis were recorded for each woman. Results: There was a significant correlation between the decrease in the total thiol and native thiol levels in MP patients. However, no significant difference was observed between CHM and PHM groups in terms of serum disulfide levels. Conclusion: OS is increased in MPs both in complete and partial moles, as determined by thiol/disulfide analysis.

Generation of human androgenetic induced pluripotent stem cells

In humans, parthenogenesis and androgenesis occur naturally in mature cystic ovarian teratomas and androgenetic complete hydatidiform moles (CHM), respectively. Our previous study has reported human parthenogenetic induced pluripotent stem cells from ovarian teratoma-derived fibroblasts and screening of imprinted genes using genome-wide DNA methylation analysis. However, due to the lack of the counterparts of uniparental cells, identification of new imprinted differentially methylated regions has been limited. CHM are inherited from only the paternal genome. In this study, we generated human androgenetic induced pluripotent stem cells (AgHiPSCs) from primary androgenetic fibroblasts derived from CHM. To investigate the pluripotency state of AgHiPSCs, we analyzed their cellular and molecular characteristics. We tested the DNA methylation status of imprinted genes using bisulfite sequencing and demonstrated the androgenetic identity of AgHiPSCs. AgHiPSCs might be an attractive alternative source of human androgenetic embryonic stem cells. Furthermore, AgHiPSCs can be used in regenerative medicine, for analysis of genomic imprinting, to study imprinting-related development, and for disease modeling in humans.

Term Delivery of a Complete Molar Pregnancy with a Coexistent Normal Pregnancy

Twin pregnancy with a complete mole and a coexistent normal fetus reaching term is a rare occurrence. We report a case of a 21-yrs G2P1L0 un-booked patient at 39 weeks who was referred for the same condition diagnosed incidentally on ultrasound scan which showed a singleton pregnancy in breech presentation with a normal placenta and a heterogeneous cystic lesion seen anteriorly, suggesting a coexistent molar pregnancy. Cesarean section was done, and a healthy male baby was delivered with a grossly normal placenta and a second placenta with grape like vesicles. Histopathology confirmed the diagnosis of complete mole and normal placenta. Postoperative period was uneventful, and the patient was kept on beta hcg follow-up to monitor progression to gestational trophoblastic neoplasia, but it normalized by 12 weeks.

Top-cited articles in the Journal: a bibliometric analysis

BACKGROUND

The Journal has had a profound influence in nearly 150 years of publishing. A bibliometric analysis, which uses citation analyses to evaluate the impact of articles, can be used to identify the most impactful papers in the Journal's history.

OBJECTIVE

The objective was to identify and characterize the top-cited articles published in the Journal since 1920.

STUDY DESIGN

We used the Web of Science and Scopus databases to identify the most frequently cited articles of the Journal from 1920 through 2018. The top 100 articles from each database were included in our analysis. Articles were evaluated for several characteristics including year of publication, article type, topic, open access, and country of origin. Using the Scopus data, we performed an unadjusted categorical analysis to characterize the articles and a 2 time point analysis to compare articles before and after 1995, the median year of publication from each database list.

RESULTS

The top 100 articles from each database were included in the analysis. This included 120 total articles: 80 articles listed in both and 20 unique in each database. More than half (52%) were observational studies, 9% were RCTs, and 75% were from US authors. When the post-1995 studies were compared with the articles published before 1995, articles were more frequently cited (median 27 vs 13 citations per year, P < .001), more likely to be randomized (14.0% vs 4.8%, P = .009), and more likely to originate from international authors (33.3% vs 17.5%, P = .045).

CONCLUSION

Slightly more than half of the top-cited papers in the Journal since 1920 were observational studies and three quarters of all papers were from US authors. Compared with top-cited papers before 1995, the Journal's top-cited papers after 1995 were more likely to be randomized and to originate from international authors.

Temporal trends in incidence and outcome of hydatidiform mole: a retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Reported incidence rates of hydatidiform mole (HM) show wide geographic and temporal variations, making reliable international comparisons difficult. The aim of the current study was to examine temporal trends in the incidence of HM and post-molar gestational trophoblastic neoplasia (GTN) in Stockholm County.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Data of all women with a diagnosis of HM in Stockholm County 1991-2010 was collected. The incidence of HM was assessed both in relation to number of births and viable conceptions (births and pregnancy terminations). The risk of post-molar GTN was analysed for all HM, as well as for the subtypes complete (CHM) and partial hydatidiform mole (PHM). Temporal trends were analysed by stratifying the study period into five-year intervals.

