Clinical significance of lympho vascular space involvement and lymph node micrometastases in early-stage cervical cancer: A retrospective case-control surgico-pathological study

Comparison of outcomes between early-stage cervical cancer patients without high-risk factors undergoing adjuvant concurrent chemoradiotherapy and radiotherapy alone after radical surgery

PURPOSE

For patients with early-stage cervical cancer without high-risk factors, there is no consensus regarding the optimal postoperative treatment regimen and whether postoperative concurrent radiochemotherapy (CCRT) is superior to radiotherapy (RT) alone.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The medical records of patients with stage I-IIA cervical cancer, who underwent radical surgery and postoperative RT or CCRT between June 2012 and December 2017, were retrospectively reviewed. Patients with any high-risk factors, including positive pelvic lymph node(s), positive resection margin(s), and parametrial invasion, were excluded. Patients with large tumors (≥ 4 cm), deep stromal invasion (≥ 1/2), and lymphovascular space involvement were categorized as the intermediate-risk group. Patients without intermediate-risk factors were categorized as the low-risk group.

RESULTS

A total of 403 patients were enrolled and divided into 2 groups according to postoperative treatment: RT alone (n = 105); and CCRT (n = 298). For risk stratification, patients were also divided into 2 groups: intermediate-risk (n = 350); and low-risk (n = 53). The median follow-up was 51.7 months. Patients in the intermediate-risk group and those with multiple intermediate-risk factors were more likely to undergo CCRT. For patients who underwent RT alone or CCRT in the intermediate-risk group, 5-year overall survival (OS) rates were 93.4% and 93.8% (p = 0.741), and 5-year disease-free survival (DFS) rates were 90.6% and 91.4%, respectively (p = 0.733). Similarly, for patients who underwent RT alone or CCRT in the low-risk group, the 5-year OS rates were 100.0% and 93.5% (p = 0.241), and 5-year DFS rates were 94.4% and 93.5%, respectively (p = 0.736). Adjuvant CCRT or RT were not independent risk factors for either OS or DFS. Patients who underwent CCRT appeared to develop a higher proportion of grade ≥ 3 acute hematological toxicities than those in the RT group (44.0% versus 11.4%, respectively; p < 0.001). There was no significant difference in grade ≥ 3 chronic toxicities of the urogenital and gastrointestinal systems between the CCRT and RT groups.

CONCLUSION

There was no significant difference in 5-year OS and DFS rates between patients with early-stage cervical cancer without high-risk factors undergoing postoperative CCRT versus RT alone. Patients who underwent CCRT appeared to develop a higher proportion of grade ≥ 3 acute hematological toxicities than those who underwent RT alone.

Sentinel Lymph Node Staging in Early-Stage Cervical Cancer: A Comprehensive Review

Cervical cancer (CC) continues to be a significant global public health concern, even with preventive measures in place. In women with early-stage CC, the status of lymph nodes is of paramount importance, not only for the final prognosis but also for determining the best therapeutic strategy. According to main international guidelines, pelvic full lymphadenectomy (PLND) is recommended for lymph node staging. However, in these early stages of CC, sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) has emerged as a precise technique for evaluating lymph node involvement, improving its morbidity profile. We performed a literature review through PubMed articles about progress on the application of SLNB in women with early-stage CC focusing on the comparison with PET/CT and PLND in terms of oncological outcomes and diagnostic accuracy. While the superiority of SLNB is clear compared to radiologic modalities, it demonstrates no clear oncologic inferiority over PLND, given the higher detection rate of positive lymph nodes and predominance of no lymph node recurrences. However, due to a lack of prospective evidence, particularly concerning long-term oncological safety, SLNB is not the current gold standard. With careful patient selection and adherence to straightforward protocols, a low false-negative rate can be ensured. The aim of the ongoing prospective trials is to address these issues.

Unilateral ovarian recurrence 5 years after hysterectomy for microinvasive squamous cervical cancer stage IA1: a rare case report

BACKGROUND

Ovarian metastasis or recurrence of cervical microinvasive squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is very rare. We report a case of unilateral ovarian recurrence 5 years after hysterectomy for the SCC stage IA1 without lymph vascular space invasion (LVSI).

CASE PRESENTATION

A 49-year-old female patient suffered from a dull pain in the left lower abdomen for 3 months. And five years ago, she received a laparoscopic hysterectomy for the treatment of stage IA1 (without LVSI) SCC of the cervix. The level of squamous cell carcinoma antigen (SCC-Ag) in serum was significantly elevated (10.60 ng/mL). Pelvic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a left ovarian solid tumor measuring 5.5 × 3.9 × 5.6 cm with heterogeneous enhancement. During laparotomy, the left ovarian tumor was measured about 5.0 × 4.5 × 3.0 cm and seemed densely adherent to the posterior peritoneal wall, including the left ureter. The tumor and pelvic lymph node were carefully removed. Postoperative anatomy revealed a solid mass with a greyish-white section. Postoperative pathology showed recurrent moderately differentiated ovarian SCC with negative pelvic lymph nodes. Immunohistochemistry showed that the tumor cells were positive for P16, P63, P40, and CK5/6 markers, and the positive rate of Ki67 was about 80%.

CONCLUSIONS

Ovary preservation is reasonable and appropriate in young patients with microinvasive SCC. Ovarian recurrence is rare, but gynecological oncologists should not overlook its possibility. The serum SCC-Ag is an important indicator for monitoring postoperative disease progression.

Whole-tumor histogram analysis of apparent diffusion coefficients for predicting lymphovascular space invasion in stage IB-IIA cervical cancer

Objectives

To investigate the value of apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) histogram analysis based on whole tumor volume for the preoperative prediction of lymphovascular space invasion (LVSI) in patients with stage IB-IIA cervical cancer.

Methods

Fifty consecutive patients with stage IB-IIA cervical cancer were stratified into LVSI-positive (n = 24) and LVSI-negative (n = 26) groups according to the postoperative pathology. All patients underwent pelvic 3.0T diffusion-weighted imaging with b-values of 50 and 800 s/mm² preoperatively. Whole-tumor ADC histogram analysis was performed. Differences in the clinical characteristics, conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features, and ADC histogram parameters between the two groups were analyzed. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was used to evaluate the diagnostic performance of ADC histogram parameters in predicting LVSI.

Results

ADC_max, ADC_range, ADC₉₀, ADC₉₅, and ADC₉₉ were significantly lower in the LVSI-positive group than in the LVSI-negative group (all P-values < 0.05), whereas no significant differences were reported for the remaining ADC parameters, clinical characteristics, and conventional MRI features between the groups (all P-values > 0.05). For predicting LVSI in stage IB-IIA cervical cancer, a cutoff ADC_max of 1.75×10^-3 mm²/s achieved the largest area under ROC curve (A_z) of 0.750, followed by a cutoff ADC_range of 1.36×10^-3 mm²/s and ADC₉₉ of 1.75×10^-3 mm²/s (A_z = 0.748 and 0.729, respectively), and the cutoff ADC₉₀ and ADC₉₅ achieved an A_z of <0.70.

Conclusion

Whole-tumor ADC histogram analysis has potential value for preoperative prediction of LVSI in patients with stage IB-IIA cervical cancer. ADC_max, ADC_range, and ADC₉₉ are promising prediction parameters.

Multiparametric Dual-Time-Point [18F]FDG PET/MRI for Lymph Node Staging in Patients with Untreated FIGO I/II Cervical Carcinoma

[¹⁸F]FDG PET/MRI was shown to have limited sensitivity for N-staging in FIGO I/II cervical carcinoma. Therefore, this prospective study aimed to investigate the additional value of multiparametric dual-time-point PET/MRI and to assess potential influencing factors for lymph node metastasis (LNM) detection. A total of 63 patients underwent whole-body dual-time-point [¹⁸F]FDG PET/MRI 60 + 90 min p.i., and 251 LN were evaluated visually, quantified multiparametrically, and correlated with histology. Grading of the primary tumor (G2/G3) had a significant impact on visual detection (sens: 8.3%/31%). The best single parameter for LNM detection was SUVavg, however, with a significant loss of discriminatory power in G2 vs. G3 tumors (AUC: 0.673/0.901). The independent predictors SUVavg, ∆SUVpeak, LN sphericity, ADC, and histologic grade were included in the logistic-regression-based malignancy score (MS) for multiparametric analysis. Application of MS enhanced AUCs, especially in G2 tumors (AUC: G2:0.769; G3:0.877) and improved the accuracy for single LNM from 34.5% to 55.5% compared with the best univariate parameter SUVavg. Compared with visual analysis, the use of the malignancy score increased the overall sensitivity from 31.0% to 79.3% (Youden optimum) with a moderate decrease in specificity from 98.3% to 75.6%. These findings indicate that multiparametric evaluation of dual-time-point PET/MRI has the potential to improve accuracy compared with visual interpretation and enables sufficient N-staging also in G2 cervical carcinoma.

