Impact of intraoperative rupture of the ovarian capsule on prognosis in patients with early-stage epithelial ovarian cancer: A meta-analysis

Prognostic factors in young women with epithelial ovarian cancer: the Young Ovarian Cancer-Care (YOC-Care) study

OBJECTIVE

To determine oncological outcomes and to identify prognostic factors in women aged <45 years with epithelial ovarian cancer.

METHODS

A multicenter retrospective study was performed of patients treated for epithelial ovarian cancer aged <45 years between January 2010 and December 2019.

RESULTS

A total of 998 patients with epithelial ovarian cancer from 55 different institutions in Spain were collected. The median age of the study population was 40.8 years (range 35.6-43.4). The grouped International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage distribution was 508 (50.9%) patients in initial stages (I and II) and 490 (49.1%) with advanced stages (III and IV). Three hundred and twenty-five (32.6%) patients presented with recurrent disease after a median follow-up of 33.1 months (range 16.1-66.4). The type of staging surgery (incomplete vs complete), type of initial treatment modality (primary cytoreduction vs interval surgery), and amount of residual disease were all significantly associated with overall survival. Tumor rupture was noted in 288 (27.9%) cases, but it was not associated with oncologic outcomes (p=0.11 for overall survival). In the multivariate analysis, the response based on radiological findings (HR 3.24, 95% CI 2.14 to 4.91 for partial response; HR 6.93, 95% CI 4.79 to 10.04 for progression), neoadjuvant chemotherapy (HR 1.42, 95% CI 1.04 to 1.94), and FIGO stage (HR 1.68, 95% CI 1.40 to 2.02) were identified as independent prognostic factors associated with worse oncologic outcomes (p<0.001).

CONCLUSION

The partial and progression radiology-based response after chemotherapy, neoadjuvant chemotherapy, and advanced FIGO stage are independent prognostic factors associated with worse oncological outcomes in women aged <45 years with epithelial ovarian cancer.

Update on Prognostic and Predictive Markers in Mucinous Ovarian Cancer

This review includes state-of-the-art prognostic and predictive factors of mucinous ovarian cancer (MOC), a rare tumor. Clinical, pathological, and molecular features and treatment options according to prognosis are comprehensively discussed. Different clinical implications of MOC are described according to the The International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage: early MOC (stage I-II) and advanced MOC (stage III-IV). Early MOC is characterized by a good prognosis. Surgery is the mainstay of treatment. Fertility-sparing surgery could be performed in patients who wish to become pregnant and that present low recurrence risk of disease. Adjuvant chemotherapy is not recommended, except in patients with high-risk clinical and pathological features. Regarding the histological features, an infiltrative growth pattern is the major prognostic factor of MOC. Furthermore, novel molecular biomarkers are emerging for tailored management of early-stage MOC. In contrast, advanced MOC is characterized by poor survival. Radical surgery is the cornerstone of treatment and adjuvant chemotherapy is recommended, although the efficacy is limited by the intrinsic chemoresistance of these tumors. Several molecular hallmarks of advanced MOC have been described in recent years (e.g., HER2 amplification, distinct methylation profiles, peculiar immunological microenvironment), but target therapy for these rare tumors is not available yet.

Impact of substage and histologic type in stage I ovarian carcinoma survival: a multicenter retrospective observational study

OBJECTIVE

This international study aimed to investigate the impact of substage, histological type and other prognostic factors on long-term survival for stage I ovarian carcinoma.

METHODS

Our study was a retrospective multicenter cohort study that included patients with the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage I (IA-IC3) ovarian carcinoma treated at four European referral centers in Germany and Italy. Using Kaplan-Meier survival curves we compared overall and disease-free survival between the different stage I groups.

RESULTS

A total of 1115 patients were included. Of these, 48.4% (n=540) were in stage IA, 6.6% (n=73) stage IB, and 45% (n=502) stage IC, of the latter substage IC1, 54% (n=271), substage IC2, 31.5% (n=158), and substage IC3, 14.5% (n=73). Five-year overall and disease-free survival rates for the entire cohort were 94% and 86%, respectively, with no difference between stage IA and IB. However, there was a significantly better overall and disease-free survival for stage IA as compared with stage IC (p=0.007 and p<0.001, respectively). Multivariate analysis revealed incomplete/fertility-sparing staging (HR 1.95; 95% CI 1.27 to 2.99, and HR 3.54; 95% CI 1.83 to 6.86, respectively), and stage IC (HR 2.47; 95% CI 1.63 to 3.75) as independent risk factors for inferior disease-free survival, while low-grade endometrioid (HR 0.42; 95% CI 0.25 to 0.72) and low-grade mucinous (HR 0.17; 95% CI 0.06 to 0.44) histology had superior disease-free survival. Considering overall survival, stage IC (HR 2.41; 95% CI 1.45 to 4.01) and older age (HR 2.41; 95% CI 1.46 to 3.95) were independent risk factors.

CONCLUSION

Although stage I ovarian carcinoma exhibited excellent outcomes, the prognosis of patients with stage IA differs significantly compared with stage IC. Sub-optimal staging as an indicator for quality of care, and tumor biology defined by histology (low-grade endometrioid/mucinous) independently impact disease-free survival.

Laparoscopic Surgery for Ovarian Neoplasms - What is Possible, What is Useful?

The use of minimally invasive surgical techniques is becoming increasingly important in gynecologic oncology due to technical advances and the increasing level of surgical expertise. In addition to laparoscopic approaches for the treatment of benign neoplasms, minimally invasive surgical methods have also become established in some areas for treating gynecologic malignancies. For tumor entities such as endometrial and cervical carcinoma, there are conclusive studies emphasizing the role of laparoscopy in surgical therapy. By contrast, due to a lack of prospective data with survival analyses, no clear conclusions can be drawn on the significance of laparoscopy in the surgical treatment of ovarian carcinoma. However, some smaller, mostly retrospective case-control studies and cohort studies open the way for a discussion, positing the possibility that laparoscopic surgical procedures, particularly for early ovarian carcinoma, are technically feasible and of a quality equivalent to that of conventional longitudinal laparotomy, and may also be associated with lower perioperative morbidity. In this article we discuss the most important aspects of using minimally invasive surgical techniques for ovarian carcinoma based on the current literature. In particular we look at the relevance of laparoscopy as a primary approach for surgical staging of early ovarian carcinoma, and we evaluate the role of diagnostic laparoscopy in assessing the operability of advanced ovarian carcinoma.