RESULTS

The overall incidence rate of HM was 2.08/1000 deliveries and 1.48/1000 viable conceptions. A significant temporal increase in the incidence rate of HM, as well as in the total number and proportion of PHM, was seen. Among 956 women with HM, 77 (8%) progressed into post-molar GTN. There was evidence of a slight, but non-significant increase in the risk of malignancy in the two last five-year periods under study.

CONCLUSIONS

We found evidence of a significant temporal increase in the incidence rate of HM, which could not fully be explained by an increase in maternal age over time. Changes in diagnostic methods probably contributed to the increased incidence rate of PHM. The risk of post-molar GTN remained constant over time.

Differential expression of leukemia inhibitory factor and insulin like growth factor-1 between normal pregnancies, partial hydatidiform moles and complete hydatidiform moles

INTRODUCTION

Leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) and insulin like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) are two of the most important growth factors mediating trophoblast actions. We hypothesized that the localization and expression patterns of LIF and IGF-1 in partial and complete hydatidiform moles (HM) compared with normal first trimester placentas may provide an understanding of the proliferative processes in HMs.

METHODS

The study population included curettage material of women diagnosed as complete or partial HM as a result of histopathological and immunohistochemical examination (complete HM group, n = 8; partial HM group, n = 8) and women undergoing dilatation&curettage for unwanted pregnancies (control group, n = 8). Expression of LIF and IGF-1 among placental cell groups was evaluated immunohistochemically and given a score depending on immunostaining intensity.

RESULTS

In normal chorionic villi strong expression of LIF and IGF-1 was present. Both LIF and IGF-1 expressions were weaker in the chorionic villi of complete HMs. In complete mole decidua there was a significant decrease in glandular and endothelial IGF-1 expression along with a decrease in decidual cell LIF expression compared to normal first trimester decidua. LIF expression in extravillous trophoblasts was stronger in complete molar placentas compared to normal placentas.

DISCUSSION

LIF and IGF-1 are important regulators of trophoblast proliferation and invasion. Differential expression of LIF and IGF-1 in molar trophoblasts and chorionic villi might have a role in regulation of trophoblasts in complete moles. Decreased expression of glandular IGF-1 and decidual LIF might be related to the decidual changes during trophoblastic proliferation and invasion of decidua in complete HMs.

Analysis of 309 Cases after Hydatidiform Mole: Different Follow-Up Program According to Biologic Behavior

Between 1976 and 1985, at the Obstetrics and Gynecology Department of Milan University, a total of 309 cases of hydatidiform mole, 223 complete moles and 86 partial moles, were monitored with the assay of beta-human chorionic gonadotropin, following a postmolar biochemical surveillance program. Spontaneous remission of the disease occurred in 287 (92.9%) patients. Marker levels were undetectable in 80.4 % of cases within 60 days after evacuation of the mole and in 19.6% between 61 and 140 days. There were 22 (7.1%) patients diagnosed as having gestational trophoblastic tumors (GTT) and treated with chemotherapy: 20 were complete moles and 2 partial moles. Considering these data, the authors suggest different follow-up times for partial and complete moles and confirm the necessity of selection criteria in a diagnosis of GTT.

Does a human chorionic gonadotropin level of over 20,000 IU/L four weeks after uterine evacuation for complete hydatidiform mole constitute an indication for chemotherapy for gestational trophoblastic neoplasia?

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate whether a human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) level ≥20,000 IU/L four weeks after uterine evacuation for complete hydatidiform mole (CHM) is an appropriate indicator for initiating chemotherapy for the treatment of gestational trophoblastic neoplasia (GTN).

STUDY DESIGN

Historical database review of 1228 women with CHM who received treatment and follow-up between January 2000 and June 2013 at four Brazilian trophoblastic disease centers. The primary outcome measure was the progression from CHM to GTN. The secondary outcomes were the occurrence of uterine perforation, staging of GTN, WHO/FIGO risk score, and treatment (use of single- or multiagent chemotherapy).

RESULTS

An hCG level ≥20,000 IU/L four weeks after uterine evacuation for CHM, while occurring in only 6.1% of women, was the most important risk factor for the development of postmolar GTN (adjusted RR = 5.83; p < 0.01; CI: 3.47-9.79), with a sensitivity of 36.8%, a specificity of 98.6%, a positive predictive value of 80%, and a negative predictive value of 91.1%. On the other hand, there were no differences in postmolar GTN stage, prognostic score, or need for multiagent chemotherapy relative to hCG level ≥20,000 IU/L versus <20,000 IU/L.