Postoperative treatment of intermediate-risk early stage cervical cancer: results of a survey from the Gynecology Study Group in the AIRO Gyn and MITO Groups

This survey investigated prognostic factors, treatment modalities, references followed and radiation oncologists' opinions to prescribe adjuvant therapy in early intermediate-risk cervical cancer. All but one recommended pelvic radiotherapy ± vaginal boost (45%) with or without chemotherapy (20%). 88% believed other prognostic factors could integrate classic risk criteria. 66% considered chemo-radiation indicated in case of lymphovascular invasion and suboptimal node dissection, high grade, size ≥ 4cm, non squamous histology and risk factors combination. This wide heterogeneity of treatments reflects the different guideline options due to the lack of defined indications. The need of integrating the classic prognostic factors with others factors was unanimously expressed by radiation oncologists. The best local and systemic therapy should be established through new studies. These results highlighted the need of a position paper to standardize adjuvant treatment in Italy and to design collaborative studies to clarify the controversial aspects.

Prediction of lymphovascular space invasion in cervical carcinoma using diffusion kurtosis imaging

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to investigate the potential relationship between diffusion kurtosis imaging (DKI)- derived parameters and lymphovascular space invasion (LVSI) in patients with cervical carcinoma.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This prospective study included 30 patients with cervical carcinoma. The patients underwent MRI, diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI), and DKI prior to surgery. The surgical pathology results were accepted as the reference standard for determining the LVSI status. The DKI-derived parameters, including mean diffusivity (MD) and mean kurtosis (MK), were measured. The apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) value was also assessed.

RESULTS

The MD value of LVSI positive cervical carcinomas was significantly lower than LVSI negative carcinomas (p-value = 0.01). MK value was significantly higher in LVSI positive tumors (p-value = 0.01). However, the ADC value did not show a significant difference between LVSI positive and LVSI negative tumors (p-value = 0.2). MD and MK parameters showed similar diagnostic accuracy in identifying the LVSI status, with the area under the curve of 0.77 and 0.78, respectively.

CONCLUSION

In this study, DKI-derived parameters were associated with the LVSI status in cervical carcinomas. Further studies with larger sample size are required to confirm these results.

Management of Early-Stage Cervical Cancer: A Literature Review

Simple Summary

Despite being a preventable disease, cervical cancer still causes morbidity and deaths worldwide. In the early stages (FIGO IA1 with lymph-vascular space invasion-IIA1), the disease is highly curable. The primary treatment for early-stage cervical cancer is radical hysterectomy with pelvic lymphadenectomy. This surgical treatment has changed during the past decades, and we aimed to review and discuss the advances in the literature. We performed a literature review through PubMed focusing on English articles about the topic of surgical management of early-stage cervical cancer. The emergent topics considered here are the FIGO 2018 staging system update, conservative management for selected patients, sentinel lymph node mapping, fertility preservation, surgical approach, and management of tumors up to 2 cm. These topics show an evolvement to a more tailored treatment to prevent morbidity and assure oncologic safety.

Abstract

Cervical cancer (CC) remains a public health issue worldwide despite preventive measures. Surgical treatment in the early-stage CC has evolved during the last decades. Our aim was to review the advances in the literature and summarize the ongoing studies on this topic. To this end, we conducted a literature review through PubMed focusing on English-language articles on the surgical management of early-stage CC. The emergent topics considered here are the FIGO 2018 staging system update, conservative management with less radical procedures for selected patients, lymph node staging, fertility preservation, preferred surgical approach, management of tumors up to 2 cm, and prognosis. In terms of updating FIGO, we highlight the inclusion of lymph node status on staging and the possibility of imaging. Regarding the preferred surgical approach, we emphasize the LACC trial impact worldwide in favor of open surgery; however, we discuss the controversial application of this for tumors < 2 cm. In summary, all topics show a tendency to provide patients with tailored treatment that avoids morbidity while maintaining oncologic safety, which is already possible in high-income countries. We believe that efforts should focus on making this a reality for low-income countries as well.

Lymph Node Involvement in Early-Stage Cervical Cancer: Is Lymphangiogenesis a Risk Factor? Results from the MICROCOL Study

Simple Summary

The prognosis of cervical cancer is significantly influenced by lymph node involvement. The lymphatic system is the primary way of metastasis for cervical carcinoma, and lymph-vascular space invasion (LVSI) is considered the most important risk factor for pelvic lymph node metastasis (PLNM). Previous studies have not clarified the correlation between lymphangiogenesis and an increased risk of metastasis and tumor recurrence. The evaluation and identification of several markers of lymphangiogenesis may identify patients with high risk of PLNM. Our findings suggest that the lymphatic spread does not required the proliferation of new lymphatic endothelial cells. These results emphasize the importance of pre-existing peritumoral lymphatic vessels in the metastatic process in early cervical cancer.

Abstract

Background: In patients with cervical cancer, the presence of tumoral lymph-vascular space invasion (LVSI) is the main risk factor for pelvic lymph node metastasis (PLNM). The objective of this study was to evaluate the presence of several markers of lymphangiogenesis in early-stage cervical cancer and their correlation with PLNM and tumoral recurrence. Materials and Methods: Seventy-five patients with early-stage cervical carcinoma underwent sentinel lymph node (SLN) sampling in association with complete pelvic lymph node dissection. Primary tumors were stained with the following markers: Ki67, D2-40, CD31 and VEGF-C. A 3-year follow-up was performed to evaluate the disease-free survival. Results: Overall, 14 patients (18.6%) had PLNM. Positive LVSI was seen in 29 patients (38.6%). There was a significant correlation between LVSI evidenced by H/E staining and PLNM (p < 0.001). There was no correlation between high Ki67, CD31, D2-40, and VEGF-C staining with PLNM or tumor recurrence. Conclusions: Our data support that lymphatic spread does not require the proliferation of new lymphatic endothelial cells in early-stage cervical cancer. These results emphasize the importance of pre-existing peritumoral lymphatic vessels in the metastatic process in early cervical cancer. None of the markers of lymphangiogenesis and proliferation assessed in this study were predictive of PLNM or recurrence.

Clinical Study of Sentinel Lymph Node Detection Using Photodynamic Eye for Abdominal Radical Trachelectomy

This study aimed to assess the accuracy of predicting pelvic lymph node status using sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy with indocyanine green (ICG) and to examine the outcomes of SLN biopsy-guided abdominal radical trachelectomy (ART). Patients with stage IA2-IB2 cervical cancer from January 2009 to January 2021 were included. ICG was injected before ART and SLNs were identified, excised, and assessed intraoperatively using fast-frozen sections. Systemic pelvic lymphadenectomy was subsequently performed. The SLN detection rate, sensitivity, and false-negative rate were determined. Thirty patients desiring fertility preservation were enrolled, of whom 26 successfully completed ART and four underwent radical hysterectomies because of metastatic primary SLNs. Bilateral SLNs were identified in all patients. The sensitivity, false-negative rate, and negative predictive value were 100%, 7.7%, and 92.3%, respectively. Three (12%) patients were lost to follow-up: two relapsed and one died of tumor progression. Of the nine patients who tried to conceive after surgery, four achieved pregnancy and three delivered healthy live infants. In women with early-stage cervical cancer who desired to conserve fertility, SLN mapping with ICG had a very high detection rate, sensitivity, and low false-negative rate. SLN biopsy-guided ART is a feasible and accurate method for assessing pelvic node status.