Is There a Survival Benefit of Adjuvant Chemotherapy in Stage IC1 Epithelial Ovarian Cancer Patients? A Meta-Analysis

The purpose of the present systematic review is to clarify whether adjuvant chemotherapy improves survival rates in women with stage IC1 ovarian cancer. We searched Medline, Scopus, Clinicaltrials.gov, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials CENTRAL and Google Scholar. We considered comparative observational studies and randomized trials that investigated survival outcomes (progression-free (PFS) and overall survival (OS)) among women with intraoperative rupture of early-stage epithelial ovarian cancer who received adjuvant chemotherapy and those that did not. Eleven studies, which recruited 7556 patients, were included. The risk of bias was defined as moderate after assessment with the Risk of Bias in non-Randomized Trials tool. Meta-analysis was performed with RStudio. Seven studies investigated the impact of adjuvant chemotherapy on recurrence-free survival of patients experiencing intraoperative cyst rupture for otherwise stage I ovarian cancer. The outcome was not affected by the use of adjuvant chemotherapy as the effect estimate was not significant (HR 1.24, 95% CI 0.74, 2.04). The analysis of data from 5 studies similarly revealed that overall survival rates were comparable among the two groups (HR 0.75, 95% CI 0.54, 1.05). This meta-analysis did not detect any benefit from adjuvant chemotherapy for stage IC ovarian cancer patients with cyst rupture. However, conclusions from this investigation are limited by a study population which included multiple histologic subtypes, high and low grade tumors and incompletely staged patients.

Safety and efficacy study of laparoscopic or robotic radical surgery using an endoscopic stapler for inhibiting tumour spillage of cervical malignant neoplasms evaluating survival (SOLUTION): a multi-centre, open-label, single-arm, phase II trial protocol

Background

The Laparoscopic Approach to Cervical Cancer trial and Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results program database study demonstrated that minimally invasive radical hysterectomy was inferior to abdominal radical hysterectomy in terms of disease recurrence and survival. Among risk factors related to poor prognosis after minimally invasive surgery (MIS), tumour spillage during intracorporeal colpotomy became a significant issue. Thus, we designed this trial to evaluate the efficacy and safety of minimally invasive radical hysterectomy using an endoscopic stapler for early-stage cervical cancer.

Methods

This trial is a prospective, multi-centre, open-label, single-arm, non-inferiority phase II study. The nine organisations will participate in this trial after the approval of the institutional review board. Major eligibility criteria include women aged 20 years or older with cervical cancer stage IB1 squamous cell carcinoma, adenocarcinoma, or adenosquamous carcinoma according to the revised 2009 FIGO staging system who will undergo type B2 or C hysterectomy by MIS. The primary endpoint is the 4.5-year disease-free survival (DFS) rate between abdominal radical hysterectomy and MIS using an endoscopic stapler. For calculating the sample size, we hypothesised that the 4.5-year DFS rate after MIS using an endoscopic stapler is assumed to be the same after abdominal radical hysterectomy at 90.9%, and the non-inferiority margin was 7.2%. When we consider a three-year accrual and 4.5-year follow-up, at least 13 events must happen, requiring a total of 111 patients assuming a statistical power of 80% and the one-tailed test of 5% significance. A total of 124 patients is needed, considering a drop-out rate of 10%.

Discussion

We expect intracorporeal colpotomy using an endoscopic stapler may prevent tumour spillage during MIS for stage IB1 cervical cancer, showing a comparable prognosis with abdominal radical surgery.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov; NCT04370496; registration date, May 2020.

Minimally invasive surgery for suspected early-stage ovarian cancer; a cost-effectiveness study

OBJECTIVE

While there are a number of benefits to minimally invasive surgery (MIS) for women with ovarian cysts, there is an increased risk of ovarian capsule rupture during the procedure, which could potentially seed the abdominal cavity with malignant cells. We developed a decision model to compare the risks, benefits, effectiveness and cost of MIS versus laparotomy in women with ovarian masses.

DESIGN

Cost-effectiveness study POPULATION: Hypothetical cohort of 10 000 women with ovarian masses who were undergoing surgical management.

METHODS

The initial decision point in the model was performance of surgery via laparotomy or a MIS approach. Model probabilities, costs and utility values were derived from published literature and administrative data sources. Extensive sensitivity analyses were conducted to assess the robustness of the findings.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The primary outcome was the cost-effectiveness of MIS versus laparotomy for women with a pelvic mass measured by incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs).

RESULTS

MIS was the least costly strategy at $7,732 per women on average, compared with $17,899 for laparotomy. In our hypothetical cohort of 10 000 women, there were 64 cases of ovarian rupture in the MIS group and 53 in the laparotomy group, while there were 26 cancer-related deaths in the MIS group and 25 in the laparotomy group. MIS was more effective than laparotomy (188 462 QALYs for MIS versus 187 631 quality adjusted life years [QALYs] for laparotomy). Thus, MIS was a dominant strategy, being both less costly and more effective than laparotomy. These results were robust in a variety of sensitivity analyses.

CONCLUSION

MIS constitutes a cost-effective management strategy for women with suspicious ovarian masses.

TWEETABLE ABSTRACT

MIS is a cost-effective management strategy for women with suspicious ovarian masses.

Intraoperative Rupture of the Ovarian Capsule in Early-Stage Ovarian Cancer: A Meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

To examine the effects of intraoperative ovarian capsule rupture on progression-free survival and overall survival in women who are undergoing surgery for early-stage ovarian cancer.

