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Klijn NF, ter Kuile MM, Lashley EELO. Patient-Reported Outcomes (PROs) and Patient Experiences in Fertility Preservation: A Systematic Review of the Literature on Adolescents and Young Adults (AYAs) with Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:5828. [PMID: 38136372 PMCID: PMC10741741 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15245828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
With better survival rates for patients diagnosed with cancer, more attention has been focused on future risks, like fertility decline due to gonadotoxic treatment. In this regard, the emphasis during counselling regarding possible preservation options is often on the treatment itself, meaning that the medical and emotional needs of patients regarding counselling, treatment, and future fertility are often overlooked. This review focuses on patient-reported outcomes (PROs) and patient experiences regarding fertility preservation (FP)-among adolescents and young adults (AYAs) with cancer. A systematic review of the literature, with a systematic search of online databases, was performed, resulting in 61 selected articles. A quality assessment was performed by a mixed methods appraisal tool (MMAT). Based on this search, three important topics emerged: initiating discussion about the risk of fertility decline, acknowledging the importance of future fertility, and recognizing the need for more verbal and written patient-specific information. In addition, patients value follow-up care and the opportunity to rediscuss FP and their concerns about future fertility and use of stored material. A clear FP healthcare pathway can prevent delays in receiving a referral to a fertility specialist to discuss FP options and initiating FP treatment. This patient-centered approach will optimize FP experiences and help to establish a process to achieve long-term follow up after FP treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole F. Klijn
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands
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Outcomes of the First Pregnancy After Fertility-Sparing Surgery for Early-Stage Ovarian Cancer. Obstet Gynecol 2021; 137:1109-1118. [PMID: 33957660 DOI: 10.1097/aog.0000000000004394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2021] [Accepted: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the outcomes of the first pregnancy after fertility-sparing surgery in patients treated for early-stage ovarian cancer. METHODS We performed a retrospective study of women aged 18-45 years with a history of stage IA or IC ovarian cancer reported to the California Cancer Registry for the years 2000-2012. These data were linked to the 2000-2012 California Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development birth and discharge data sets to ascertain oncologic characteristics and obstetric outcomes. We included in the case group ovarian cancer patients who conceived at least 3 months after fertility-sparing surgery. The primary outcome was preterm birth, and only the first pregnancy after cancer diagnosis was considered. Secondary outcomes included small-for-gestational-age (SGA) neonates, neonatal morbidity (respiratory support within 72 hours after birth, hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy, seizures, infection, meconium aspiration syndrome, birth trauma, and intracranial or subgaleal hemorrhage), and severe maternal morbidity as defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Propensity scores were used to match women in a 1:2 ratio for the case group and the control group. Wald statistics and logistic regressions were used to evaluate outcomes. RESULTS A total of 153 patients who conceived after fertility-sparing surgery were matched to 306 women in a control group. Histologic types included epithelial (55%), germ-cell (37%), and sex-cord stromal (7%). Treatment for ovarian cancer was not associated with preterm birth before 37 weeks of gestation (13.7% vs 11.4%; odds ratio [OR] 1.23, 95% CI 0.69-2.20), SGA neonates (birth weight less than the 10th percentile: 11.8% vs 12.7%; OR 0.91, 95% CI 0.50-1.66), severe maternal morbidity (2.6% vs 1.3%; OR 2.03, 95% CI 0.50-8.25), or neonatal morbidity (both 5.9% OR 1.00, 95% CI 0.44-2.28). CONCLUSION Patients who conceived at least 3 months after surgery for early-stage ovarian cancer did not have an increased risk of adverse obstetric outcomes.