Lymph Node Staging with a Combined Protocol of 18F-FDG PET/MRI and Sentinel Node SPECT/CT: A Prospective Study in Patients with FIGO I/II Cervical Carcinoma

Lymph node metastasis (LNM) is present in a minority of patients with early stages of cervical carcinomas. As conventional imaging including PET/CT has shown limited sensitivity, systematic lymphadenectomies are often conducted for staging purposes. Therefore, the aim of this prospective study was to analyze the impact of 18F-FDG PET/MRI in addition to sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy on lymph node (LN) status. Methods: Forty-two women with an initial diagnosis of Fédération Internationale de Gynécologie et d'Obstétrique (FIGO) IA-IIB cervical carcinoma were included between March 2016 and April 2019. Each patient underwent preoperative whole-body 18F-FDG PET/MRI and SLN imaging with SPECT/CT after intracervical injection of 99mTc-labeled nanocolloid. Systematic lymphadenectomy and SLN biopsy served as the reference standard. Staging using PET/MRI was performed by nuclear medicine and radiology experts working in consensus. Results: One patient was excluded from surgical staging because of liver metastases newly diagnosed on PET/MRI. The overall prevalence of LNM in the remaining 41 patients was 29.3% (12/41). Five of 12 patients with LNM had solely small metastases with a maximum diameter of 5 mm. The consensus interpretation showed PET/MRI to have a specificity of 100% (29/29; 95% CI, 88.3%-100%) for LNM staging but a low sensitivity, 33.3% (4/12; 95% CI, 12.8%-60.9%). LN size was the most important factor for the detectability of metastases, since only LNMs larger than 5 mm could be identified by PET/MRI (sensitivity, 57.1% for >5 mm and 0% for ≤5 mm). Paraaortic LNM was evaluated accurately in 3 of the 4 patients with paraaortic LN metastasis. SLNs were detectable by SPECT/CT in 82.9% of the patients or 69.0% of the hemipelves. In cases with an undetectable SLN on SPECT/CT, the malignancy rate was considerably higher (31.2% vs. 19.3%). The combination of PET/MRI and SLN SPECT/CT improved the detection of pelvic LNM from 33.3% to 75%. Conclusion:18F-FDG PET/MRI is a highly specific N-staging method and improves LNM detection. Because of the limited sensitivity in frequently occurring small LNMs, PET/MRI should be combined with SLN mapping. The proposed combined protocol helps to decide whether extensive surgical staging is necessary in patients with FIGO I/II cervical cancer.

Effectiveness of Sequential Chemoradiation vs Concurrent Chemoradiation or Radiation Alone in Adjuvant Treatment After Hysterectomy for Cervical Cancer: The STARS Phase 3 Randomized Clinical Trial

Importance

There is no current consensus on the role of chemotherapy in addition to radiation for postoperative adjuvant treatment of patients with early-stage cervical cancer with adverse pathological factors.

Objective

To evaluate the clinical benefits of sequential chemoradiation (SCRT) and concurrent chemoradiation (CCRT) compared with radiation alone (RT) as a postoperative adjuvant treatment in early-stage cervical cancer.

Design, Setting, and Participants

After radical hysterectomy at 1 of 8 participating hospitals in China, patients with FIGO (International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics) stage IB to IIA cervical cancer with adverse pathological factors were randomized 1:1:1 to receive adjuvant RT, CCRT, or SCRT. Data were collected from February 2008 to December 2018.

Interventions

Patients received adjuvant RT (total dose, 45-50 Gy), CCRT (weekly cisplatin, 30-40 mg/m2), or SCRT (cisplatin, 60-75 mg/m2, plus paclitaxel, 135-175 mg/m2) in a 21-day cycle, given 2 cycles before and 2 cycles after radiotherapy, respectively.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary end point was the rate of disease-free survival (DFS) at 3 years.

Results

A total of 1048 women (median [range] age, 48 [23-65] years) were included in the analysis (350 in the RT group, 345 in the CCRT group, and 353 in the SCRT group). Baseline demographic and disease characteristics were balanced among the treatment groups except that the rate of lymph node involvement was lowest in the RT group (18.3%). In the intention-to-treat population, SCRT was associated with a higher rate of DFS than RT (3-year rate, 90.0% vs 82.0%; hazard ratio [HR], 0.52; 95% CI, 0.35-0.76) and CCRT (90.0% vs 85.0%; HR, 0.65; 95% CI, 0.44-0.96). Treatment with SCRT also decreased cancer death risk compared with RT (5-year rate, 92.0% vs 88.0%; HR, 0.58; 95% CI, 0.35-0.95) after adjustment for lymph node involvement. However, neither DFS nor cancer death risk was different among patients treated with CCRT or RT.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this randomized clinical trial, conducted in a postoperative adjuvant treatment setting, SCRT, rather than CCRT, resulted in a higher DFS and lower risk of cancer death than RT among women with early-stage cervical cancer.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT00806117.

Value of integrated PET-IVIM MRI in predicting lymphovascular space invasion in cervical cancer without lymphatic metastasis

PURPOSE

To evaluate the contributory value of positron emission tomography (PET)-intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the prediction of lymphovascular space invasion (LVSI) in patients with cervical cancer without lymphatic metastasis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 90 patients with cervical cancer without signs of lymph node metastasis on PET/MRI were enrolled in this study. The tumours were classified into LVSI-positive (n = 25) and LVSI-negative (n = 65) groups according to postoperative pathology. The PET-derived parameters (SUV_max, SUV_mean, metabolic tumour volume (MTV) and total lesion glycolysis (TLG)) and IVIM-derived parameters (ADC_mean, ADC_min, D_mean, D_min, f, D* and gross tumour volume (GTV)) between the two groups were evaluated using a Student's t test (Mann-Whitney U test for variables with a nonnormal distribution) and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. The optimal combination of PET/MR parameters for predicting LVSI was investigated using univariate and multivariate logistic regression models and evaluated by ROC curves. The optimal cutoff threshold values corresponded to the maximal values of the Youden index. A control model was established using 1000 bootstrapped samples, for which the performance was validated using calibration curves and ROC curves.

RESULTS

PET-derived parameters (SUV_max, SUV_mean, MTV, TLG) and IVIM MRI-derived parameters (D_min, ADC_min, GTV) were significantly different between patients with and without LVSI (P < 0.05). Logistic analyses showed that a combination of TLG and D_min had the strongest predictive value for LVSI diagnosis (area under the curve (AUC), 0.861; sensitivity, 80.00; specificity, 86.15; P < 0.001). The optimal cutoff threshold values for D_min and TLG were 0.58 × 10^-3 mm²/s and 66.68 g/cm³, respectively. The verification model showed the combination of TLG and D_min had the strongest predictive value, and its ROC curve and calibration curve showed good accuracy (AUC, 0.878) and consistency.

CONCLUSIONS

The combination of TLG and D_min may be the best indicator for predicting LVSI in cervical cancer without lymphatic metastasis.

Molecular landscape of recurrent cervical cancer

Cervical cancer (CC) is a major gynecological problem in developing and underdeveloped countries. Despite the significant advancement in early detection and treatment modalities, several patients recur. Moreover, the molecular mechanisms responsible for CC recurrence remains obscure. The patients with CC recurrence often show poor prognosis and significantly high mortality rates. The clinical management of recurrent CC depends on treatment history, site, and extent of the recurrence. Owing to poor prognosis and limited treatment options, recurrent CC often presents a challenge to the clinicians. Several in vitro, in vivo, and patient studies have led to the identification of the critical molecular changes responsible for CC recurrence. Both aberrant genetic and epigenetic modifications leading to altered cell signaling pathways have been reported to impact CC recurrence. Researchers are currently trying to dissect the molecular pathways in CC and translate these findings for better management of disease. This article attempts to review the existing knowledge of disease relapse, accompanying challenges, and associated molecular players in CC.