DATA SOURCES

MEDLINE using PubMed, EMBASE (Elsevier), ClinicalTrials.gov, and Scopus (Elsevier) were searched from inception until August 11, 2020.

METHODS OF STUDY SELECTION

High-quality studies reporting survival outcomes comparing ovarian capsule rupture to no capsule rupture among patients with early-stage epithelial ovarian cancer who underwent surgical management were abstracted. Study quality was assessed with the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale, and studies with scores of at least 7 points were included.

TABULATION, INTEGRATION, AND RESULTS

The data were extracted independently by multiple observers. Random-effects models were used to pool associations and to analyze the association between ovarian capsule rupture and oncologic outcomes. Seventeen studies met all the criteria for inclusion in the meta-analysis. Twelve thousand seven hundred fifty-six (62.6%) patients did not have capsule rupture and had disease confined to the ovary on final pathology; 5,532 (33.7%) patients had intraoperative capsule rupture of an otherwise early-stage ovarian cancer. Patients with intraoperative capsule rupture had worse progression-free survival (hazard ratio [HR] 1.92, 95% CI 1.34-2.76, P<.001), with moderate heterogeneity (I2=41%, P=.07) when compared with those without capsule rupture. Pooled results from these studies showed a worse overall survival (HR 1.48, 95% CI 1.15-1.91, P=.003), with moderate heterogeneity (I2=53%, P=.02) when compared with patients without intraoperative capsule rupture. This remained significant in a series of sensitivity analyses.

CONCLUSION

This systematic review and meta-analysis of high-quality observational studies shows that intraoperative ovarian capsule rupture results in decreased progression-free survival and overall survival in women with early-stage ovarian cancer who are undergoing initial surgical management.

SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION

PROSPERO, CRD42021216561.

Impact of incomplete surgery and adjuvant chemotherapy for the intraoperative rupture of capsulated stage I epithelial ovarian cancer: a multi-institutional study with an in-depth subgroup analysis

Objective

The aim of the present study was to examine the effects of incomplete surgery and adjuvant chemotherapy on the prognosis of patients with intraoperative rupture of capsulated stage I epithelial ovarian cancer (OvCa).

Methods

A regional retrospective study was conducted between 1986 and 2019. Among 4,730 patients with malignant ovarian tumors, 534 women with International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics stage IA and IC1 epithelial OvCa were eligible. Differences in survival outcomes were examined between patients with stage IA and IC1 tumors and the effects of uterine preservation, complete-staging lymphadenectomy, and adjuvant chemotherapy were investigated by an in-depth subgroup analysis. To analyze therapeutic effects, baseline imbalances were adjusted using propensity score (PS).

Results

The prognosis of patients with stage IC1 tumors was worse than those with stage IA. Surgical spill did not affect the site of recurrence. In the PS-adjusted subgroup analysis, uterine preservation (hazard ratio [HR]=1.669; 95% confidence interval [CI]=1.052–2.744), incomplete-staging lymphadenectomy (HR=1.689; 95% CI=1.211–2.355), and the omission of adjuvant chemotherapy (HR=3.729; 95% CI=2.090–6.653) significantly increased the HR of recurrence for patients with stage IC1 tumors compared to those with stage IA tumors. Adjuvant chemotherapy decreased the impact of rupture with uterine preservation (HR=0.159; 95% CI=0.230–1.168) or incomplete-staging lymphadenectomy (HR=0.987; 95% CI=0.638–1.527).

Conclusion

The present results suggest intraoperative rupture of capsulated stage I epithelial OvCa is associated with a poor prognosis. When chemotherapy is given for patients receiving incomplete surgery, there is no longer an increased risk of recurrence observed with the rupture.

Survey of current practices and opinions of German Society of Gynecologic Endoscopy members regarding the treatment of ovarian neoplasia by robotic surgery

PURPOSE

As data on this topic are sparse and contradictory, we aimed to ascertain the opinions of the members of the German Society of Gynecologic Endoscopy (AGE) regarding the use of robotic surgery in the treatment of ovarian malignancies.

METHODS

In 2015, an anonymous questionnaire was sent to AGE members to assess their views on the treatment of ovarian malignancies by robotic surgery according to T stage and the current treatment practices in their facilities.

RESULTS

Of the 228 respondents, 132 (58%) were fellows or attending physicians and 156 (68%) worked at university hospitals or tertiary referral centers. Most [n = 218 (96%)] respondents reported treating < 10% of their patients using robotic surgery. Respondents felt that T1 and borderline ovarian tumors, but not T2 (51%) or T3/4 (76%) tumors, should and could be treated by robot surgery. 162 (71%) respondents considered the currently available data on this subject to be insufficient, and 42% indicated their willingness to participate in clinical studies on the applicability of robotic surgery to the treatment of T1/2 ovarian tumors.

CONCLUSION

The majority of AGE members surveyed considered robotic surgery to be an option for the treatment of T1 ovarian malignancies and borderline ovarian tumors. However, prospective randomized studies are needed to determine the relevance of robotic surgery in this context.

Feasibility of Single-Port Access (SPA) Laparoscopy for Large Ovarian Tumor Suspected to Be Borderline Ovarian Tumor

Objectives

To compare the surgical, pathological and oncological outcomes of single-port access (SPA) laparoscopy against laparotomy for large ovarian tumor (>15 cm) suspected to be a borderline ovarian tumor (BOT) on preoperative imaging.

Methods

A retrospective review of the patients who underwent SPA laparoscopy (SPA Group) or laparotomy (Laparotomy Group) for suspected BOT was performed. Surgical outcomes, including the rates of iatrogenic spillage of tumor contents, and oncological outcomes, such as recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS), were compared between the two groups. Correlation between intraoperative frozen section analysis and permanent pathology results was also assessed.