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Lawler M, Oliver K, Gijssels S, Aapro M, Abolina A, Albreht T, Erdem S, Geissler J, Jassem J, Karjalainen S, La Vecchia C, Lievens Y, Meunier F, Morrissey M, Naredi P, Oberst S, Poortmans P, Price R, Sullivan R, Velikova G, Vrdoljak E, Wilking N, Yared W, Selby P. The European Code of Cancer Practice. J Cancer Policy 2021; 28:100282. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jcpo.2021.100282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2021] [Revised: 03/19/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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The Fertility Management Experiences of Australian Women with a Non-communicable Chronic Disease: Findings from the Understanding Fertility Management in Contemporary Australia Survey. Matern Child Health J 2018; 22:830-840. [PMID: 29411252 DOI: 10.1007/s10995-018-2454-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Introduction Despite the considerable and increasing proportion of women of reproductive age with a chronic non-communicable disease (NCD) and the potential adverse implications of many NCDs for childbearing, little is known about the fertility management experiences of women with an NCD, including their contraceptive use, pregnancy experiences and outcomes, and reproductive health care utilisation. The aim of this study was to investigate the fertility management experiences of women with an NCD and draw comparisons with women without an NCD. Method A sample of 18-50 year-old women (n = 1543) was randomly recruited from the Australian electoral roll in 2013. Of these women, 172 women reported a physical, chronic non-communicable disease: diabetes, arthritis, asthma, hypertension, heart disease, thyroid disorders, and cystic fibrosis. Respondents completed an anonymous, self-administered questionnaire. Factors associated with fertility management were identified in multivariable analyses. Results Women who reported having an NCD were significantly more likely than women who did not report an NCD to have ever been pregnant (75.9 vs. 67.5%, p = 0.034), have had an unintended pregnancy (33.47 vs. 25.5%, p = 0.026), and have had an abortion (20.3 vs. 14.2%, p = 0.044); they were less likely to consult a healthcare provider about fertility management (45.0 vs. 54.4%, p = 0.024). Similar proportions were using contraception (48.8 vs. 54.5%, p = 0.138). Conclusion The findings have implications for healthcare providers and women with an NCD and highlight the importance of addressing possible assumptions about the inability of women with an NCD to become pregnant, and ensuring women receive information about suitable methods of contraception and pre-pregnancy care.
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Vadaparampil ST, Clayton H, Quinn GP, King LM, Nieder M, Wilson C. Pediatric Oncology Nurses' Attitudes Related to Discussing Fertility Preservation With Pediatric Cancer Patients and Their Families. J Pediatr Oncol Nurs 2016; 24:255-63. [PMID: 17827491 DOI: 10.1177/1043454207303878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
This study explores nurses' attitudes toward the discussion of fertility preservation (FP) with pediatric cancer patients and their families. A cross-sectional survey was administered to attendees of a pediatric oncology conference. Of the 115 nurses who responded and comprised the study sample, most reported discussing risks of infertility or FP ≤ 50% of the time. The 3 attitudinal factors most commonly rated by nurses to influence discussion of FP are the potential of upsetting patients' families, that boys younger than 18 years should not be given erotic materials during semen collection, and difficulty locating FP facilities. The 3 patient factors most likely to encourage the discussion of FP are the patient being recently married or engaged, the patient asking about FP, and availability of patient education materials. While the results indicate that nurses do not regularly discuss FP with their patients, nurses perceive such discussion as being within their scope of practice. Therefore, with appropriate intervention, nurses may play a key role in facilitating discussions regarding FP with patients and families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan T Vadaparampil
- H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Health Outcomes and Behavior Program, Tampa, Florida, USA.
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Schmidt R, Richter D, Sender A, Geue K. Motivations for having children after cancer - a systematic review of the literature. Eur J Cancer Care (Engl) 2014; 25:6-17. [DOI: 10.1111/ecc.12276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/04/2014] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- R. Schmidt
- Department of Medical Psychology and Medical Sociology; University of Leipzig; Leipzig Germany
| | - D. Richter
- Department of Medical Psychology and Medical Sociology; University of Leipzig; Leipzig Germany
| | - A. Sender
- Department of Medical Psychology and Medical Sociology; University of Leipzig; Leipzig Germany
| | - K. Geue
- Department of Medical Psychology and Medical Sociology; University of Leipzig; Leipzig Germany