CONCLUSIONS

Although hCG level ≥20,000 IU/L four weeks after uterine evacuation for CHM was very predictive of development of post-molar GTN, delay in treatment until hCG plateau or increase did not affect outcomes, with no uterine perforations or treatment failures.

A Reappraisal of the Incidence of Placental Hydatidiform Mole Using Selective Molecular Genotyping

OBJECTIVE

Reports on the incidence of hydatidiform mole (HM) have varied depending on study population and methodology. This institutional-based study was undertaken to identify the incidence of HM in a modern obstetric practice using advanced laboratory diagnostic techniques.

METHODS

A retrospective review of consecutive hospital cases of HM was conducted for a 27-month period. Pathologic diagnoses of partial mole (PM) and complete mole (CM) were based on histopathologic assessment and selective use of p57 immunohistochemistry and molecular genotyping (MG) using formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissues.

RESULTS

During the study period, 14,944 obstetric deliveries took place at our institution. Forty-nine cases of HM (18 CMs, 31 PMs) were identified. Histopathology with the selective use of p57 immunohistochemistry was used in 25 of 49 HMs (18 CMs, 7 PMs). Histopathologic features were equivocal in the remaining cases (24/49 cases), and adjunctive MG was performed; all were PMs. The incidence of HM was 3.3/1000 deliveries. Partial mole was more prevalent with a CM (PM ratio, 1:1.72).

CONCLUSIONS

Our observed incidence of HM is greater than previous studies and is attributable to improved detection of PM cases. Molecular genotyping and cytogenetic evidence indicate that CM is almost half as common as PM. This ratio may be useful in benchmarking laboratory diagnosis and HM registries.

Changing Trends in the Clinical Presentation and Management of Complete Hydatidiform Mole Among Brazilian Women

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the study was to evaluate potential changes in the clinical, diagnostic, and therapeutic parameters of complete hydatidiform mole in the last 25 years in Brazil.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study was conducted involving the analysis of 2163 medical records of patients diagnosed with complete hydatidiform mole who received treatment at the Rio de Janeiro Reference Center for Gestational Trophoblastic Disease between January 1988 and December 2012. For the statistical analysis of the natural history of the patients with complete molar pregnancies, time series were evaluated using the Cox-Stuart test and adjusted by linear regression models.

RESULTS

A downward linear temporal trend was observed for gestational age of complete hydatidiform mole at diagnosis, which is also reflected in the reduced occurrence of vaginal bleeding, hyperemesis and pre-eclampsia. We also observed an increase in the use of uterine vacuum aspiration to treat molar pregnancy. Although the duration of postmolar follow-up was found to decline, this was not accompanied by any alteration in the time to remission of the disease or its progression to gestational trophoblastic neoplasia.

CONCLUSIONS

Early diagnosis of complete hydatidiform mole has altered the natural history of molar pregnancy, especially with a reduction in classical clinical symptoms. However, early diagnosis has not resulted in a reduction in the development of gestational trophoblastic neoplasia, a dilemma that still challenges professionals working with gestational trophoblastic disease.

Insights into dovetailing GTD and Cancers

Gestational trophoblastic diseases (GTD) encompass a group of placental tumors which mostly arise due to certain fertilization defects, resulting in the over-proliferation of trophoblasts. The major characteristic of this diseased state is that β-hCG rises up manifold than that is observed during pregnancy. The incidence of GTD when analyzed on a global scale, figures out that there is a greater risk in South-East Asia, the reason of which remains unclear. An insight into any possible correlation of GTD incidence with cancers, other than choriocarcinoma, is being attempted here. Also, we review the recent developments in research on the molecular etiopathology of GTD. This review would render a wider eye towards a new paradigm of thoughts to connect GTD and breast cancer, which has not been into the picture till date.

A Molar Pregnancy within the Fallopian Tube

Background. Discussion of the incidence of molar pregnancy and ectopic pregnancy. Role of salpingostomy and special considerations for postoperative care. Case. The patient is a 29-year-old G7P4 who presented with vaginal bleeding in the first trimester and was initially thought to have a spontaneous abortion. Ultrasound was performed due to ongoing symptoms and an adnexal mass was noted. She underwent uncomplicated salpingostomy and was later found to have a partial molar ectopic pregnancy. Conclusion. This case illustrates the rare occurrence of a molar ectopic pregnancy. There was no indication of molar pregnancy preoperatively and this case highlights the importance of submitting and reviewing pathological specimens.

