Imaging diagnostics in ovarian cancer: magnetic resonance imaging and a scoring system guiding choice of primary treatment

Assessment of Intraoperative Scoring Systems for Predicting Cytoreduction Outcome in Peritoneal Metastatic Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Cytoreductive surgery (CRS) is a widely acknowledged treatment approach for peritoneal metastasis, showing favorable prognosis and long-term survival. Intraoperative scoring systems quantify tumoral burden before CRS and may predict complete cytoreduction (CC). This study reviews the intraoperative scoring systems for predicting CC and optimal cytoreduction (OC) and evaluates the predictive performance of the Peritoneal Cancer Index (PCI) and Predictive Index Value (PIV).

METHODS

Systematic searches were conducted in Embase, MEDLINE, and Web of Science. Meta-analyses of extracted data were performed to compare the absolute predictive performances of PCI and PIV.

RESULTS

Thirty-eight studies (5834 patients) focusing on gynecological (n = 34; 89.5%), gastrointestinal (n = 2; 5.3%) malignancies, and on tumors of various origins (n = 2; 5.3%) were identified. Seventy-seven models assessing the predictive performance of scoring systems (54 for CC and 23 for OC) were identified with PCI (n = 39/77) and PIV (n = 16/77) being the most common. Twenty models (26.0%) reinterpreted previous scoring systems of which ten (13%) used a modified version of PIV (reclassification). Meta-analyses of models predicting CC based on PCI (n = 21) and PIV (n = 8) provided an AUC estimate of 0.83 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.79-0.86; Q = 119.6, p = 0.0001; I2 = 74.1%) and 0.74 (95% CI 0.68-0.81; Q = 7.2, p = 0.41; I2 = 11.0%), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Peritoneal Cancer Index models demonstrate an excellent estimate of CC, while PIV shows an acceptable performance. There is a need for high-quality studies to address management differences, establish standardized cutoff values, and focus on non-gynecological malignancies.

Association between the quantitative characteristics of dual-energy spectral CT and cytoreduction surgery outcome in patients with advanced epithelial ovarian cancers: A prospective observational study

This study aimed to explore the association between the quantitative characteristics of dual-energy spectral CT and cytoreduction surgery outcome in patients with advanced epithelial ovarian carcinoma (EOC). In this prospective observational study, patients with advanced EOC (federation of gynecology and obstetrics stage III-IV) treated in the Department of Gynecological Oncology at our Hospital between June 2021 and March 2022 were enrolled. All participants underwent dual-energy spectral computed tomography (DECT) scanning 2 weeks before cytoreductive surgery. The quantitative data included peritoneal cancer index (PCI) determined by DECT, CT value at 70 keV, normalized iodine concentration, normalized water concentration, effective atomic number (effective-Z), and slopes of the spectral attenuation curves (slope λ Hounsfield unit). Fifty-five participants were included. The patients were 57.2 ± 9.8 years of age, and 72.7% were menopausal. The maximal diameter of tumors was 8.6 (range, 2.9-19.7) cm, and 76.4% were high-grade serous carcinomas. Optimal cytoreduction was achieved in 43 patients (78.2%). Compared with the optimal cytoreductive group, the suboptimal cytoreductive group showed a higher PCI (median, 21 vs 6, P < .001), higher 70 keV CT value (69.5 ± 16.6 vs 57.1 ± 13.0, P = .008), and higher slope λ Hounsfield unit (1.89 ± 0.66 vs 1.39 ± 0.60, P = .015). The multivariable analysis showed that the PCI (OR = 1.74, 95%CI: 1.24-2.44, P = .001) and 70 keV CT value (OR = 1.07, 95%CI: 1.01-1.13, P = .023) were independently associated with a suboptimal cytoreductive surgery. The area under the receiver operating characteristics curve of PCI and 70 keV CT value was 0.903 (95%CI: 0.805-1.000, P = .000) and 0.740 (95%CI: 0.581-0.899, P = .012), respectively. High PCI and 70 keV CT value are independently associated with suboptimal cytoreductive surgery in patients with advanced EOC. The PCI determined by DECT might be a better predictor for suboptimal cytoreduction.

Prediction of Surgical Outcome in Advanced Ovarian Cancer by Imaging and Laparoscopy: A Narrative Review

Maximal-effort upfront or interval debulking surgery is the recommended approach for advanced-stage ovarian cancer. The role of diagnostic imaging is to provide a systematic and structured report on tumour dissemination with emphasis on key sites for resectability. Imaging methods, such as pelvic and abdominal ultrasound, contrast-enhanced computed tomography, whole-body diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging and positron emission tomography, yield high diagnostic performance for diagnosing bulky disease, but they are less accurate for depicting small-volume carcinomatosis, which may lead to unnecessary explorative laparotomies. Diagnostic laparoscopy, on the other hand, may directly visualize intraperitoneal involvement but has limitations in detecting tumours beyond the gastrosplenic ligament, in the lesser sac, mesenteric root or in the retroperitoneum. Laparoscopy has its place in combination with imaging in cases where ima-ging results regarding resectability are unclear. Different imaging models predicting tumour resectability have been developed as an adjunctional objective tool. Incorporating results from tumour quantitative analyses (e.g., radiomics), preoperative biopsies and biomarkers into predictive models may allow for more precise selection of patients eligible for extensive surgery. This review will discuss the ability of imaging and laparoscopy to predict non-resectable disease in patients with advanced ovarian cancer.