Histopathologic Validation of the Sentinel Node Technique for Early-Stage Cervical Cancer Patients

BACKGROUND

The sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy may be an alternative to systematic lymphadenectomy in early cervical cancer. The SLN biopsy is less morbid and has been shown to have high sensitivity for metastasis detection. However, the sensitivity of the SLN technique might be overevaluated because SLNs are examined with ultra-staging, and non-sentinel nodes usually are examined only with routine techniques. This study aimed to validate the negative predictive value (NPV) of the SLN technique by the ultra-staging of SLNs and non-sentinel nodes (NSLNs).

METHODS

The SENTICOL 1 study data published in 2011 were used. All nodes (i.e., SLNs and NSLNs) were secondarily subjected to ultra-staging. The ultra-staging consisted of sectioning every 200 µm, in addition to immunohistochemistry. Moreover, the positive slides and 10% of the negative slides were reviewed.

RESULTS

The study enrolled 139 patients, and SLNs were detected in 136 (97.8%) of these patiets. Bilateral SLNs were detected in 104 (76.5%) of the 136 patients. A total of 2056 NSLNs were identified (median, 13 NSLNs per patient; range 1-54). Of the 136 patients with SLNs, 23 were shown to have positive SLNs after serial sectioning and immunohistochemical staining. The NSLNs were metastatic in six patients. In the case of bilateral SLN detection, the NPV was 100%, with no false-negatives (FNs).

CONCLUSIONS

The pelvic SLN technique is safe and trustworthy for determining the nodal status of patients with early-stage cervical cancer. In the case of optimal mapping with bilateral detection, the NPV was found to be 100%.

The outcomes and quality of life of young patients undergoing adjuvant radiotherapy versus non-radiotherapy following surgery treating early FIGO stage cervical squamous cell cancer in southwestern China

BACKGROUND

The incidence of cervical cancer in young women is rising, and squamous cell carcinoma makes up a great percentage of the histological types. The presence of aggressive pathologic risk factors following patients' primary surgery may warrant the use of adjuvant radiotherapy. It is important to weigh up the risks and benefits of using adjuvant radiotherapy for each young patient so as to maximize their prognosis while minimizing the treatment-related morbidity.

METHODS

A retrospective study was performed. It consisted of 97 patients under 35 years old who were diagnosed with cervical squamous cell carcinoma and underwent treatment at West China Second University Hospital between December 2009 and January 2014. Five-year follow-up, prognostic risks, long-term radiation toxicity, female sexual function, and quality of life were investigated.

RESULTS

Adjuvant radiotherapy did improve the prognosis of young patients with lymph node metastases. However, there were few significant differences in progress-free survival and overall survival for the young patients without lymph node metastases following adjuvant radiotherapy. Besides, young patients who took radiotherapy exhibited greater intestinal dysfunction, more severe lower extremities edema, greater sexual dysfunction, and worse long-term quality of life.

CONCLUSION

Young patients with early-stage cervical squamous cell carcinoma without lymph node metastases who have undergone the primary surgery should be counseled in detail before the decision to use adjuvant radiotherapy can be made. The counseling should emphasize not only the benefit that local recurrence rates can be reduced, but also the risks that treatment-related side effects could increase and lower QoL could occur.

Management of pregnancy after fertility-sparing surgery for cervical cancer

Cervical cancer is increasingly diagnosed in women who have not yet completed their reproductive plans. For women with early-stage disease (FIGO stage IA1-IB1), fertility-sparing procedures, such as conization, trachelectomy or radical trachelectomy, represent the treatments of choice. However, women who undergo repeated conization or trachelectomy represent a challenge for obstetricians because they are at increased risk of infertility, mid-trimester miscarriage, preterm premature rupture of membranes and preterm delivery. So far, the evidence-based guidance on the management of these pregnancies is limited. This article reviews the literature discussing pregnancy management in women after fertility-sparing surgery for early cervical cancer. Although the evidence is limited, certain measures are desirable, including screening and treatment of asymptomatic bacteriuria, screening for cervical incompetence and progressive cervical shortening by transvaginal ultrasonography, and fetal fibronectin testing. Vaginal progesterone supplementation should be primary prevention for all women after trachelectomy. Women with a history of preterm delivery or late miscarriage may benefit from cervical cerclage. Elective delivery by cesarean section in the early-term period is desirable.

Micrometastases in Sentinel Lymph Nodes Represent a Significant Negative Prognostic Factor in Early-Stage Cervical Cancer: A Single-Institutional Retrospective Cohort Study

The data on the prognostic significance of low volume metastases in lymph nodes (LN) are inconsistent. The aim of this study was to retrospectively analyze the outcome of a large group of patients treated with sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy at a single referral center. Patients with cervical cancer, stage T1a-T2b, common tumor types, negative LN on preoperative staging, treated by primary surgery between 01/2007 and 12/2016, with at least unilateral SLN detection were included. Patients with abandoned radical surgery due to intraoperative SLN positivity detected by frozen section were excluded. All SLNs were postoperatively processed by an intensive protocol for pathological ultrastaging. Altogether, 226 patients were analyzed. Positive LN were detected in 38 (17%) cases; macrometastases (MAC), micrometastases (MIC), isolated tumor cells (ITC) in 14, 16, and 8 patients. With the median follow-up of 65 months, 22 recurrences occurred. Disease-free survival (DFS) reached 90% in the whole group, 93% in LN-negative cases, 89% in cases with MAC, 69% with MIC, and 87% with ITC. The presence of MIC in SLN was associated with significantly decreased DFS and OS. Patients with MIC and MAC should be managed similarly, and SLN ultrastaging should become an integral part of the management of patients with early-stage cervical cancer.

The upper limit of optimal tumor size in patients with FIGO 2018 stage IB2 cervical cancer undergoing radical hysterectomy

Objective

Patients who undergo radical hysterectomy may require postoperative adjuvant radiotherapy, and all efforts should be made to reduce dual therapy in such patients. The aim of this study was to determine the optimal upper limit of tumor size in patients with International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage IB2 cervical cancer who undergo radical hysterectomy.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the records of 114 patients with FIGO 2018 stage IB2 cervical cancer who underwent primary surgery either with (n=55) or without (n=59) adjuvant radiotherapy from June 2004 to December 2018. The inclusion criteria were as follows: women diagnosed with stage IB2 cervical cancer; primary radical surgery with pelvic lymph node dissection with or without para-aortic lymph node dissection; and patients treated with or without postoperative adjuvant radiation therapy, concurrent chemoradiation therapy, or chemotherapy. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to determine the optimal tumor size cut-off value. The optimal tumor size cut-off value was determined by the maximum sum of sensitivity and specificity.

Results

There were 55 and 59 patients treated with or without adjuvant therapy, respectively, after radical hysterectomy. Age, histologic type, and pelvic and para-aortic lymph node sampling/dissection status were similar between each group. The number of patients with a tumor size <2.7 cm and ≥2.7 cm was 39 and 75, respectively. The decision for adjuvant treatment after radical hysterectomy in patients with stage IB2 cervical cancer was influenced by intermediate risk factors (lymphovascular space invasion, 23.7% vs 76.4%, p<0.001; deep 1/3 of invasion, 16.9% vs 61.8%, p<0.001) and high risk factors (lymph node metastasis, 0% vs 40.0%, p<0.001; involvement of parametrium, 1.7% vs 16.4%, p=0.007). According to the ROC curve results considering the best sensitivity and specificity, the optimal cut-off value of tumor size for predicting adjuvant treatment was 2.7 cm (sensitivity 0.85, specificity 0.52). The number of patients with a tumor size <2.7 cm and ≥2.7 cm was 39 (34.2%) and 75 (65.8%), respectively. No significant differences were observed in the progression-free survival (p=0.22) and overall survival (p=0.28) rates between tumor size smaller than 2.7 cm and larger than 2.7 cm.

Conclusions

A cervical tumor larger than 2.7 cm before radical surgery in stage IB2 may predispose to potential complications from combining radical hysterectomy and concurrent chemoradiation,. We consider that concurrent chemoradiation therapy is a more appropriate choice for tumor size over 2.7 cm per the revised FIGO 2018 criteria for stage IB2 cervical cancer.