Immunohistochemistry Study of P53 and C-erbB-2 Expression in Trophoblastic Tissue and Their Predictive Values in Diagnosing Malignant Progression of Simple Molar Pregnancy

Background

Finding a tumor marker to predict the aggressive behavior of molar pregnancy in early stages has yet been a topic for studies.

Objectives

In this survey we planned to study patients with molar pregnancy to 1) assess the p53 and c-erbB-2 expression in trophoblastic tissue, 2) to study the relationship between their expression intensity and progression of a molar pregnancy to gestational trophoblastic neoplasia, and 3) to determine a cut off value for the amount of p53 and c-erbB-2 expression which might correlate with aggressive behavior of molar pregnancy.

Patients and Methods

In a prospective cross sectional study by using a high accuracy technique EnVision ^Tm system for immunohistochemistry staining of molar pregnancy samples, we evaluated p53 and c-erbB-2 expression in cytotrophoblast and syncytiotrophoblast and the correlation of their expression with progression of molar pregnancy to gestational trophoblastic neoplasia (GTN). Normal prostatic tissue and Breast cancer tissue were used as positive controls.

Results

We studied 28 patients with simple molar pregnancy (SMP) and 30 with GTN. Cytotrophobalst had significantly higher expression of p53 and c-erbB-2 and syncytiotrophoblast had greater expression of p53 in GTN group as compared to SMP group. The cut off values for percentage of p53 positive immunostained cytotrophoblast and syncytiotrophoblast were 5.5% and 2.5%. In c-erbB-2 positive membranous stained cytotrophoblast the cut off was 12.5%.

Conclusions

Our data suggests that over expression of p53 and c-erbB-2 is associated with malignant progression of molar pregnancy. We encountered that high expression of p53 and c-erbB-2 in trophoblastic cells could predict gestational trophoblastic neoplasia during the early stages.

Effect of race/ethnicity on clinical presentation and risk of gestational trophoblastic neoplasia in patients with complete and partial molar pregnancy at a tertiary care referral center

BACKGROUND

The reported incidence of molar pregnancy varies widely among different geographic locations. This variation has been attributed, at least in part, to racial/ethnic differences. While the incidence of molar pregnancies is decreasing, certain ethnic groups such as Hispanics, Asians, and American Indians continue to have an increased risk of developing gestational trophoblastic disease across the globe.

OBJECTIVE

We sought to describe the potential effect of ethnicity/race on the presentation and clinical course of complete mole and partial mole.

STUDY DESIGN

All patients followed up for complete mole and partial mole at a single institution referral center from 1994 through 2013 were identified. Variables including age, race, gravidity, parity, gestational age, presenting signs/symptoms, serum human chorionic gonadotropin values, and development of gestational trophoblastic neoplasia were extracted from medical records and patient surveys. Patients with complete mole and partial mole were categorized into race/ethnicity groups defined as white, black, Asian, or Hispanic. Due to low numbers of non-white patients with partial mole in each non-white category, patients with partial mole were grouped as white or non-white. Continuous variables were compared using the Kruskal-Wallis test and binary variables were compared using the Fisher exact test.

RESULTS

A total of 167 complete mole patients with known race/ethnicity status were included (57.48% white, 14.97% Asian, 14.37% black, 13.17% Hispanic). Hispanics presented at younger age (median 24.5 years) compared to whites (median 32.0 years, P = .04) and Asians (median 31.0 years, P = .03). Blacks had higher gravidity than whites (P < .001) and Hispanics (P = .05). There was no significant difference in presenting symptoms, gestational age at diagnosis, and preevacuation serum human chorionic gonadotropin level by race/ethnicity. Hispanics were significantly less likely than whites to develop gestational trophoblastic neoplasia (absolute risk difference, 28.6%; 95% confidence interval, 8.1-39.2%; P = .02). A total of 144 patients with partial mole were analyzed. There were 108 white and 36 non-white patients. Median age was 31 years for white and 29 years for non-white patients (P = .006). Median gravidity was 2 for white and 3 for non-white patients (P < .001), and median parity was 0 for white patients and 1 for non-white patients (P = .003). There were no significant differences with respect to presenting signs and symptoms, gestational age, preevacuation human chorionic gonadotropin level, or risk of progression to gestational trophoblastic neoplasia.

CONCLUSION

Hispanic patients with complete molar pregnancy had a significantly lower risk of developing gestational trophoblastic neoplasia than white patients. There were no significant differences among groups in terms of presenting symptoms, gestational age at diagnosis, or preevacuation human chorionic gonadotropin levels for either complete mole or partial mole patients.