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Holton S, Kirkman M, Rowe H, Fisher J. The Childbearing Concerns and Related Information Needs and Preferences of Women of Reproductive Age with a Chronic, Noncommunicable Health Condition: A Systematic Review. Womens Health Issues 2012; 22:e541-52. [DOI: 10.1016/j.whi.2012.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2012] [Revised: 08/13/2012] [Accepted: 08/14/2012] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Campos SM, Berlin S, Matulonis UA, Muto MG, Pereira L, Mosquera MM, Horowitz N. Young Women Diagnosed with Early-Stage Ovarian Cancer or Borderline Malignancy of the Ovary: A Focus on Fertility and Sexual Function. J Psychosoc Oncol 2012; 30:387-401. [DOI: 10.1080/07347332.2012.684854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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Penrose R, Beatty L, Mattiske J, Koczwara B. Fertility and cancer--a qualitative study of Australian cancer survivors. Support Care Cancer 2011; 20:1259-65. [PMID: 21660668 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-011-1212-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2011] [Accepted: 05/30/2011] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study aims to assess the fertility concerns among cancer survivors aged 50 and under as part of a larger study investigating the survivors' concerns regarding fertility, sexuality and parenting. METHODS Cancer survivors who were at least 1 month post-treatment were invited to a recorded interview. The patients were identified from an oncology database and invited to participate via letter or during clinic consultation. The participants were recruited until saturation of themes was achieved. Transcripts were coded thematically, with greater emphasis given to frequently raised themes. RESULTS Twenty-five survivors (19 women) were interviewed. The median age was 37 (range 24-50). Median time since completion of treatment was 7 months. Twenty were married or in a relationship; 18 had children at the time of diagnosis. Two became pregnant after treatment. Four themes were identified: (1) Fertility represents more than child-bearing capacity: potential fertility loss was a concern for participants, irrespective of their desire for future children; (2) Assumed infertility: There was a tendency for participants to assume that they were infertile; (3) Lack of information regarding decision-making and fertility: The respondents reported a perceived lack of consideration of fertility at diagnosis by medical professionals, and this impacted upon the decision-making process; and (4) Participant recommendations: The respondents wanted more information and for support services to be offered. CONCLUSIONS Fertility is an important concern for young cancer survivors. There is a need for strategies regarding information provision and support for cancer patients with regard to these concerns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Penrose
- School of Psychology, Flinders University, Adelaide, Australia
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Matsushita H, Tani H. Successful infertility treatment following fertility-sparing surgery and chemotherapy for ovarian immature teratoma: a case report and a literature review. Reprod Med Biol 2011; 10:193-198. [PMID: 29699094 DOI: 10.1007/s12522-011-0083-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2011] [Accepted: 03/31/2011] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Malignant ovarian germ cell tumors (MOGCTs) are highly chemosensitive tumors most commonly found in adolescent girls and young women. However, patients with advanced disease can now be successfully cured with fertility-sparing surgery and adjuvant chemotherapy, resulting in childbearing. Case A 24-year-old nulliparous Japanese woman was diagnosed as having a stage IIIc immature teratoma. After fertility-sparing surgery, she received four cycles of chemotherapy consisting of cisplatin, etoposide, and pepleomycin. She married at the age of 34, but did not conceive due to sexual dysfunction of her husband. At the age of 38, intrauterine insemination was performed following ovulation induction with clomid and human menopausal gonadotrophin, which resulted in a singleton pregnancy. A healthy female infant was delivered at 38 weeks' gestation. Conclusion Treatment might sometimes be needed for infertile women with a history of MOGCTs, but further studies are needed to determine whether infertility treatment, including ovulation induction, is appropriate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroshi Matsushita
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Shizuoka General Hospital 4-27-1 Kitaando, Aoi-ku 420-8527 Shizuoka Japan
| | - Hirohiko Tani
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Shizuoka General Hospital 4-27-1 Kitaando, Aoi-ku 420-8527 Shizuoka Japan
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Tschudin S, Bunting L, Abraham J, Gallop-Evans E, Fiander A, Boivin J. Correlates of fertility issues in an internet survey of cancer survivors. J Psychosom Obstet Gynaecol 2010; 31:150-7. [PMID: 20718586 DOI: 10.3109/0167482x.2010.503910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The objectives of this study were (1) to determine what young cancer survivors know about the effect of their cancer on fertility, how fertility difficulties affected their lives and whether they would opt for fertility preservation (FP) and (2) to assess the sources of information and the helpfulness of them. METHODS Women of at least 18 years with cancer affecting reproductive function were recruited from eight cancer websites for this online survey. The Cancer and Fertility Survey (CFS) contained items from validated inventories and items to assess fertility issues in cancer patients. Quantitative analyses (t-tests, chi(2), analysis of variance) and thematic analysis of free text data were performed. RESULTS Of the 80 participating women, 68.1% rated the risk of infertility as high. The mean number of professionals consulted was 3.56 (SD = 2.7), but 20% of women had not discussed fertility with any professional. The weighted mean helpfulness index was the highest for spouses and oncologists. Strength of positive attitudes towards FP was significantly greater than that of negative attitudes. CONCLUSION The need to discuss fertility is high among women searching for information on cancer websites. Options to preserve fertility were positively viewed but the actual use may be limited by concerns about safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sibil Tschudin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Basel, Spitalstrasse 21, 4031 Basel, Switzerland.