Results

A total of 178 patients underwent surgical treatment for suspected large BOT. Among them, 105 patients with a mean tumor diameter of 20.9 ± 6.5 cm underwent SPA laparoscopy, and the other 73 patients, with a mean tumor diameter 20.2 ± 5.9 cm, underwent laparotomy. The mean operation time did not differ between the two groups (99.1 ± 41.9 min for SPA Group vs. 107.3 ± 35.7 min for Laparotomy Group, p = 0.085). There was no difference in the occurrence of iatrogenic spillage of tumor contents between the groups either (11.4% in the SPA Group vs. 6.8% in the Laparotomy Group, p = 0.381). However, the postoperative complication rates were significantly higher in the Laparotomy Group compared with SPA Group (16.4% vs. 5.7%, p = 0.025). The surgical approach was not associated with the misdiagnosis rates of frozen section analysis (19% in the SPA Group vs. 26% in the Laparotomy Group, p = 0.484). The most common histologic type of the tumors was mucinous in both groups.

Conclusion

SPA laparoscopy is feasible, safe, and not inferior to laparotomy for surgical treatment of large ovarian tumors that suspected to be BOT on preoperative imaging.

Prognostic factors and effects of fertility-sparing surgery in women of reproductive age with ovarian clear-cell carcinoma: a propensity score analysis

Objective

The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical characteristics of young patients with stage I clear-cell carcinoma (CCC) and evaluate the prognostic factors and effects of fertility-sparing surgery (FSS) using propensity score (PS) adjustment.

Methods

We conducted a regional multi-institutional study between 1986 and 2017. Among 4,277 patients with ovarian tumor, clinical and pathological data of 103 fertile women with stage I unilateral CCC were collected. We evaluated survival and reproductive outcomes in these patients. Additionally, to analyze the effects of FSS, baseline imbalance between patients with and those without FSS was adjusted with an inverse probability of treatment weighting using PSs involving independent clinical variables.

Results

The mean patient age was 39.4 years, and the median follow-up period for surviving patients was 55.6 months. In multivariate analysis, stage IC2/IC3 (vs. IA/IC1) was the only independent prognostic factor for recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS). FSS was not associated with poorer prognosis when compared to the prognosis with non-preserving surgery with regard to both RFS and OS. No statistical difference in survival outcomes between FSS and other approaches was confirmed after PS adjustment. Among patients who underwent FSS, four deliveries with healthy neonates were noted without any gestational complications.

Conclusion

FSS can be considered in stage I CCC, specifically in stage IA and IC1 patients who strongly desire to have children in the future. Further clinical research is needed to clarify the optimal application of FSS for CCC.

Intraoperative Capsule Rupture, Postoperative Chemotherapy, and Survival of Women With Stage I Epithelial Ovarian Cancer

The incidence and prognostic significance of intraoperative capsule rupture in apparent stage IA-B ovarian cancer varies across histologies, and postoperative chemotherapy was not associated with improved survival.

To examine the incidence and prognostic effects of intraoperative capsule rupture and to assess the effectiveness of postoperative chemotherapy for intraoperative tumor rupture in apparent stage I epithelial ovarian cancer.

Leak-proof technique in laparoscopic surgery for large ovarian cysts

The aim of this study was to compare the spillage rate and surgical outcomes between the leak-proof technique and the conventional technique in laparoscopy for large ovarian cysts (more than 15 cm in diameter) presumed to be benign tumours and free from adhesion. Thirty-five consecutive patients who underwent laparoscopy with the leak-proof technique between 2017 and 2019 (the practice change cohort) were compared retrospectively with 35 case-matched consecutive patients who underwent the conventional purse-string method between 2014 and 2016 (the historical cohort). In the practice change cohort, through the wound retractor in the umbilicus, large ovarian cysts were first covered with a sterilised vinyl membrane applied with a skin adhesive, then punctured, and the contents directly aspirated. The primary outcome was tumour spillage. The two cohorts had similar baseline characteristics. The spillage rate in the practice change cohort was significantly lower than in the historical cohort (0% vs 28.6%; p = .001). Other surgical outcomes, including operative time, operative blood loss, hospital stay, and operative complications were similar between the cohorts. In conclusion, laparoscopy with the leak-proof technique is reliable, safe, and easily implemented in the management of selected patients with large ovarian tumours and low probability of malignancy.IMPACT STATEMENTWhat is already known on this subject: Large ovarian cysts preclude the laparoscopic surgery because the size of the cyst interferes with adequate visualisation of the pelvic anatomy and confines the mobilisation of laparoscopic devices.What do the results of this study add: Laparoscopy with the leak-proof technique is reliable, safe, and easily implemented in the management of selected patients with large ovarian tumours and low probability of malignancy.What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research: This technique is easily implemented and useful for most gynaecologic surgeons in treating extremely large ovarian cysts.

Comparison of Laparoscopic and Open Surgery for Patients With Borderline Ovarian Tumors

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to compare surgical and oncologic outcomes of open and laparoscopic surgery in patients with borderline ovarian tumors (BOTs).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This study included patients with BOTs who underwent open (n = 433) or laparoscopic (n = 210) surgery between 1990 and 2015. Surgical outcomes, perioperative morbidity, and disease-free survival and overall survival were compared.

RESULTS

There was no significant difference in age, histologic type of tumor, and laterality of tumor. However, body mass index was slightly higher for the open surgery group (P = 0.046). The open surgery group had a higher serum cancer antigen 125 level (P < 0.001), larger tumor size (P < 0.001), more frequent radical surgery (P = 0.001), higher stage (P = 0.034), and higher incidence of invasive implants (P = 0.035). The operative time (P < 0.001), time interval to return of bowel movement (P < 0.001), and length of postoperative hospital stay (P < 0.001) were significantly shorter and estimated blood loss was significantly less (P < 0.001) in the laparoscopic group. Perioperative complications were documented in 5 (2.4%) patients in the laparoscopic surgery group and 17 (3.9%) in the open surgery group (P = 0.064). Twenty-three (5.3%) patients in the open surgery group and 9 (4.3%) in the laparoscopic surgery group had recurrence (P = 0.902) at a median follow-up of 57 months. The 10-year disease-free survival was 96% and 97% for the open and laparoscopic groups, respectively (P = 0.851), with no significant difference between the groups after adjusting for independent factors (odds ratio, 1.0; 95% confidence interval, 0.4-2.4; P = 0.999). The 10-year overall survival was 99% for both groups, respectively (P = 0.441).