Incidental Finding of Persistent Hydatidiform Mole in an Adolescent on Depo-Provera

Molar pregnancies represent an uncommon yet important obstetric problem with potentially fatal outcomes. Patients typically present with signs and symptoms of early pregnancy, and physicians most often suspect nonmolar pregnancy complications initially; however a hydatidiform mole should be included in the differential diagnosis of a woman with a positive pregnancy test and abnormal vaginal bleeding irrespective of the use of contraception. Our case is that of an adolescent female on Depo-Provera injectable contraceptive with increased vaginal bleeding, abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting who was incidentally found to be pregnant and subsequently diagnosed with a molar pregnancy despite persistent denial of having initiated sexual intercourse. Though gestational trophoblastic disease is uncommon with an incidence of about 1-2 cases per 1,000 pregnancies, a clinician has to display a high index of suspicion when dealing with patients at extremes of age in order to avoid potentially life-threatening outcomes.

Gestational Trophoblastic Disorders: An Update in 2015

Gestational trophoblastic diseases (GTD) are a group of pregnancy-related disorders representing rare human tumours. They encompass premalignant disorders including complete (CHM), partial hydatidiform mole (PHM), exaggerated placental site (EPS), and placental-site nodule (PSN) as well as malignant disorders (also known as "gestational trophoblastic neoplasia [GTN]") including invasive mole, choriocarcinoma (CC), placenta-site trophoblastic tumour (PSTT), and epitheloid trophoblastic tumours (ETT) (Fig. 1). Originally, GTD develop from abnormal proliferation of trophoblastic tissue and form botryoid arranged vesicles. Premalignant moles are usually treated by suction curettage while persistent and recurrent moles and malignant forms require systemic therapy with methotrexate or combination chemotherapy consisting of etoposide, actimomycin D, methotrexate, vincristine, and cyclophosphamide (EMA-CO). β-human chorion gonadotropin (β-hCG) plays a crucial role in diagnosis and monitoring therapeutic effects. Since the definitive diagnosis cannot be obtained by histology in most cases, persistent or recurrent disease is diagnosed by elevated or persistent serum levels of β-hCG. While curing rates are described to be as high as 98 %, GTD may initially present, recur, or end up as a metastasising systemic disease. This underlines the importance of a regular and consistent follow-up after treatment.

Complete blood count parameters may have a role in diagnosis of gestational trophoblastic disease

Objective:

The goal of this study was to investigate whether gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD) and healthy pregnancy differ with respect to complete blood count parameters and these parameters can be used both to explain the pathophysiologic mechanisms and differentiate the two conditions from each other.

Methods:

The data obtained from 37 women with GTD and 61 healthy pregnancies (control group) regarding platelet (PLT), mean PLT volume (MPV) and PLT distribution width (PDW), and white blood cell (WBC) levels were evaluated. Patients with GTD were further subdivided into two groups composed of 20 partial mole (PM) and 17 complete mole (CM) cases.

Results:

PDW and WBC were lower in the GTD than the control. There were no differences for PLT and MPV. WBC was lower in PM and both WBC and PDW were lower in CM compared with control. ROC curve analysis revealed an area under curve (AUC) 75.5% for WBC and AUC 69.3% for PDW. A cut-off value was determined 8.19 for WBC with 81.0% sensitivity and 54.1% specificity. While, 15.85 were accepted for PDW, with 87.9% sensitivity and 44.4% specificity.

Conclusion:

Lower WBC in GTD may suggest that molar pregnancy requires a lower inflammatory reaction facilitating trophoblastic invasion. Lower PDW as an indicator of platelet activation in CM may suggest that CM requires less PLT activation than healthy pregnancy that needs stronger trophoblast invasion for normal placental development. Decreased PDW levels especially < 15.85 and WBC levels < 8.19 may alert clinicians for risk of GTD.

Clinical observations on chemotherapy curable malignancies: unique genetic events, frozen development and enduring apoptotic potential

BACKGROUND

A select number of relatively rare metastatic malignancies comprising trophoblast tumours, the rare childhood cancers, germ cells tumours, leukemias and lymphomas have been routinely curable with chemotherapy for more than 30 years. However for the more common metastatic malignancies chemotherapy treatment frequently brings clinical benefits but cure is not expected. Clinically this clear divide in outcome between the tumour types can appear at odds with the classical theories of chemotherapy sensitivity and resistance that include rates of proliferation, genetic development of drug resistance and drug efflux pumps. We have looked at the clinical characteristics of the chemotherapy curable malignancies to see if they have any common factors that could explain this extreme differential sensitivity to chemotherapy.