The Clinical Impact of Low-Volume Lymph Nodal Metastases in Early-Stage Cervical Cancer: The Senticol 1 and Senticol 2 Trials

Background: With the development of the sentinel node technique in early-stage cervical cancer, it is imperative to define the clinical significance of micrometastases (MICs) and isolated tumor cells (ITCs). Methods: We included all patients who participated in the Senticol 1 and Senticol 2 studies. We analyzed the factors associated with the presence of low-volume metastasis, the oncological outcomes of patients with MIC and ITC and the correlation of recurrences and risk factors. Results: Twenty-four patients (7.5%) had low-volume metastasis. The risk factors associated with the presence of low-volume metastasis were a higher stage (p = 0.02) and major stromal invasion (p = 0.01) in the univariate analysis. The maximum specificity and sensitivity were found at a cutoff of 8 mm of stromal invasion. In multivariate analysis, the higher stage (p = 0.02) and the positive lymphovascular space invasion (p = 0.02) were significantly associated with the MIC and ITC. Patients with low-volume metastasis had similar disease-free survival (DFS) (92.7%) to node-negative patients (93.6%). The addition of adjuvant treatment in presence of low-volume metastasis did not modify the DFS. Conclusions: These results confirm our previous analysis of Senticol 1: the presence of low-volume metastasis did not decrease the DFS in early-stage cervical cancer patients.

Does small volume metastatic lymph node disease affect long-term prognosis in early cervical cancer?

INTRODUCTION

As sentinel lymph node biopsy is evolving to an accepted standard of care, clinicians are being faced with more frequent cases of small volume nodal metastatic disease. The objective of this study is to describe the management and to measure the effect on recurrence rates of nodal micrometastasis and isolated tumor cells in patients with early stage cervical cancer at two high-volume centers.

METHODS

We conducted a review of prospectively collected patients with surgically treated cervical cancer who were found to have micrometastasis or isolated tumor cells on ultrastaging of the sentinel lymph node. Our practice is to follow patients for ≥5 years post-operatively either at our center or another cancer center closer to home.

RESULTS

Nineteen patients with small volume nodal disease were identified between 2006 and 2018. Median follow-up was 62 months. Ten (53%) had nodal micrometastatic disease, while nine (47%) had isolated tumor cells detected in the sentinel lymph node. Seven patients (37%) underwent completion pelvic lymphadenectomy and four of them also had para-aortic lymphadenectomy; there were no positive non-sentinel lymph nodes. The majority (74%) received adjuvant treatment, mostly driven by tumor factors. We observed two recurrences. Recurrence-free survival was comparable with historical cohorts of node negative patients, and adjuvant treatment did not seem to impact the recurrence rate (p=0.5).

CONCLUSION

Given the uncertainties around the prognostic significance of small volume nodal disease in cervical cancer, a large proportion of patients receive adjuvant treatment. We found no positive non-sentinel lymph nodes, suggesting that pelvic lymphadenectomy or para-aortic lymphadenectomy may not be of benefit in patients diagnosed with small volume nodal metastases. Recurrence-free survival in this group did not seem to be affected. However, given the small numbers of patients and lack of level 1 evidence, decisions should be individualized in accordance with patient preferences and tumor factors.

A GCIG international survey: clinical practice patterns of sentinel lymph node biopsies in cervical cancer

PURPOSE

To evaluate the practice patterns among centers and physicians worldwide regarding sentinel lymph node biopsies (SLNB) in cervical cancer (CC) patients.

METHOD

A validated 35-item questionnaire regarding SLNB in CC supported by the Gynecologic Cancer Intergroup (GCIG), and sponsored by the North-Eastern German Society of Gynaecologic-Oncology (NOGGO) was sent to all major gynecological cancer societies across the globe for further distribution from October 2015 and continued for a period of 7 months.

RESULTS

One hundred and sixty-one institutions from around the world participated. One hundred and six (66%) of the participants were from university centers and 111 (69%) were gynecologic oncologists. One hundred and fifty-two (97%) performed lymphadenectomy (LNE) and 147 (94%) did so systematically; 97 (60%) used SLNB, due to lower morbidity (73%), reliability (55%) and time-saving (27%). In cases of positive SLNB (pN+), 39% of respondents stopped the operation and sent the patient for chemoradiation (CRT), 45% completed pelvic and paraaortic LNE, whereas 26% went on to perform a radical hysterectomy (RH) and systematic pelvic and paraaortic LNE. In case of negative SLNB (pN0), 39% of institutions still performed a systematic pelvic and paraaortic LNE.

CONCLUSION

In this survey worldwide, SLNB adoption is an encouraging 60%, yet ample differences exist regarding strategy, and to a lower extent the techniques used. Lack of experience is the most common reason SLNB is not performed. Efforts to increase surgical education on SLNB technique and multicenter prospective trials providing evidence-based guidelines are warranted.

Impact of micrometastasis or isolated tumor cells on recurrence and survival in patients with early cervical cancer: SENTICOL Trial

Objectives

The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of micrometastasis and isolated tumor cells on disease recurrence in patients with early-stage cervical cancer.

Methods

We included patients with International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage IA1 with lymphvascular space invasion, stage IA2, and IB1 who participated in the SENTICOL1 trial. A centralized histologic analysis with re-reading and ultrastaging was performed 3 months after surgery and treatment was not impacted by findings from our study. Patients were followed for 3 years and outcomes were compared according to prognostic factors.

Results

A total of 139 patients were included and 13 recurrences were found. There were two recurrences in patients with positive sentinel lymph node (SLN) (one macrometastases and one micrometastases) and 11 recurrences in patients with negative lymph nodes (sentinel or non-sentinel). Among patients with positive SLN for micrometastases there was only one recurrence. No patient with isolated tumor cells on their lymph nodes experienced a recurrence. There was a significant decrease in disease-free survival in patients aged >50 years (p = 0.01).

Conclusion

Evidence of micrometastasis or isolated tumor cells in the SLN of untreated patients with early cervical cancer in the SENTICOL1 trial did not impact progression-free survival.

Oncological and obstetric outcomes after fertility-sparing radical abdominal trachelectomy for early stage cervical cancer: a tertiary centre's 10 years' experience

The aim of this study is to present our clinical experience about fertility-sparing procedures in early stage cervical cancer and its obstetrical and oncological outcomes. Between the years 2006 and 2016, a total of 22 early stage cervical cancer patients who underwent a fertility-sparing radical abdominal trachelectomy in our clinic were retrospectively analysed. The median age was 33 (range: 28-39) years. The median follow-up was 47 (range: 22-125) months. Five patients (22.7%) had Stage IA1, three patients had (13.6%) Stage IA2, and 14 patients (63.6%) had Stage IB1 disease. Only one patient had a recurrence. A pregnancy was obtained in five patients (22.7%) and one of them (20%) had a live birth. A pregnancy was obtained spontaneously in two patients (40%), whereas assisted reproductive techniques were used in three of the patients (60%). A miscarriage occurred in two patients (40%), and one of them was within the first trimester and the other was within the second trimester. Impact statement What is already known on the subject? Currently, the first-line treatment of early stage cervical cancer is surgery. However, a fertility-sparing trachelectomy is the most widely adopted approach in the reproductive aged patients who have a desire to be pregnant later. What does this study add? In the literature, there is a growing number of studies on this subject. However, it would take time to obtain adequate knowledge. We believe that our study would contribute to the existing data. What are the implication of these findings for clinical practice? This study is important as it indicates that a multidisciplinary approach is required to preserve fertility among gynaecologic oncologists and the outcomes would be reflected into the clinical practice. In addition, we believe that our study would pave the way for further studies regarding this subject among oncologists.

Impact of postoperative intravaginal brachytherapy on survival for patients with intermediate-risk cervical cancer at National Cancer Institute (NCI), Egypt

Background

Cervical cancer is considered to be the fourth most frequent cancer among women. Postoperative treatment is indicated depending up on surgical findings and disease stage.

Objective

The objective of this study was to assess the long-term postoperative outcomes of cervical cancer patients with intermediate risk factors who have received pelvic external beam radiotherapy with or without vaginal brachytherapy, and treatment-related toxicities.

Patients and methods

In this retrospective study, the records were collected for all patients with cervical cancer who received postoperative radiotherapy at the National Cancer Institute between the years 2008 and 2013. The end points of the study were local control, progression-free survival, overall survival (OS) and delayed complications.