Peroperative extent of peritoneal metastases affects the surgical outcome and survival in advanced ovarian cancer

OBJECTIVE

Determining whether cytoreductive surgery (CRS) is feasible in patients with advanced ovarian cancer and whether extensive surgery is justified is challenging. Accurate patient selection for CRS based on pre- and peroperative parameters will be valuable. The aim of this study is to assess the association between the extent of peritoneal metastases as determined during surgery and completeness of interval CRS and survival.

METHODS

This single-center observational cohort study included consecutive patients with newly diagnosed stage III-IV epithelial ovarian cancer who received neoadjuvant chemotherapy and underwent interval CRS. The 7 Region Count (7RC) was recorded during surgical exploration to systematically quantify the extent of peritoneal metastases. Logistic regression analysis was performed to predict surgical outcomes, and Cox regression analysis was done for survival outcomes.

RESULTS

A total of 316 patients were included for analyses. The median 7RC was 4 (interquartile range: 2-6). Complete CRS was performed in 58%, optimal CRS in 30%, and incomplete CRS in 12% of patients. A higher 7RC was independently associated with lower odds of complete or optimal CRS in multivariable analysis (odds ratio [OR] = 0.45, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.33-0.63, p < 0.001). Similarly, a higher 7RC was independently associated with worse progression-free survival (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.17, 95% CI 1.08-1.26, p < 0.001) and overall survival (HR = 1.14, 95% CI 1.04-1.25, p = 0.007).

CONCLUSION

The extent of peritoneal metastases, as expressed by the 7RC during surgery, is an independent predictor for completeness of CRS and has independent prognostic value for progression-free survival and overall survival in addition to completeness of CRS.

Hepatic Hilar Lymph Node Resection in Cytoreductive Surgery for Advanced Ovarian Cancer: A Necessity or Not?

Objective

This review aims to clarify the necessity of hepatic hilar lymph node resection on advanced ovarian cancer patients.

Background

PARP inhibitors and surgery have significantly improved the survival of patients with ovarian cancer. However, for patients with advanced ovarian cancer, there are often extensive epigastric disseminated metastatic lesions, especially the lymph nodes in the hepatic hilar area. Because of the complicated anatomical relationship and lack of experience in this area, this is easily ignored by gynecological oncologists.

Methods

Through the retrieval and analysis of the current database, namely PubMed, Medline, Web of Science, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and Wangfang, etc., the literature regarding this topic published before March 2021 were thoroughly investigated.

Conclusion

For the hepatic hilar regional lymph node surgery, through careful preoperative evaluation, surgical-indication clarification, appropriate case selection, standardized surgical operations and multidisciplinary cooperation with general surgeons, the prognosis of patients is significantly improved. Postoperative complications are also safe and controllable and convincing. To conclude, the application of hilar region lymph node cytoreductive surgery for patients with advanced ovarian cancer is a feasible and preferred choice.

The role of CT, PET-CT, and MRI in ovarian cancer

New treatment developments in ovarian cancer have led to a renewed interest in staging advanced ovarian cancer. The treatment of females with ovarian cancer patients has a strong multidisciplinary character with an essential role for the radiologist. This review aims to provide an overview of the current position of CT, positron emission tomography-CT, and MRI in ovarian cancer and how imaging can be used to guide multidisciplinary team discussions.

Peroperative scoring systems for predicting the outcome of cytoreductive surgery in advanced-stage ovarian cancer - A systematic review

The extent of peritoneal metastases (PM) largely determines the possibility of complete or optimal cytoreductive surgery in advanced ovarian cancer. An objective scoring system to quantify the extent of PM can help clinicians to decide whether or not to embark on CRS. Therefore several scoring systems have been developed by different research teams and this review summarizes their performance in predicting a complete or optimal cytoreduction in patients with advanced ovarian cancer. A systematic search in the MEDLINE database revealed 19 articles that described a total of five main scoring systems to predict the completeness of CRS in patients with FIGO stage III-IV ovarian cancer based on the surgical exploration of the abdominal cavity; PCI, PIV, Eisenkop, Espada, and Kasper. The Peritoneal Cancer Index (PCI) and the Predictive Index Value (PIV) were mentioned most frequently and showed AUCs of 0.69-0.92 and 0.66-0.98, respectively. Due to the use of different cut-offs sensitivities and specificities greatly varied. Therefore with the current data, no scoring system could be identified as best. An objective measure of the extent of disease can be of great clinical use for identifying ovarian cancer patients for which a complete (or optimal) CRS is achievable, however due to local differences in treatment strategies and surgical policy a widely adopted objective scoring system with a standard cut-off value is not feasible. Nevertheless, objective scoring systems can play an important role to guide treatment decisions.