DISCUSSION

It has previously been noted how the onset of malignancy can leave malignant cells fixed with some key cellular functions remaining frozen at the point in development at which malignant transformation occurred. In the chemotherapy curable malignancies the onset of malignancy is in each case closely linked to one of the unique genetic events of; nuclear fusion for molar pregnancies, choriocarcinoma and placental site trophoblast tumours, gastrulation for the childhood cancers, meiosis for testicular cancer and ovarian germ cell tumours and VDJ rearrangement and somatic hypermutation for acute leukemia and lymphoma. These processes are all linked to natural periods of supra-physiological apoptotic potential and it appears that the malignant cells arising from them usually retain this heightened sensitivity to DNA damage. To investigate this hypothesis we have examined the natural history of the healthy cells during these processes and the chemotherapy sensitivity of malignancies arising before, during and after the events. To add to the debate on chemotherapy resistance and sensitivity, we would argue that malignancies can be functionally divided into 2 groups. Firstly those that arise in cells with naturally heightened apoptotic potential as a result of their proximity to the unique genetic events, where the malignancies are generally chemotherapy curable and then the more common malignancies that arise in cells of standard apoptotic potential that are not curable with classical cytotoxic drugs.

The Role of Human Chorionic Gonadotropin as Tumor Marker: Biochemical and Clinical Aspects

Tumor markers are biological substances that are produced/released mainly by malignant tumor cells, enter the circulation in detectable amounts and are potential indicators of the presence of a tumor. The most useful biochemical markers are the tumor-specific molecules, i.e., receptors, enzymes, hormones, growth factors or biological response modifiers that are specifically produced by tumor cells and not, or minimally, by the normal counterpart (Richard et al. Principles and practice of gynecologic oncology. Wolters Kluwer Health, Philadelphia, 2009). Based on their specificity and sensitivity in each malignancy, biomarkers are used for screening, diagnosis, disease monitoring and therapeutic response assessment in clinical management of cancer patients.This chapter is focused on human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), a hormone with a variety of functions and widely used as a tumor biomarker in selected tumors. Indeed, hCG is expressed by both trophoblastic and non-trophoblastic human malignancies and plays a role in cell transformation, angiogenesis, metastatization, and immune escape, all process central to cancer progression. Of note, hCG testing is crucial for the clinical management of placental trophoblastic malignancies and germ cell tumors of the testis and the ovary. Furthermore, the production of hCG by tumor cells is accompanied by varying degrees of release of the free subunits into the circulation, and this is relevant for the management of cancer patients (Triozzi PL, Stevens VC, Oncol Rep 6(1):7-17, 1999).The name chorionic gonadotropin was conceived: chorion derives from the latin chordate meaning afterbirth, gonadotropin indicates that the hormone is a gonadotropic molecule, acting on the ovaries and promoting steroid production (Cole LA, Int J Endocrinol Metab 9(2):335-352, 2011). The function, the mechanism of action and the interaction between hCG and its receptor continue to be the subject of intensive investigation, even though many issues about hCG have been well documented (Tegoni M et al., J Mol Biol 289(5):1375-1385, 1999).

Reproductive outcomes after hydatiform mole and gestational trophoblastic neoplasia

Gestational trophoblastic disease includes complete hydatidiform mole (CHM) or partial hydatidiform mole (PHM) and gestational trophoblastic neoplasia (GTN). Given the very high-curability rate of trophoblastic disease, the risk of further molar pregnancy after CHM or PHM as well as the risk of second primary tumors and fertility compromise after chemotherapy for GTN represent major concerns. The incidence of subsequent molar pregnancy ranges from 0.7 to 2.6% after one CHM or PHM, and is approximately 10% after two previous CHMs. Among patients who have received chemotherapy, there is an increased risk of myeloid leukemia which is mainly related to the cumulative dose of etoposide. Resumption of normal menses occurs in approximately 95% of women treated with chemotherapy, but menopause occurs 3 years earlier compared with those non-treated with chemotherapy. Term live birth rates higher than 70% without increased risk of congenital abnormalities have been reported in these women, and pregnancy outcomes are comparable to those of general population, except a slightly increased risk of stillbirth. Fertility-sparing treatment for placental site trophoblastic tumor is a therapeutic option reserved to highly selected, young women who do not present markedly enlarged uterus or diffuse multifocal disease within the uterus.