CONCLUSIONS

Laparoscopic surgery and open surgery showed similar survival outcomes in BOTs. The surgical outcomes of laparoscopic surgery were more favorable.

Univariate and classification analysis reveals potential diagnostic biomarkers for early stage ovarian cancer Type 1 and Type 2

Biomarkers for early detection of ovarian tumors are urgently needed. Tumors of the ovary grow within cysts and most are benign. Surgical sampling is the only way to ensure accurate diagnosis, but often leads to morbidity and loss of female hormones. The present study explored the deep proteome in well-defined sets of ovarian tumors, FIGO stage I, Type 1 (low-grade serous, mucinous, endometrioid; n = 9), Type 2 (high-grade serous; n = 9), and benign serous (n = 9) using TMT-LC-MS/MS. Data are available via ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD010939. We evaluated new bioinformatics tools in the discovery phase. This innovative selection process involved different normalizations, a combination of univariate statistics, and logistic model tree and naive Bayes tree classifiers. We identified 142 proteins by this combined approach. One biomarker panel and nine individual proteins were verified in cyst fluid and serum: transaldolase-1, fructose-bisphosphate aldolase A (ALDOA), transketolase, ceruloplasmin, mesothelin, clusterin, tenascin-XB, laminin subunit gamma-1, and mucin-16. Six of the proteins were found significant (p < .05) in cyst fluid while ALDOA was the only protein significant in serum. The biomarker panel achieved ROC AUC 0.96 and 0.57 respectively. We conclude that classification algorithms complement traditional statistical methods by selecting combinations that may be missed by standard univariate tests. SIGNIFICANCE: In the discovery phase, we performed deep proteome analyses of well-defined histology subgroups of ovarian tumor cyst fluids, highly specified for stage and type (histology and grade). We present an original approach to selecting candidate biomarkers combining several normalization strategies, univariate statistics, and machine learning algorithms. The results from validation of selected proteins strengthen our prior proteomic and genomic data suggesting that cyst fluids are better than sera in early stage ovarian cancer diagnostics.

[Biopathology of ovarian carcinomas early and advanced-stages: Article drafted from the French guidelines in oncology entitled "Initial management of patients with epithelial ovarian cancer" developed by FRANCOGYN, CNGOF, SFOG, GINECO-ARCAGY under the aegis of CNGOF and endorsed by INCa]

OBJECTIVES

Ovarian carcinomas represent a heterogeneous group of lesions with specific therapeutic management for each histological subtype. Thus, the correct histological diagnosis is mandatory.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

References were searched by PubMed from January 2000 to January 2018 and original articles in French and English literature were selected.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS

In case of ovarian mass suspicious for cancer, a frozen section analysis may be proposed, if it could impact the surgical management. A positive histological diagnosis of ovarian carcinoma (type and grade) has to be rendered on histological (and not cytological) material before any chemotherapy with multiples and large sized biopsies. In case of needle biopsy, at least three fragments with needles>16G are needed. Histological biopsies need to be formalin-fixed (4% formaldehyde) less than 1h after resection and at least 6hours fixation is mandatory for small size biopsies. Tissue transfer to pathological labs up to 48hours under vacuum and at +4°C (in case of large surgical specimens) may be an alternative. Gross examination should include the description of all specimens and their integrity, the site of the tumor and the dimension of all specimens and nodules. Multiples sampling is needed, including the capsule, the solid areas, at least 1 to 2 blocks per cm of tumor for mucinous lesions, the Fallopian tube in toto, at least 3 blocks on grossly normal omentum and one block on the largest omental nodule. WHO classification should be used to classify the carcinoma (type and grade), with the use of a panel of immunohistochemical markers. High-grade ovarian carcinomas (serous and endometrioid) should be tested for BRCA mutation and in case of a detectable tumor mutation, the patient should be referred to an oncogenetic consultation.

[Surgery in early-stage ovarian cancer: Article drafted from the French Guidelines in oncology entitled "Initial management of patients with epithelial ovarian cancer" developed by FRANCOGYN, CNGOF, SFOG, GINECO-ARCAGY under the aegis of CNGOF and endorsed by INCa]

Early stage ovarian epithelial cancer (stage I according to the FIGO classification, i.e. limited to ovaries) affects 20% to 33% of patients with ovarian cancer. This chapter only describes data on these presumed early stages. The rate of occult epiploic metastases varies from 2% to 4%, and leads to over-staging in stage III A of 3% to 11% of patients. Performing an omentectomy does not result in a change in survival in this situation (NP4). The rate of appendix metastasis ranges from 0% to 26.7% (NP4). In the mucinous subtype, this rate can reach 53% if the appendix is macroscopically abnormal (NP2). The rate of positive peritoneal cytology ranges from 20.9% to 27%. Positive peritoneal cytology is responsible for over-staging of patients in 4.3% to 52% of cases and appears as a poor prognostic factor on survival (NP4). The rate of occult peritoneal metastases varies from 1.1% to 16%. Performing these peritoneal biopsies results in over-staging of 4% to 7.1% (NP4). In the management of ovarian cancers at a presumed early stage, it is recommended to perform: omentectomy, peritoneal biopsies, cytology, appendectomy (grade C). In case of incomplete or incomplete initial staging, restaging including omentectomy, peritoneal biopsies and appendectomy (if not explored) is recommended; especially in the absence of a reported indication of chemotherapy. The lymph node invasion rate ranges from 6.3% to 22%. It is 4.5% to 18% for stages I and 17.5% to 31% in stages II. Between 8.5% and 13% of patients with suspected early stage ovarian cancer are reclassified to stage IIIA1 following the completion of lymphadenectomy (NP3). Pelvic and lumbo-aortic lymphadenectomy improves the survival of patients with ovarian cancer at a presumptive early stage (NP2). Pelvic and lumbo-aortic lymphadenectomy is recommended for presumed early ovarian stages (grade B). In case of initial treatment of early-stage ovarian cancer without lymph node staging, restadification including lymphadenectomy is recommended; especially in the absence of a stated indication of chemotherapy (grade B). No studies have shown any laparoscopic disadvantage compared to laparotomy for feasibility, safety, or postoperative rehabilitation (NP3) in surgical staging of patients with early-stage ovarian cancer. For the initial surgical management of these patients, the choice between laparoscopy or laparotomy depends on local conditions (tumor size) and surgical expertise. If complete surgery without risk of tumor rupture is possible, the laparoscopic approach is preferred (grade C). In the opposite case, median laparotomy is recommended. As part of surgical restadification, the laparoscopic approach is recommended (grade C). Intraoperative tumor rupture leads to a decrease in disease free survival (hazard ratio=2.28) and overall survival (hazard ratio=3.79) (NP2). It is recommended that all precautions be taken to avoid perioperative ovarian tumor rupture, including the intraoperative decision of laparoconversion (grade C). There is no specific study to answer the question of the feasibility of a one-time or two-time surgery during an extemporane diagnosis of an early stage ovarian cancer. The high sensitivity and specificity of this extemporane examination in this situation makes it possible to consider a surgical management of staging during the same operating time.