Results

Out of 248 patients, the median age of patients who did not receive brachytherapy was 53 years and the median age of patients who received brachytherapy was 52 years. A statistically significant difference was found in OS, progression-free survival and recurrence-free survival for those who received brachytherapy, with a p value<0·001, 0·01 and 0·004, respectively.

Conclusion

The addition of brachytherapy to postoperative external beam radiotherapy improves OS, progression-free survival and local control for patients with intermediate-risk cervical cancer.

Progress in the Study of Lymph Node Metastasis in Early-stage Cervical Cancer

Spread into regional lymph node is the major route of metastasis in cervical cancer. Although lymph node status is not involved in the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics staging system of uterine cervical cancer, the presence or absence of lymph node metastasis provides important information for prognosis and treatment. In this review, we have attempted to focus on the incidence and patterns of lymph node metastasis, and the issues surrounding surgical assessment of lymph nodes. In addition, the preoperative prediction of lymph node status, as well as the intraoperative assessment by sentinel nodes will be reviewed. Finally, lymph node micrometastasis also will be discussed.

Sensitive molecular detection of small nodal metastasis in uterine cervical cancer using HPV16-E6/CK19/MUC1 cancer biomarkers

Metastatic nodal involvement is a critical prognostic factor in uterine cervical cancer (UCC). To improve current methods of detecting UCC metastases in lymph nodes (LNs), we used quantitative PCR (qPCR) to assess mRNA expression of potential metastatic biomarkers. We found that expression of HPV16-E6, cytokeratin19 (CK19), and mucin1 (MUC1) is consistently upregulated in tumors and metastatic tissues, supporting a role for these genes in UCC progression. These putative biomarkers were able to predict the presence of histologically positive metastatic LNs with respective sensitivities and specificities of 82% and 99% (CK19), 76% and 95% (HPV16-E6), and 76% and 78% (MUC1). While the biomarkers failed to detect 1.7% to 2.2% of the histologically positive LNs when used individually, combining CK19 and HPV16-E6 enhanced sensitivity and specificity to 100% and 94%, respectively. To explore the sensitivity of qPCR-based detection of varying proportions of invading HPV16-positive UCC cells, we designed a LN metastasis model that achieved a fresh cell detection limit of 0.008% (1:12500 HPV16-positive to HPV16-negative cells), and a paraffin-embedded, formalin-fixed (PEFF) detection limit of 0.02% (1:5000 HPV16-positive to HPV16-negative cells), both of which are within the theoretical detection limit for micrometastasis. Thus, HPV E6/E7 oncogenes may be useful targets for the ultrasensitive detection of nodal involvements like micrometastases in fresh or archived tissue samples. Moreover, our results suggest that the biomarker combination of CK19/HPV-E6 could support a real-time intraoperative strategy for the detection of small, but potentially lethal, metastatic nodal involvements in fresh UCC tissues.

Abdominal radical trachelectomy guided by sentinel lymph node biopsy for stage IB1 cervical cancer with tumors >2 cm

Accuracy of prediction of pelvic lymph node status using sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB), and outcomes of SLNB-guided abdominal radical trachelectomy (ART) were assessed. Patients with stage IB1 (Figure 2009) cervical cancer and with tumors >2 cm were enrolled. Prior to fertility-sparing surgery 99mTc-labeled phytate was administered. SLNs were intraoperatively identified, excised, and assessed using fast-frozen sections. Systematic bilateral pelvic lymphadenectomy with or without para-aortic lymphadenectomy was subsequently undertaken. The SLN detection rate was 91.8% (45/49 patients); 8.2% (4/49) had radical hysterectomies because of metastatic primary SLNs. All SLNs received routine immunopathological examination to detect micrometastasis. Sensitivity, accuracy, and false negative rates were 100%, 100%, and 0%, respectively. ART was successfully completed in 45 patients (median follow-up, 61 [range, 4-149] months). Three of the 45 (6.7%) were lost to follow-up; two relapsed and one died of tumor progression. Overall 3-year survival and progression-free survival rates were 97.6% and 95.2%, respectively. Of the 19 patients who attempted to conceive after surgery, five achieved pregnancy, and one had a live birth in the third trimester. We concluded that SLNB using 99mTc-labeled phytate can accurately assess pelvic node status. SLNB-guided ART is safe and feasible in patients selected for fertility-sparing procedures.

Postoperative clinicopathological factors affecting cervical adenocarcinoma: Stages I-IIB

Currently, cervical adenocarcinoma (ADC) receives the same standard treatment as squamous cell carcinoma, but this treatment regimen is not wholly suited for ADC. The present study was conducted to assess the prognostic role of postoperative clinicopathological factors in patients with stage I-IIB cervical ADC.The study examined 312 patients with stage I-IIB cervical ADC who underwent radical hysterectomy, including pelvic lymphadenectomy, at our institutions between October 2006 and September 2014. Overall survival (OS) and relapse-free survival (RFS) was analyzed by the Kaplan-Meier method. Sites of recurrence were classified as local and distant locations.The 5-year OS and RFS rates were 88.2% and 83.8%, respectively. The 5-year OS rates for patients with International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage IA, IB, IIA, and IIB were 100.0%, 90.7%, 82.8%, and 55.6%, respectively. The Cox model identified number of positive pelvic nodes and age at surgery as independent prognostic factors for survival, and number of positive pelvic nodes and postoperative tumor diameter (≥4 cm) as independent prognostic factors for relapse. Cancer recurrence developed in 35 women. The top three recurrence sites were pelvis, vaginal stump, and lung.A more aggressive therapeutic strategy different from current practice in cervical cancer is urgently required for cervical ADC. As a new prognostic factor, postoperative tumor diameter should receive special attention in ADC treatment.

Stomatin-like protein 2 is overexpressed in cervical cancer and involved in tumor cell apoptosis

Stomatin-like protein 2 (SLP-2) is overexpressed in numerous types of human cancer and previous studies revealed that SLP-2 may function in mitochondria. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the expression of SLP-2 in cervical cancer and the association between SLP-2 expression and clinical features, in addition to investigating the role of SLP-2 in the apoptosis of cervical cancer cells. The expression profile of SLP-2 was determined by quantitative polymerase chain reaction, western blotting and immunohistochemical staining. The effect of SLP-2 on cell apoptosis induced by chemotherapeutics in cervical cancer cells was evaluated using Annexin V staining and terminal deoxynucleotidyl-transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assays. The results indicated that SLP-2 expression in cervical cancer was significantly upregulated at the mRNA and protein levels, compared with that in normal cervical tissues. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed significant correlation between SLP-2 protein expression and clinical characteristics, including the squamous cell carcinoma antigen (P=0.003), deep stromal invasion (P=0.021), lymphovascular space involvement (P=0.044) and pelvic lymph node metastasis (P<0.001), which served as independent prognostic factors for predicting the shortening of overall survival time in patients with early-stage cervical cancer. In addition, TUNEL and Annexin V binding assays revealed that silencing SLP-2 expression significantly enhanced the sensitivity of cervical cancer cells to apoptosis induced by chemotherapeutics. Taken together, the results of the present study suggest that SLP-2 may be a progressive gene in the development of cervical cancer. Overexpression of SLP-2 serves an important role in the apoptosis of human cervical cancer cells.

Postoperative chemoradiation therapy using high dose cisplatin and fluorouracil for high- and intermediate-risk uterine cervical cancer

The purpose of this retrospective study was to analyze data in patients with stage IB–IIB uterine cervical cancer who were treated with concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) with high dose cisplatin and fluorouracil as postoperative adjuvant therapy. Between February 2003 and November 2011, 76 patients with FIGO stage IB–IIB cervical cancer were analyzed. Seventy patients were treated with postoperative CCRT and 6 patients were treated with radiation therapy alone. Data related to overall survival (OS), disease-free survival (DFS), toxicity, and failure pattern were analyzed. The median patient age was 45 years (range, 20–80 years). The median follow-up duration was 63 months (range, 10–125 months). Fifty-eight patients (76.3%) had a squamous cell histologic type, 55 patients (72.4%) had lymphovascular invasion, 31 patients (40.8%) had parametrial invasion, and 28 patients (36.8%) had lymph node metastases. Five-year OS and DFS were 96% and 92%, respectively. Five-year DFS in stage IB1 patients was significantly higher than in stage IB2–IIB patients (p = 0.022). Nineteen patients (25%) had grade 3 or 4 neutropenia, 13 patients (17.1%) had grade 3 anemia, and 2 patients (2.6%) had grade 3 thrombocytopenia, but none of these patients died from the disease. Three patients experienced chronic toxicity: one had bladder perforation, one had hydronephrosis, and one experienced ileus. CCRT as postoperative adjuvant therapy resulted in good survival and outcome without severe toxicity.