Hydatidiform mole and subsequent pregnancy outcome: a population-based cohort study

OBJECTIVE

The objective of the study was to investigate whether a history of hydatidiform mole (HM) is associated with an increased risk of adverse outcomes in subsequent pregnancies.

STUDY DESIGN

This was a nationwide cohort study with data from population-based registers. The study population consisted of all children registered in the Swedish Medical Birth Register 1973-2009 (n = 3,730,825). Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated for adverse maternal and offspring pregnancy outcomes by maternal history of HM prior to the delivery, with children to women with no maternal history of HM as the reference. Risk estimates were adjusted for maternal age at delivery and maternal country of birth.

RESULTS

A history of HM was not associated with an increased risk of adverse maternal outcomes in subsequent pregnancies (n = 5186). Women exposed to a molar pregnancy prior to the index birth were at an almost 25% increased risk of preterm birth (OR, 1.23; 95% CI, 1.06-1.43), whereas women with at least 1 birth between the HM and the index birth were at an increased risk of a large-for-gestational-age birth and stillbirth (OR, 1.35; 95% CI, 1.10-1.67 and OR, 1.81; 95% CI, 1.11-2.96, respectively). The risk of repeat mole was 0.4%.

CONCLUSION

Women with a history of HM are at no increased risk of adverse maternal outcomes in subsequent pregnancies but have an increased risk of large-for-gestational-age birth, stillbirth, and preterm birth. However, in absolute terms, the risk of subsequent adverse offspring outcomes is very low.

External funding of obstetrical publications: citation significance and trends over 2 decades

OBJECTIVE

The objective of the study was to identify the external funding status of the most frequently cited obstetrical publications (citation classics) and to assess trends in funded vs nonfunded manuscripts as well as each publication's type of external funding.

STUDY DESIGN

For the first objective, the citation classics, which were reported in a previous publication, were reviewed to identify their funding status. For the second objective, all pregnancy-related and obstetrical publications from the 2 US-based leading journals, the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Obstetrics and Gynecology, were reviewed to identify the funding status and trends between 1989 and 2012.

RESULTS

Twenty-seven of 44 of the citation classics (61%) had external funding, whereas only 43% of the reviewed regular (non-citation classic) obstetrical publications had external funding. There was a decreasing trend in the number of obstetrical manuscripts associated with a decreasing trend in the number and proportion of nonfunded manuscripts and an increasing trend in the number and proportion of National Institutes of Health (NIH)-funded manuscripts. Relative to 1989, in 2012 there was a 34.8% decrease in the number of published obstetrical manuscripts, a 59.6% decrease in the number of nonfunded manuscripts, and a 6.8% increase in the number of funded manuscripts accompanied by an 8.2% increase in the number of NIH-funded publications. In the last 9 years (2004-2012), there was a 35.1% increase in the proportion of NIH-funded manuscripts accompanied by an 18.8% decrease in the proportion of non-NIH-funded manuscripts.

CONCLUSION

Our findings provide useful data regarding the importance of securing NIH-based funding for physicians contemplating academic careers in obstetrics.

Establishment of a new diagnostic method for hydropic villi by using TSSC3 antibody

A total of 297 samples of hydropic villi were classified according to DNA polymorphisms as androgenetic moles, dispermic triploids, or biparental diploids. A subset of 267 appropriate samples was included in the study. Most of the macroscopically diagnosed complete mole cases were genetically androgenetic in origin. The partial mole cases consisted of 30 androgenetic moles and 12 dispermic triploids. For the 59 cases macroscopically categorized as hydropic abortion, the genetic analysis revealed 38 androgenetic moles, seven dispermic triploids and 14 biparental diploids. These results showed that a new diagnostic method was required for the management of patients with hydropic villi. We identified the TSSC imprint gene of which expression was shown in normal and partial mole villi but was silenced in complete mole villi. Immunohistochemistry using the TSSC3 antibody demonstrated its efficacy as the differential diagnostic method. TSSC3 play an important role in the differentiation from trophoblast stem cells to progenitors and/or labyrinth trophoblast through the TSSC3/PI3K/Akt/Mash2 signaling pathway.