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Tschudin S, Bitzer J. Psychological aspects of fertility preservation in men and women affected by cancer and other life-threatening diseases. Hum Reprod Update 2009; 15:587-97. [PMID: 19433413 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmp015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 174] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND With advances in treatment, the number of young cancer survivors who may benefit from fertility preservation is growing. The aim of this study was to review the literature investigating psychological aspects of fertility issues and fertility preservation in patients undergoing fertility-compromising therapy for cancer or other life-threatening diseases, previous to or during their reproductive lifespan. METHODS Articles were identified in PubMed, Embase and PsycLIT as well as manually retrieved from literature citations for the time period from 1999 to 2008. Inclusion criteria were (i) qualitative or quantitative design, (ii) focus on patients previous to or during their reproductive lifespan and (iii) dealing with aspects such as (1) impact of fertility issues in cancer patients or (2) health professionals' and/or patients' attitudes towards fertility preservation or (3) counselling. RESULTS Twenty-four studies were identified. According to the studies on aspect (1), fertility is an important issue for cancer patients. Health professionals as well as patients and parents consider fertility preservation as an important option for young cancer patients; all parties involved, however, were noted to have knowledge and information deficits. Patients recalling counselling about the impact of cancer treatment on fertility ranged from 34% to 72%. Counselling is far from being offered globally to all patients at risk, and providing information seems to be selective. CONCLUSIONS The existing literature demonstrates the need for and the limits of current counselling. Future research should target the means to facilitate the decision-making process for patients and health professionals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sibil Tschudin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Basel, 4031 Basel, Switzerland.
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Abstract
Survival for cancer has improved significantly in the last 25 years with excellent overall 5- and 10-year survival rates. Hence, the majority of young women diagnosed with cancer can expect to live for decades, making quality of life issues such as fertility increasingly important. Risks of infertility vary based on the chemotherapy and treatments employed, as well as a woman's age. In general, younger women are less likely to experience permanent amenorrhea than older women, but even women who continue to menstruate have a greatly increased risk of premature menopause. Options for patients with cancer entering chemotherapy treatment, who wish to preserve fertility range from clinically well-established techniques such as embryo cryopreservation to more experimental techniques such as ovarian tissue cryopreservation. Pregnancy does not appear to increase the risk of cancer recurrence. Discussions of fertility issues in premenopausal women diagnosed with cancer present important challenges to the provider and to the patient. However, failure to discuss these options adequately can have lasting negative consequences on a woman's quality of life. Physician education interventions should seek to improve the knowledge of fertility preservations options, and of locally and nationally available resources.
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Abstract
In a young woman with gynecologic cancer, preservation of fertility is possible. Fertility-sparing surgery may be safe in early ovarian cancer of certain histological subtypes such as ovarian tumors of low malignant potential, malignant ovarian germ cell tumors, and ovarian sex cord stromal tumors. For women with invasive epithelial ovarian cancer who have early-stage disease, fertility-sparing surgery may be an option. In some cases, fertility-sparing surgery may be followed by postoperative chemotherapy. The concept of fertility-preserving surgery in early cervical cancer has been adopted by several leading centers worldwide as an option for stage Ia and small Ib disease without the presence of lymphovascular involvement. Nonsurgical options such as hormonal therapy may be considered for women with early-stage, low-grade endometrial cancer. Improvements in cancer cure rates and the development of conservative treatments mean that many young women with early gynecologic cancer can hope to start a new pregnancy after the treatment. Patients are generally advised to wait 2 years after treatment for any malignancy before attempting pregnancy, but the optimal interval between cure and conception must be carefully determined by a multidisciplinary team including oncologist and obstetrician. Gynecologic surgery and hemotherapy can have an impact not only on fertility, but also on the course of a next pregnancy (increased risk of miscarriage and premature delivery, etc.) These risks must be taken into account by the obstetrician. Management of young women diagnosed with gynecologic cancer should be individualized, with the risk of conservative therapy balanced against the disadvantages of more radical treatment. The patient and the family should be extensively counseled. The alternatives to the traditional and standard radical procedures should be discussed, and the limitation of data regarding many conservative treatment options should be explained. The patients should be aware that by accepting fertility-sparing treatment they are assuming a small but undefined risk for recurrence of the disease. They need to know that these conservative therapeutic approaches are yet not considered "standard." Furthermore, patients need to be assessed for the realistic probabilities of achieving conception on the basis on their age, history, and infertility evaluation. Some of them will require assisted reproduction technology (ARTS) to help achieve a pregnancy, especially in vitro fertilization (IVF). They may also consider ovarian tissue, oocyte, or embryo cryopreservation before definitive cancer therapies. And, finally, patients also need to understand the risk of premature delivery and the consequences of prematurity. The care of the young patient with gynecologic malignancy is extremely complex and challenging. It necessarily requires a multidisciplinary approach with the close collaboration of gynecologist-oncologist, reproductive endocrinologist, and perinatologist.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Kesic