Lymph Node Micrometastases in Early-Stage Cervical Cancer are Not Predictive of Survival

Although patients with early-stage cervical cancer have in general a favorable prognosis, 10% to 40% patients still recur depending on pathologic risk factors. The objective of this study was to evaluate if the presence of lymph node micrometastasis (LNmM) had an impact on patient's survival. We performed a multi-institutional retrospective review on patients with early-stage cervical cancer, with histologically negative lymph nodes, treated with radical hysterectomy and pelvic lymphadenectomy for the study period 1994 to 2004. Tissue blocks of lymph nodes from the patient's original surgery were recut and then evaluated for the presence of micrometastases. One hundred twenty-nine patients were identified who met inclusion criteria. LNmM were found in 26 patients (20%). In an average follow-up time of 70 mo, there were 11 recurrences (8.5%). Of the 11 recurrences, 2 (18%) patients had LNmM. Patients with LNmM were more likely to have received adjuvant radiation and chemotherapy. In stratified log-rank analysis, LNmM were not associated with any other high-risk clinical or pathologic variables. Survival data analysis did not demonstrate an association between the presence of LNmM and recurrence or overall survival. The presence of LNmM was not associated with an unfavorable prognosis nor was it associated with other high-risk clinical or pathologic variables predicting recurrence. Further study is warranted to understand the role of micrometastases in cervical cancer.

Fertility-sparing management in cervical cancer: balancing oncologic outcomes with reproductive success

BACKGROUND

Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer among women worldwide, many of who are still within their reproductive lifespan. Advances in screening and treatment have increased the 5-year survival for early stage disease to over 90 % in developed countries. The focus is now shifting to reducing morbidity and improving fertility outcomes for cervical cancer patients. Radical trachelectomy with lymph node assessment became the standard of care for selected women with lesions <2 cm who desire fertility preservation. However, several questions still remain regarding the degree of surgical radicality required for tumors <2 cm, and fertility-sparing options for women with early-stage disesase ≥2 cm, and those with more advanced disease. Here, we compile a narrative review of the evidence for oncologic and pregnancy outcomes following radical trachelectomy, non-radical fertility-sparing surgery, and the use of neoadjuvant chemotherapy prior to surgery for larger lesions. We also review the literature for assisted reproductive technologies in women with more advanced disease.

FINDINGS

Available literature suggests that the crude recurrence and mortality rates after radical trachelectomy are <5 and <2 %, respectively (approx. 11 and 4 % for tumors ≥ 2 cm). Among 1238 patients who underwent fertility-sparing surgery for early cervical cancer there were 469 pregnancies with a 67 % live birth rate. Among 134 cases with lesions ≥ 2 cm, there were ten conceptions with a live birth rate of 70 %. Outcomes after non-radical surgery (simple trachelectomy or cervical conization) are similar, although only applicable among a highly selected patient population. For patients ineligible for fertility-preserving surgery or who require adjuvant radiation therapy, current options include ovarian transposition and cryopreservation of oocytes or embryos but other techniques are under investigation.

CONCLUSION

Today, many cervical cancer survivors have successful pregnancies. For those with early-stage disease, minimally invasive and fertility sparing techniques have resulted in improved obstetrical outcomes without compromising oncologic safety. Results from three ongoing trials on non-radical surgery for low-risk tumors <2 cm will further inform the need for radical surgery in such patients. For those in whom natural childbearing is unachievable, advances in assisted reproductive technologies provide reproductive options. Despite our advances, the effects of cervical cancer survivorship on quality of life are not fully elucidated.

[S3 guidelines on diagnostics and treatment of cervical cancer: Demands on pathology]

Between 2011 and the end of 2014 the former consensus S2k guidelines for the diagnostics and treatment of cervical cancer were updated and upgraded to S3 level, methodologically based on the regulations of the German Cancer Society (DKG). The present article summarizes the relevant aspects for the sectioning, histopathological workup, diagnostics and reporting for the pathology of invasive cancer of the uterine cervix. The recommendations are based on the most recent World Health Organization (WHO) and TNM classification systems and consider the needs of the clinician for appropriate surgical and radiotherapeutic treatment of patients. Detailed processing rules of colposcopy-guided diagnostic biopsies, conization and trachelectomy as well as for radical hysterectomy specimens and lymph node resection (including sentinel lymph node resection) are given. In the guidelines deep stromal invasion in macroinvasive cervical cancer is defined for the first time as tumor infiltration of > 66% of the cervical stromal wall. Furthermore, morphological prognostic factors for microinvasive and macroinvasive cervical cancer are summarized.

Outcome of patients with local recurrent gynecologic malignancies after resection combined with intraoperative electron radiation therapy (IOERT)

Background

Treatment of recurrent gynecologic cancer is a challenging issue. Aim of the study was to investigate clinical features and outcomes of patients with recurrent gynecologic malignancies who underwent resection including IOERT (intraoperative electron radiation therapy) with regard to clinical outcome and potential predictive factors or subgroups that benefit most from this radical treatment regime.

Methods

A total of 36 patients with recurrent gynecologic malignancies (cervical (n = 18), endometrial (n = 12) or vulvar cancer (n = 6)) were retrospectively identified through hospital databases in accordance with institutional ethical policies.

Patient characteristics and outcomes were assessed. Survival data was analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier-method and log-rank-test, categorical variables were analyzed with chi-square-method.

Results

For the entire cohort 1-/2-/5-year Overall Survival (OS) was 65.3 %/36.2 %/21.7 %. Patients with endometrial, cervical, and vulvar carcinoma had a 1-/2-/5-year OS of 83.3 %/62.5 %/50 %, 44.5 %/25.4 %/6.4 %, and 83.3 %/16.7 %/16.7 %, respectively. Patients with endometrial carcinoma showed a significantly better OS (p = 0.038).

1-/2-/5-year Local Progression-free Survival (LPFS) for the entire cohort was 44.1 %/28 %/21 % with 76.2 %/61 %/40.6 % for endometrial, 17.2 %/0 %/0 % for cervical, and 40 %/20 %/20 % for vulvar cancer, respectively. Patients with endometrial cancer showed a significantly (p = 0.017) and older patients a trend (p = 0.059) for a better LPFS.

1-/2-/5-year Distant Progression-free Survival (DPFS) for the entire cohort was 53.1 %/46.5 %/38.7 % with 74.1 %/74.1 %/74.1 % for endometrial, 36.7 %/36.7 %/0 % for cervical, and 60 %/30 %/30 % for vulvar cancer, respectively. There was a significantly better DPFS for older patients (p = 0.015) and a trend for a better DPFS for patients with endometrial carcinoma (p = 0.075).

Conclusion

The radical procedure of resection combined with IOERT seems to be a valid curative treatment option for patients with recurrent endometrial carcinoma with 5-year survival rates of 50 %. For patients with cervical or vulvar cancer this treatment should be considered a rather palliative one and must be weighted carefully against other treatment options like chemotherapy, targeted therapies or new highly conformal radiotherapy techniques.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13014-016-0622-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Comparison of a sentinel lymph node and a selective lymphadenectomy algorithm in patients with endometrioid endometrial carcinoma and limited myometrial invasion

OBJECTIVES

To assess clinicopathologic outcomes between two nodal assessment approaches in patients with endometrioid endometrial carcinoma and limited myoinvasion.