Survival impact of capsule status in stage I ovarian mucinous carcinoma-A mulicentric retrospective study

BACKGROUND

The influence of capsule rupture on patients' oncologic outcome has been controversial in early-stage ovarian carcinoma. The aim of this study was to investigate the significance of the capsule status in early-stage patients with mucinous epithelial ovarian carcinoma (mEOC).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

During the period of 1990-2015, 351 patients with stage I-IV mEOC were identified in the multicentric database. Of these, a total of 194 mEOC patients with a stage I tumor were in the study.

RESULTS

The median follow-up of the surviving patients was 67.6 (2.0-248.1) months. The FIGO stage distribution was IA in 85 (43.8%), IB in 2 (1.0%), IC1 in 58 (29.9%), IC2 in 18 (9.3%), and IC3 in 31 (16.0%). The 5-year overall survival (OS) rates in patients with stage IA-B, IC1, and IC2-3 tumors were 95.8, 82.5, and 82.9%, respectively {IA-B vs. IC1: P = 0.0031, IA vs. IC2-3: P = 0.0042}. Similarly, the 5-year recurrence-free survival rates in patients with stage IA-B, IC1, and IC2-3 tumors were 93.5, 73.0, and 79.2%, respectively (Log-rank: P = 0.0034). Among all patients, 104 received adjuvant chemotherapy and 90 did not. There was no significant difference in each substage group between the non-chemotherapy and chemotherapy groups in the 5-year overall survival rate {chemotherapy (yes vs. no): 87.0 vs. 90.3%: P = 0.5389}. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that the capsule status was a significant prognostic factor for OS {IA-B (referent) vs. IC1: HR (95% CI): 3.527 (1.125-12.568), P = 0.0300)}.

CONCLUSION

mEOC patients staged greater than IC1 show a marked risk of mortality even after postoperative chemotherapy.

Impact of the new FIGO 2013 classification on prognosis of stage I epithelial ovarian cancers

Purpose

The stage of disease is one of the strongest prognostic factors in epithelial ovarian cancer. The International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) classification was revised in 2013; stage IC was subdivided into IC1 (intraoperative surgical spill), IC2 (capsule rupture before surgery or tumor on surface), and IC3 (positive peritoneal washing or ascites). Our aim was to compare the outcome of patients in the new FIGO stage I subgroups, as this might influence adjuvant therapy decisions.

Patients and methods

Patient databases of three gynecological oncology centers were retrospectively analyzed. Patients with FIGO stage I ovarian cancers were restaged according to the revised classification, based on operative and pathological reports, and determined patient outcomes.

Results

We analyzed 128 patients with ovarian cancers. In FIGO IA, we found 11.3% recurrences and 4.2% deaths. In FIGO IC, 21.8% of the patients recurred and 7.3% died. There was a trend toward a shorter time to recurrence when comparing IA to IC (P=0.076). Within all new subgroups of FIGO IC, there was no difference in time to recurrence (P=0.59). There was also no significant difference in survival when FIGO IA was compared to FIGO IC in comparison with the new individual classifications (IA to IC, IA to IC1, 2, or 3; P=0.60, P=0.15, P=0.61, P=0.66, respectively) or within the different subgroups (P=0.56). Platinum-based chemotherapy was given to the majority (82.6%, n=38/46) of the FIGO IC patients compared to 30.9% in FIGO IA (n=17/55). There was no significant difference within the new subgroups of FIGO IC (P=0.88).

Conclusion

In our retrospective analysis, the new FIGO staging of IC ovarian cancers did not predict prognosis, but the use of adjuvant chemotherapy in 82.6% of the stage IC patients may have biased the outcome.

Is It the Time for Laparoscopic Management of Early-stage Ovarian Malignancies?

The laparoscopic management of early-stage ovarian cancer remains controversial. Some surgeons hesitate to perform laparoscopic staging due to concern with the adequacy of staging, the possibility of tumor spillage and risk of port-site metastasis. Previous studies and literature reviews have reinforced the argument and supported the use of laparoscopy. However, the results were drawn with limited sample size obtained from case-series and case-control studies which result in difficult to make definite conclusions. Till date, the list of laparoscopic procedures has grown at a pace consistent with improvements in technology and technical skill of the surgeon. The number of studies with larger sample size, more prospective data, and longer duration of follow-up has been increasing. This review serves as an update on safety, feasibility, surgical, and oncological outcomes in cases of early-stage ovarian cancer treated by laparoscopic surgery of the literature published since 2008. We aim to clarify whether laparoscopy is safe and effective enough to be considered as standard management. Rely on nonrandomize studies, the current clinical evidence supports the role of laparoscopy in the management of early-stage ovarian cancer. Laparoscopy appears to offer several perioperative benefits without compromise of surgical morbidity and oncological outcome.