- Institute of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Clinical Center of Serbia, Belgrade
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Chen X, Aravindakshan J, Yang Y, Sairam MR. Early alterations in ovarian surface epithelial cells and induction of ovarian epithelial tumors triggered by loss of FSH receptor. Neoplasia 2007; 9:521-31. [PMID: 17603635 PMCID: PMC1899255 DOI: 10.1593/neo.07238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2007] [Revised: 05/01/2007] [Accepted: 05/02/2007] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Little is known about the behavior of the ovarian surface epithelium (OSE), which plays a central role in ovarian cancer etiology. It has been suggested that incessant ovulation causes OSE changes leading to transformation and that high gonadotropin levels during postmenopause activate OSE receptors, inducing proliferation. We examined the chronology of OSE changes, including tumor appearance, in a mouse model where ovulation never occurs due to deletion of follitropin receptor. Changes in epithelial cells were marked by pan-cytokeratin (CK) staining. Histologic changes and CK staining in the OSE increased from postnatal day 2. CK staining was observed inside the ovary by 24 days and increased thereafter in tumor-bearing animals. Ovaries from a third of aged (1 year) mutant mice showed CK deep inside, indicating cell migration. These tumors resembled serous papillary adenoma of human ovaries. Weak expression of GATA-4 and elevation of PCNA, cyclooxygenase-1, cyclooxygenase-2, and platelet-derived growth factor receptors alpha and beta in mutants indicated differences in cell proliferation, differentiation, and inflammation. Thus, we report that OSE changes occur long before epithelial tumors appear in FORKO mice. Our results suggest that neither incessant ovulation nor follicle-stimulating hormone receptor presence in the OSE is required for inducing ovarian tumors; thus, other mechanisms must contribute to ovarian tumorigenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinlei Chen
- Molecular Reproduction Research Laboratory, Clinical Research Institute of Montreal, Univerisité de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec H2W 1R7, Canada
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Aravindakshan J, Chen X, Sairam MR. Differential expression of claudin family proteins in mouse ovarian serous papillary epithelial adenoma in aging FSH receptor-deficient mutants. Neoplasia 2007; 8:984-94. [PMID: 17217615 PMCID: PMC1783714 DOI: 10.1593/neo.06529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Ovarian cancer is a deadly disease with long latency. To understand the consequences of loss of follicle-stimulating hormone receptor (FSH-R) signaling and to explore why the atrophic and anovulatory ovaries of follitropin receptor knockout (FORKO) mice develop different types of ovarian tumors, including serous papillary epithelial adenoma later in life, we used mRNA expression profiling to gain a comprehensive view of misregulated genes. Using real-time quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, protein analysis, and cellular localization, we show, for the first time, in vivo evidence that, in the absence of FSH-R signaling, claudin-3, claudin-4, and claudin-11 are selectively upregulated, whereas claudin-1 decreases in ovarian surface epithelium and tumors in comparison to wild type. In vitro experiments using a mouse ovarian surface epithelial cell line derived from wild-type females reveal direct hormonal influence on claudin proteins. Although recent studies suggest that cell junction proteins are differentially expressed in ovarian tumors in women, the etiology of such changes remains unclear. Our results suggest an altered hormonal environment resulting from FSH-R loss as a cause of early changes in tight junction proteins that predispose the ovary to late-onset tumors that occur with aging. More importantly, this study identifies claudin-11 overexpression in mouse ovarian serous cystadenoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jayaprakash Aravindakshan
- Molecular Reproduction Research Laboratory, Clinical Research Institute of Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada H2W 1R7
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Ovarian germ cell tumours are rare, but curable at all stages of disease. This review gives an outline of the main controversies regarding the management of this disease. RECENT FINDINGS Pelvic malignancies are very rare during pregnancy, which should avoid the need for radical surgery or termination in these patients. Also during pregnancy, AFP-L2 looks to be a promising tumour marker in detecting relapse. Malignant transformation of mature teratomas may be predicted by preoperative squamous cell antigen and tumour size. OCT4 immunohistochemistry has been shown to be a very useful adjunct in the diagnosis of dysgerminomas. The traditional method for grading immature teratomas is challenged by a new classification. Patients receiving cisplatin-based chemotherapy are at a higher risk of developing cardiovascular risk factors. There is a hint that high-dose chemotherapy may play a role in relapsed patients. SUMMARY Rarity of the disease means many controversies are difficult to resolve, with much reliance on using data from testicular cancer studies. Many clinicians still advocate adjuvant chemotherapy for stage I nondysgerminomatous tumours of grade 2 and above despite good evidence that surveillance is a safe option, and increasing concerns about life-threatening long-term effects of treatment.
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