Combination chemotherapy for primary treatment of high-risk gestational trophoblastic tumour

BACKGROUND

This is an update of the original review that was published in The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2009, Issue 2. Gestational trophoblastic neoplasia (GTN) are malignant disorders of the placenta that include invasive hydatidiform mole, choriocarcinoma, placental-site trophoblastic tumour (PSTT) and epithelioid trophoblastic tumour (ETT). Choriocarcinoma and invasive hydatidiform mole respond well to chemotherapy: low-risk tumours are treated with single-agent chemotherapy (e.g. methotrexate or actinomycin D), whereas high-risk tumours are treated with combination chemotherapy (e.g. EMA/CO (etoposide, methotrexate, actinomycin D, cyclophosphamide and vincristine)). Various drug combinations may be used for high-risk tumours; however, the comparative efficacy and safety of these regimens is not clear.

OBJECTIVES

To determine the efficacy and safety of combination chemotherapy in treating high-risk GTN.

SEARCH METHODS

For the original review, we searched the Cochrane Group Specialised Register, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL; Issue 2, 2008), MEDLINE, EMBASE and CBM in May 2008. For the updated review, we searched Cochrane Group Specialised Register, CENTRAL, MEDLINE and EMBASE to September 2012. In addition, we searched online clinical trial registries for ongoing trials.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-RCTs comparing first-line combination chemotherapy interventions in women with high-risk GTN.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two review authors independently collected data using a data extraction form. Meta-analysis could not be performed as we included only one study.

MAIN RESULTS

We included one RCT of 42 women with high-risk GTN who were randomised to MAC (methotrexate, actinomycin D and chlorambucil) or the modified CHAMOCA regimen (cyclophosphamide, hydroxyurea, actinomycin D, methotrexate, doxorubicin, melphalan and vincristine). There were no statistically significant differences in efficacy of the two regimens; however women in the MAC group experienced statistically significantly less toxicity overall and less haematological toxicity than women in the CHAMOCA group. During the study period, six women in the CHAMOCA group died compared with one in the MAC group. This study was stopped early due to unacceptable levels of toxicity in the CHAMOCA group. We identified no RCTs comparing EMA/CO with MAC or other chemotherapy regimens.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

CHAMOCA is not recommended for GTN treatment as it is more toxic and not more effective than MAC. EMA/CO is currently the most widely used first-line combination chemotherapy for high-risk GTN, although this regimen has not been rigorously compared to other combinations such as MAC or FAV in RCTs. Other regimens may be associated with less acute toxicity than EMA/CO; however, proper evaluation of these combinations in high-quality RCTs that include long-term surveillance for secondary cancers is required. We acknowledge that, given the low incidence of GTN, RCTs in this field are difficult to conduct, hence multicentre collaboration is necessary.

EMA/CO for high-risk gestational trophoblastic neoplasia: good outcomes with induction low-dose etoposide-cisplatin and genetic analysis

PURPOSE

Patients with high-risk (International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics score ≥ 7) gestational trophoblastic neoplasia (GTN) frequently receive etoposide, methotrexate, and dactinomycin alternating weekly with cyclophosphamide and vincristine (EMA/CO). Between 1979 and 1995, overall survival (OS) with this regimen at our institute was 85.4% with a significant proportion of early deaths (< 4 weeks). Here, we determine whether survival rates have improved in a more recent patient cohort (1995 to 2010).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients receiving EMA/CO were identified using the Charing Cross GTN database. Genetic analysis identified nongestational trophoblastic tumors (nGTTs). The use of induction low-dose etoposide 100 mg/m(2) and cisplatin 20 mg/m(2) (EP; days 1 and 2 every 7 days) since 1995 to reduce early deaths before commencing EMA/CO was noted.

RESULTS

Four hundred thirty-eight patients received EMA/CO between 1995 and 2010. Six patients had nGTTs, 140 had high-risk disease, and 250 had relapsed/resistant low-risk GTN. OS was 94.3% in high-risk patients (90.4% including nGTTs) and 99.6% in the low-risk group, with a median follow-up time of 4.2 years. All patients with nGTT and seven patients with high-risk GTNs died as a result of drug-resistant disease. EP induction chemotherapy was given to 23.1% of high-risk patients (33 of 140 patients) with a large disease burden, and the early death rate was only 0.7% (n = 1; 95% CI, 0.1% to 3.7%) compared with 7.2% (n = 11 of 151 patients; 95% CI, 4.1% to 12.6%) in the pre-1995 cohort.

CONCLUSION

OS after EMA/CO for high-risk GTN has increased by nearly 9%. This reflects a more accurate estimate of OS by excluding nGTTs (3.9%) in patients with atypical presentations using genetic diagnosis. Low-dose induction EP in selected individuals also allows near complete elimination of early deaths. The latter should be considered routinely in high-risk GTN.