METHODS

Patients with endometrial cancer at two institutions were reviewed. At one institution, a complete pelvic and para-aortic lymphadenectomy to the renal veins was performed in select cases deemed at risk for nodal metastasis due to grade 3 cancer and/or primary tumor diameter>2cm (LND cohort). This is a historic approach at this institution. At the other institution, a sentinel lymph node mapping algorithm was used per institutional protocol (SLN cohort). Low risk was defined as endometrioid adenocarcinoma with myometrial invasion <50%. Macrometastasis, micrometastasis, and isolated tumor cells were all considered node-positive.

RESULTS

Of 1135 cases identified, 642 (57%) were managed with an SLN approach and 493 (43%) with an LND approach. Pelvic nodes (PLNs) were removed in 93% and 58% of patients, respectively (P<0.001); para-aortic nodes (PANs) were removed in 14.5% and 50% of patients, respectively (P<0.001). Median number of PLNs removed was 6 and 34, respectively; median number of PANs removed was 5 and 16, respectively (both P<0.001). Metastasis to PLNs was detected in 5.1% and 2.6% of patients, respectively (P=0.03), and to PANs in 0.8% and 1.0%, respectively (P=0.75). The 3-year disease-free survival rates were 94.9% (95% CI, 92.4-97.5) and 96.8% (95% CI, 95.2-98.5), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings support the use of either strategy for endometrial cancer staging, with no apparent detriment in adhering to the SLN algorithm. The clinical significance of disease detected on ultrastaging and the role of adjuvant therapy is yet to be determined.

Comparison of a sentinel lymph node and a selective lymphadenectomy algorithm in patients with endometrioid endometrial carcinoma and limited myometrial invasion

OBJECTIVES

To assess clinicopathologic outcomes between two nodal assessment approaches in patients with endometrioid endometrial carcinoma and limited myoinvasion.

METHODS

Patients with endometrial cancer at two institutions were reviewed. At one institution, a complete pelvic and para-aortic lymphadenectomy to the renal veins was performed in select cases deemed at risk for nodal metastasis due to grade 3 cancer and/or primary tumor diameter>2cm (LND cohort). This is a historic approach at this institution. At the other institution, a sentinel lymph node mapping algorithm was used per institutional protocol (SLN cohort). Low risk was defined as endometrioid adenocarcinoma with myometrial invasion <50%. Macrometastasis, micrometastasis, and isolated tumor cells were all considered node-positive.

RESULTS

Of 1135 cases identified, 642 (57%) were managed with an SLN approach and 493 (43%) with an LND approach. Pelvic nodes (PLNs) were removed in 93% and 58% of patients, respectively (P<0.001); para-aortic nodes (PANs) were removed in 14.5% and 50% of patients, respectively (P<0.001). Median number of PLNs removed was 6 and 34, respectively; median number of PANs removed was 5 and 16, respectively (both P<0.001). Metastasis to PLNs was detected in 5.1% and 2.6% of patients, respectively (P=0.03), and to PANs in 0.8% and 1.0%, respectively (P=0.75). The 3-year disease-free survival rates were 94.9% (95% CI, 92.4-97.5) and 96.8% (95% CI, 95.2-98.5), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings support the use of either strategy for endometrial cancer staging, with no apparent detriment in adhering to the SLN algorithm. The clinical significance of disease detected on ultrastaging and the role of adjuvant therapy is yet to be determined.

Availability of tissue rinse liquid-based cytology for the rapid diagnosis of sentinel lymph node metastasis and improved bilateral detection by photodynamic eye camera

OBJECTIVE

On sentinel lymph node navigation surgery for early invasive cervical cancers, to gain high sensitivity and specificity, the sentinel nodes should be detected bilaterally and pathological diagnosis should be sensitive to detect micrometastasis. To improve these problems, we tried tissue rinse liquid-based cytology and the photodynamic eye.

METHODS

From 2005 to 2013, 102 patients with Stage Ib1 uterine cervical cancer were subjected to sentinel lymph node navigation surgery with Technetium-99 m colloid and blue dye. For the recent 11 patients with whom bilateral sentinel node detection was not available, the photodynamic eye was selectively examined. The detected sentinel node was cut along the minor axis into 2 mm slices, soaked in 10 ml CytoRich red and then subjected to tissue rinse liquid-based cytology at the time of surgery.

RESULTS

With the accumulation of 102 Ib1 patients subjected to sentinel lymph node navigation surgery, the bilateral sentinel node detection rate was 67.7%. The photodynamic eye was examined for the recent 11 patients who did not have bilateral signals. Out of the 11, 10 patients obtained bilateral signals successfully. During the period of examining the photodynamic eye, a total of 34 patients were subjected to sentinel lymph node navigation surgery. Thus, the overall bilateral detection rate increased to 97% in this subset. Two hundred and five lymph nodes were available as sentinel nodes. The sensitivity of tissue rinse liquid-based cytology was 91.7%, and the specificity was 100%. False positivity was 0% and false negativity was 8.3%. Detection failure was observed only with one micrometastasis and one case of isolated tumor cells.

CONCLUSION

Combination of photodynamic eye detection and tissue rinse liquid-based cytology pathology can be a promising method for more rewarding sentinel node detection.

Relevance of sentinel lymph node procedure for patients with high-risk endometrial cancer

OBJECTIVE

While the accuracy of the Sentinel Lymph Node (SLN) procedure has been validated in patients with early-stage endometrial cancer (EC) at low and intermediate risk of recurrence, its relevance for high-risk EC remains unknown. The aim of this study was to evaluate the contribution of SLN biopsy in staging patients with presumed high-risk EC.

METHODS

This retrospective multicenter study, conducted from January 2001 to December 2012, included 180 patients with early-stage EC undergoing SLN biopsy. Detection rate and false negative rate were assessed according to risk groups of recurrence.

RESULTS

SLNs were detected in 159/180 patients (88%) and were bilateral in 63% of cases. Of the 180 patients, 41 (22%) had a positive lymph node. Ultrastaging detected metastases undiagnosed by conventional histology in 17/41 patients (41%). The false negative rate was 6% (9/159); 2.3% in the low/intermediate risk group and 20% in the high-risk group (p = 0.0008). Lymphovascular space invasion (LVSI) was present in 48 patients (27%). Preoperative findings classified 146 patients as ESMO low/intermediate risk (81%) and 34 as high risk (19%). Ten of the 34 patients (29%) in the presumed high-risk group were downstaged on final histology and 5/18 patients (28%) initially diagnosed with type 2 were finally classified as having type 1 EC. Classification was more likely discordant for patients with preoperative type 2 EC (p = 0.03) and in the initial high-risk group (p = 0.02).

CONCLUSIONS

SLN biopsy associated with LVSI status can select which high-risk patients with EC would benefit from comprehensive staging.

Dose-volume histogram predictors of chronic gastrointestinal complications after radical hysterectomy and postoperative intensity modulated radiotherapy for early-stage cervical cancer

Background

The small bowel is one of the critical organs involved in gastrointestinal complications in cervical cancer treated with postoperative intensity modulated radiotherapy. Even with modest doses of radiation therapy (45-50Gy), the risk of severe injury from postoperative radiation therapy is between 5% and 15%. Up to now, a predictive model of acute GI complications of the small bowel has been established with the aid of Quantitative Analyses of Normal Tissue Effects in the Clinic. However, the correlation between dose-volume effect and chronic GI complications of the small bowel has not been extensively investigated. In the article, the correlation has been studied preliminarily.

Methods

This study analyzed 84 patients who underwent postoperative IMRT. The organ at risk that was contoured was the small bowel loops. DVH parameters subjected to analysis included maximum and mean dose, the volume of these organs receiving more than 30, 40, and 50 Gy (V30-50 volume) and the volume of V30-50 to total volume (V30-50 ratio). Association between DVH parameters or clinical factors and the incidence of grade 1–2 chronic GI complications were evaluated.

Results

Body position and RT total dose are significantly associated with grade 1–2 chronic GI complications after postoperative IMRT in early-stage cervical cancer patients. Maximum dose and V40 ratio of the small bowel loops were significantly associated with chronic GI complications (P < 0.05). The optimal threshold were 5586 cGy (maximum dose) and 28% (V40 ratio) of the small bowel loops.

Conclusions

Maximum dose and V40 ratio of the small bowel loops should be considered synthetically before postoperative IMRT for early-stage cervical cancer.