Analysis and Evaluation of Ultrasound Imaging Features and Pathological Results of Ovarian Cancer

To compare and analyze the relationship between the characteristics of ultrasound images of ovarian cancer and the results of postoperative pathological examination. A retrospective analysis of 206 patients with suspected ovarian cancer confirmed by surgical pathology was taken as the research object. The location, size, morphology, partition and wall nodules, cystic solidity, and signal characteristics of the tumor were observed and compared with the results of postoperative pathological examination evaluation and analysis to improve the early clinical diagnosis of ovarian cancer patients. By regression analysis of the histological examination of patients with ovarian tumors of different ages and the proportion of cox postoperative recurrence risk regression models, 154 of 206 ovarian tumor patients were ovarian cancer. There were significant differences in pathological types, lesion locations, maximum diameter lengths, and internal echo in patients with ovarian malignant tumors at different ages (p < 0.05). Ultrasound of ovarian cancer shows that the tumor has large tumor body, strong echo, cyst wall has protrusions, and peripheral and internal blood flow that is mainly high-speed and low-resistance. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of ultrasound for ovarian cancer diagnosis are 84.38%, 66.67%, 81.01%. The accuracy, specificity, and sensitivity of early diagnosis of clinical ovarian cancer patients by ultrasound imaging features provide sufficient imaging evidence to further promote the clinical judgment of benign and malignant tumors, which is beneficial to doctors’ clinical treatment of ovarian cancer patients. The early diagnosis and the higher clinical value were shown.

Magnetic resonance imaging for the non-invasive diagnosis in patients with ovarian cancer: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

In developed nations, ovarian cancer has resulted in the most fatalities from gynecological cancer. Laparoscopy is primarily utilized as the test to diagnose ovarian cancer. Besides being costly, there are surgical risks associated with laparoscopies. At present, clinical practitioners have access to non-invasive tests for diagnosing ovarian cancer. This study aims to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for diagnosing ovarian cancer.

METHODS

In order to obtain eligible studies, cross-sectional studies or randomized controlled trials are searched in electronic databases. The databases include 5 English databases (PubMed, the Cochrane Library, PsycINFO, EMBASE, and Web of Science) and 3 Chinese databases (China Biomedical Literature Database, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and WanFang database). The databases are searched from their origin to October 2020. Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies-2 is used to assess the methodological quality of the selected studies. RevMan 5.3 and SAS NLMIXED software are used to assess the data synthesis, sensitivity analysis, and risk of bias assessment.

RESULTS

This study evaluates the pooled diagnostic value of MRI for diagnosing ovarian cancer.

CONCLUSIONS

This study will summarize previously published evidence of MRI in relation to diagnosing ovarian cancer.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

Since this study does not utilize data from patients, this protocol does not require ethical approval.

PROTOCOL REGISTRATION NUMBER

DOI 10.17605/OSF.IO/A6SPQ (https://osf.io/a6spq).

An 18-Year Experience in Diagnostic Laparoscopy of Peritoneal Carcinomatosis: Results from 744 Patients

BACKGROUND

Despite accurate preoperative imaging assessment, optimal cytoreductive surgery with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy remains unfeasible in many patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis at the time of surgery. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of diagnostic laparoscopy in the selection of candidates.

METHODS

Prospectively collected data of all patients undergoing diagnostic laparoscopy in our Department were retrospectively analyzed. Demographics and perioperative features as well as operative details and outcome were evaluated.

RESULTS

The study included 744 consecutive patients. Primary ovarian tumors were the most common indications, followed by gastric tumors and recurrent colorectal cancers. The procedure was successfully completed in 99.73% of cases. Approximately two thirds of them (68%) had undergone previous surgical procedures. The presence of ascites was recorded in 482 patients (64.78%). A total of 374 (50.3%) patients were excluded from surgical exploration. Among those who eventually underwent surgery, CC0 resection was obtained in 64.6% (239) of cases. Understaging of peritoneal carcinomatosis was observed in 11 patients (1.48%). Postoperative mortality was null and 5 (0.8%) complications were observed. Three (0.4%) port-site metastases were recorded at the beginning of the experience.

CONCLUSION

Diagnostic laparosocopy is a safe and feasible tool able to improve the selection of patients eligible for cytoreduction with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy, at the same time allowing avoiding a significant number of unnecessary laparotomies.