Survival Benefit of Adjuvant Radiotherapy: An Analysis of Low-Stage Invasive Ovarian Mucinous Carcinomas

OBJECTIVE

Our aim was to evaluate the population-based outcomes of stages I and II invasive ovarian mucinous carcinomas (MCs) treated with adjuvant platinum-based chemotherapy and abdominopelvic radiotherapy (XRT).

METHODS

International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics stage I/II MC cases referred to the British Columbia Cancer Agency between 1984 and 2014 were reviewed. Chemotherapy (minimum of 3 cycles) and XRT were the institutional policy for stages IA/B (grade 2/3) and IC/II (any grade). Physician patterns of practice determined XRT use in eligible patients, allowing for the comparison of outcomes based on receipt of XRT treatment on disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS).

RESULTS

We identified 129 patients. Univariate analyses on substages IA, IC no rupture, IC with intraoperative rupture, and IC with preoperative rupture demonstrated 10-year DFS rates of 67%, 67%, 67%, and 27% (P = 0.004), respectively, and OS rates of 72%, 72%, 67%, and 38% (P = 0.01), respectively. For all patients, adjuvant XRT demonstrated improved 10-year DFS (78% vs 36%, P = 0.05) and OS (83% vs 36%, P = 0.02). Subgroup analysis did not detect a benefit of adjuvant therapy for stage IA grade 1/2. Multivariate analysis confirmed the benefit of XRT on DFS (hazard ratio, 0.14; 95% confidence interval, 0.02-0.98; P = 0.047) and a trend to improved OS (hazard ratio, 0.12; 95% confidence interval, 0.009-1.64; P = 0.11), whereas decision tree analysis demonstrated a reduced rate of relapse (33% vs 77%) and death (20% vs 46%) with the use of XRT, exclusive of patients with preoperative rupture.

CONCLUSIONS

This population-based retrospective study is the first to demonstrate that the use of adjuvant abdominopelvic XRT after chemotherapy can improve survival in patients diagnosed as having stage I/II MC. Patients with stage IA grade 1 and grade 2 MC can have adjuvant therapy omitted.

Clinical outcome and prognostic factors of patients with early-stage epithelial ovarian cancer

Some subsets of early stage ovarian cancer patients experience more recurrences than others. Studies on prognostics factors gave conflicting results. We investigated consecutive 221 patients with stage I/II ovarian cancer at our institution from 1999 to 2010. Univariate and multivariate analysis of progression free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were performed. After a median follow-up of 79 months, the 5-year/10-year PFS and 5-year/10-year OS were 78% /76% and 90% /87% respectively. Multivariate analysis revealed that stage as the most prominent independent prognostic factor in terms of PFS (stage I vs stage IIA vs stage IIB, Hazard Ratio (HR): 1 vs 4 vs 6.1, P < 0.05) and OS (stage I vs stage II, HR: 1 vs 2.1, P < 0.05). Peritoneal biopsy reduced the risk of recurrence by 29% (95% CI: 0.15-0.58, P < 0.05). Ascites (HR = 2.8, 95% CI: 1.2-6.6, P < 0.05) and not the first-line chemotherapy (HR = 2.6, 95% CI: 1.1-6.5, P < 0.05) contributed to decreased OS. Overall, early-stage ovarian cancer had a favorable outcome, stage was the most powerful prognostic factor.

Diagnostic potential of tumor DNA from ovarian cyst fluid

We determined whether the mutations found in ovarian cancers could be identified in the patients' ovarian cyst fluids. Tumor-specific mutations were detectable in the cyst fluids of 19 of 23 (83%) borderline tumors, 10 of 13 (77%) type I cancers, and 18 of 18 (100%) type II cancers. In contrast, no mutations were found in the cyst fluids of 18 patients with benign tumors or non-neoplastic cysts. Though large, prospective studies are needed to demonstrate the safety and clinical utility of this approach, our results suggest that the genetic evaluation of cyst fluids might be able to inform the management of the large number of women with these lesions.

DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.15175.001

More than a third of women develop ovarian cysts during their lifetimes. The vast majority of these cysts are harmless, but a small number are caused by ovarian cancers. These cancers often produce no symptoms until the disease has spread throughout the abdomen or to other organs, so many women go undiagnosed until their chances of being successfully treated are low. Currently, there is no reliable way to determine whether an ovarian cyst is cancerous without performing surgery. As a result, many women undergo unnecessary, invasive surgeries for harmless ovarian cysts.

Tumors shed cells and cell fragments into any fluid that surrounds them. Fluids from cysts in the pancreas, kidney, and thyroid are routinely examined to identify whether they contain cancerous cells. Now, Wang, Sundfeldt et al. show that ovarian cancers also shed DNA into the surrounding cyst fluid. Furthermore, mutations found in this DNA can provide valuable information about whether the cysts are cancerous.

The study was performed by extracting DNA from the fluid in ovarian cysts that had been surgically removed from 77 women. Of these cysts, 10 were harmless cysts, 12 were benign tumors, 31 were invasive cancers, and 24 were so-called borderline tumors, which fall somewhere between the benign tumors and invasive cancers. Only cysts associated with the borderline tumors and invasive cancers need to be surgically removed. Here, Wang, Sundfeldt et al. report that DNA mutations that are characteristic of ovarian cancers were found in 87% of the cysts associated with borderline tumors and invasive cancers. In contrast, these mutations were not found in any of the cysts that do not require surgery.

Fluid can be extracted from an ovarian cyst with a needle during an outpatient visit. Therefore, the results presented by Wang, Sundfeldt et al. suggest a relatively straightforward way of testing the DNA from ovarian cysts before deciding whether surgery is really necessary. First, however, larger studies that follow women with cysts over time will be necessary to confirm that this type of testing is effective and safe.

DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.15175.002

Data set for reporting of ovary, fallopian tube and primary peritoneal carcinoma: recommendations from the International Collaboration on Cancer Reporting (ICCR)

A comprehensive pathological report is essential for optimal patient management, cancer staging and prognostication. In many countries, proforma reports are used but these vary in their content. The International Collaboration on Cancer Reporting (ICCR) is an alliance formed by the Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia, the Royal College of Pathologists of the United Kingdom, the College of American Pathologists, the Canadian Partnership Against Cancer and the European Society of Pathology, with the aim of developing an evidence-based reporting data set for each cancer site. This will reduce the global burden of cancer data set development and reduplication of effort by different international institutions that commission, publish and maintain standardised cancer reporting data sets. The resultant standardisation of cancer reporting will benefit not only those countries directly involved in the collaboration but also others not in a position to develop their own data sets. We describe the development of a cancer data set by the ICCR expert panel for the reporting of primary ovarian, fallopian tube and peritoneal carcinoma and present the 'required' and 'recommended' elements to be included in the report with an explanatory commentary. This data set encompasses the recent International Federation of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists staging system for these neoplasms and the updated World Health Organisation Classification of Tumours of the Female Reproductive Organs. The data set also addresses issues about site assignment of the primary tumour in high-grade serous carcinomas and proposes a scoring system for the assessment of tumour response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy. The widespread implementation of this data set will facilitate consistent and accurate data collection, comparison of epidemiological and pathological parameters between different populations, facilitate research and hopefully will result in improved patient management.

Survival analysis of revised 2013 FIGO staging classification of epithelial ovarian cancer and comparison with previous FIGO staging classification

Objective

To analyze the prognostic role of revised version of International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage (2013) in epithelial ovarian cancer and compare with previous version staging classification

Methods

We retrospectively enrolled patients with epithelial ovarian cancer treated at Samsung Medical Center from 2002 to 2012. We reclassified the patients based on the revised FIGO staging classification.

Results

Eight hundred seventy-eight patients were enrolled (stage I, 22.8%; stage II, 10.4%; stage III, 56.2%; stage IV, 10.7%). Previous stage IC (98, 11.1%) was subdivided into IC1 (9, 1.0%), IC2 (57, 6.4%), and IC3 (32, 4.1%). In addition, previous stage IV (94, 1.7%) was categorized into IVA (37, 4.2%) and IVB (57, 6.5%) in new staging classification. Stage IIC (66, 7.5%) has been eliminated and integrated into IIA (36, 4.1%) and IIB (55, 6.2%) in revised classification. Revised FIGO stage IC3 had significant prognostic impact on PFS (hazard ratio [HR], 3.840; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.361 to 10.83; P=0.011) and revised FIGO stage IIIC appears to be an independent, significant poor prognostic factor for PFS (HR, 2.541; 95% CI, 1.242 to 5.200; P=0.011) but not in the case of previous version of FIGO stage IIIC (HR, 1.070; 95% CI, 0.502 to 2.281; P=0.860). However, any sub-stages of both previous and revised version in stage II and IV, there was no significant prognostic role.

Conclusion

Revised FIGO stage has more progressed utility for informing prognosis than previous version, especially in stage I and III. For stage II and IV, further validation should be needed in large population based study in the future.

Ovarian adenosarcoma simulating a simple cyst in a young patient

Müllerian adenosarcoma is a rare, mixed tumor that can occur throughout the female genital tract, but is most commonly found in the uterus. Ovarian adenosarcoma is rarer and has a poorer prognosis than uterine adenosarcoma. Data on the clinicopathological features of ovarian adenosarcoma are limited, and, due to its rarity, the management is controversial. The authors report a case of a 25-year-old patient who presented with recurrent abdominal pain. Sonography and laparotomy showed an ovarian cyst, and pathologic examination confirmed the diagnosis of cystic low-grade adenosarcoma. The patient remains free of recurrence 6 months after diagnosis. The authors call attention to the differential diagnosis of ovarian masses, especially in young patients, and to the lack of evidence on the management of this neoplasm in the literature.

Improvements to the FIGO staging for ovarian cancer: reconsideration of lymphatic spread and intraoperative tumor rupture

Objective

To evaluate the improvement in prognosis prediction with reassignment of International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stages for ovarian carcinoma.

Methods

This was a retrospective study of patients with epithelial ovarian, fallopian tube, and primary peritoneal cancers. Sub-staging criteria used in stage reassignment were defined as follows: surgical spillage (IC1), capsule rupture before surgery or tumor on the surface (IC2), and positive cytology results (IC3); microscopic (IIB1) and macroscopic (IIB2) pelvic spread; microscopic extrapelvic spread (IIIA1) and retroperitoneal lymph node (LN) metastasis without extrapelvic spread (IIIA2); and supraclavicular LN metastasis (IVA) and other distant metastasis (IVB). Survival outcomes associated with the current and reassigned stages were compared.

Results

Overall, 870 patients were eligible for analysis. The median follow-up period was 45 months (range, 0 to 263 months). The 5-year overall survival rates (5YSRs) according to the current staging were 93.5% (IA), 82.5% (IC), 75.0% (IIB), 74.5% (IIC), 57.5% (IIIA), 54.0% (IIIB), 38.5% (IIIC), and 33.0% (IV). The 5YSRs of patients with IC1, IC2, and IC3 after sub-staging were 92.0%, 85.0%, and 71.0%, respectively (p=0.004). Patients who were reassigned to stage IIIA2 had a better 5YSR than those with extrapelvic tumors >2 cm (66.3% vs. 35.8%; p=0.005). Additionally, patients with newly assigned stage IVA disease had a significantly better 5YSR than those with stage IVB disease (52.0% vs. 28.0%; p=0.015).

Conclusion

The modified FIGO staging for ovarian carcinoma appears superior to the current staging for discriminating survival outcomes of patients with surgical spillage, retroperitoneal LN metastasis without extrapelvic peritoneal involvement, or distant metastasis to supraclavicular LNs.