Diagnosis of epithelial ovarian carcinoma prior to neoadjuvant chemotherapy

Cytohistologic immunohistochemical correlation of epithelial tubo-ovarian neoplasms: Can cell blocks substitute for tissue?

BACKGROUND

Cytologic specimens often represent the initial diagnostic material for tubo-ovarian neoplasms resulting from therapeutic paracentesis for patients presenting with high-volume ascites. However, subtyping and immunohistochemical (IHC) characterization, which have implications in preoperative management and downstream ancillary testing, are not routinely performed in many institutions. This study aims to perform cytohistologic correlation of commonly used IHC stains to establish their reliability in peritoneal fluids/washing specimens.

METHODS

A retrospective search of the laboratory information systems was performed to identify peritoneal fluid/washing specimens involved by borderline or malignant epithelial tubo-ovarian neoplasms and concurrent/subsequent surgical resection specimens. Cell blocks and tissue were stained for PAX8, WT-1, p53, p16, Napsin-A, estrogen receptor, and progesterone receptor, and staining between cytological and surgical specimens was compared.

RESULTS

A total of 56 case pairs were included, with the following final diagnoses on histological examination: 37 high-grade serous carcinomas, eight clear cell carcinomas, one endometrioid adenocarcinoma, two low-grade serous carcinomas, and eight serous borderline tumors. There was perfect cytohistologic correlation for PAX8 (Lin's concordance correlation coefficient [LINCCC] = 1.00) and WT-1 (LINCCC = 1.00), substantial/good correlation for p53 (LINCCC = 0.96), p16 (LINCCC = 0.93), napsin-A (LINCCC = 0.91) and ER (LINCCC = 0.77), and moderate correlation for PR (LINCCC = 0.54).

CONCLUSIONS

Immunohistochemical correlation between peritoneal fluid and surgical resection specimens for tubo-ovarian neoplasms is high. Common subtypes of tubo-ovarian carcinomas can be reliably distinguished on fluids using IHC.

Surgery in Advanced Ovary Cancer: Primary versus Interval Cytoreduction

Primary debulking surgery (PDS) has remained the only treatment of ovarian cancer with survival advantage since its development in the 1970s. However, survival advantage is only observed in patients who are optimally resected. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) has emerged as an alternative for patients in whom optimal resection is unlikely and/or patients with comorbidities at high risk for perioperative complications. The purpose of this review is to summarize the evidence to date for PDS and NACT in the treatment of stage III/IV ovarian carcinoma. We systematically searched the PubMed database for relevant articles. Prior to 2010, NACT was reserved for non-surgical candidates. After publication of EORTC 55971, the first randomized trial demonstrating non-inferiority of NACT followed by interval debulking surgery, NACT was considered in a wider breadth of patients. Since EORTC 55971, 3 randomized trials-CHORUS, JCOG0602, and SCORPION-have studied NACT versus PDS. While CHORUS supported EORTC 55971, JCOG0602 failed to demonstrate non-inferiority and SCORPION failed to demonstrate superiority of NACT. Despite conflicting data, a subset of patients would benefit from NACT while preserving survival including poor surgical candidates and inoperable disease. Further randomized trials are needed to assess the role of NACT.

Validation of BRCA testing on cytologic samples of high-grade serous carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Testing for BRCA1/2 gene alterations in patients with high-grade serous carcinoma (HGSC) is a critical determinant of treatment eligibility for poly(adenosine diphosphate-ribose) polymerase inhibitors in addition to providing vital information for genetic counselling. Many patients present with effusions necessitating therapeutic drainage, and this makes cytologic specimens (CySs) the initial diagnostic material for HGSC, often before histologic sampling. Initiating somatic BRCA testing on a CyS allows the BRCA status to be determined sooner, and this affects clinical management.

METHODS

Retrospectively, 8 cases of formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) CySs of peritoneal or pleural fluid from patients with HGSC and known BRCA1/2 alterations previously established by the testing of FFPE surgical specimens (SpSs) underwent next-generation sequencing (NGS). Prospectively, 11 cases of peritoneal or pleural fluid from patients with HGSC but an unknown BRCA1/2 status underwent NGS with fresh, alcohol-fixed, and FFPE CySs, and they were compared with subsequent NGS on 4 SpSs.

RESULTS

CySs yielded high-quantity and high-quality DNA for NGS analysis when sufficient tumor cellularity was present. Fresh, alcohol-fixed, and FFPE CySs were all suitable for NGS and provided identical NGS results. SpS and CyS BRCA testing was concordant in 10 of 12 cases. The 2 discordant cases showed low tumor cellularity and quality in the CyS and the SpS, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Effusion CySs of HGSC are excellent sources for NGS testing for BRCA1/2 genetic alterations when sufficient tumor cellularity is present. Fresh, alcohol-fixed, and FFPE CySs are equivalent for NGS of BRCA1/2. NGS testing of HGSC CySs demonstrates good concordance with SpSs for the BRCA1/2 status.

The accuracy of ascites cytology in diagnosis of advanced ovarian cancer in postmenopausal women prior to neoadjuvant chemotherapy

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the accuracy of ascites cytology in the diagnosis of epithelial ovarian cancer among postmenopausal women.

METHODS

Ascites samples of women older than 51 years sent for cytology evaluation at our institution between 2010 and 2015 were retrospectively compared to final histology. The sensitivity, specificity, negative, and positive predictive values were calculated. Immunohistochemistry stain results were collected to determine diagnostic profiles.

RESULTS

A total of 551 patients, 51 years and over had both cytology and diagnostic histology samples. Of those, 161 patients had pathology confirmed ovarian tumors, 155 of which were malignant. Of the 155 cases of ovarian cancer, 125 patients had malignant cells on cytology examination (true positive); in 30 cases, ascites was negative for malignancy (false negative). In six cases both ascites and final pathology were negative for malignancy (true negative). There were no cases of positive cytology and negative final pathology (ie, no false-positive cases). The sensitivity, specificity, positive, and negative predictive value for cytology diagnosis of ovarian cancer were 80.6%, 100%, 100%, and 16.7%, respectively. Immunohistochemistry was done on cell blocks in 79 cases of ovarian cancer, 75 (94.9%) had profiles diagnostic for ovarian origin.

CONCLUSIONS

Ascites cytology for postmenopausal women older than 51 years with immunohistochemistry is highly accurate in diagnosis of ovarian cancer. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy can be safely prescribed based on paracentesis evaluations. : Video Summary:http://links.lww.com/MENO/A570.

Management of gynecological cancers in the COVID-19 era: a survey from Turkey

Objective:

This study aimed to investigate how gynecologic oncologists modified their patient management during Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) in Turkey.

Material and Methods:

An online survey was sent to gynecologic oncology specialists and fellows in Turkey. It included management questions about strategies for newly diagnosed or recurrent endometrial, cervical, ovarian and vulvar cancer during the pandemic. Participants were asked if treatment of these cancers can be delayed or not and, if yes, the duration of delay.

Results:

32.9% of surgeons prescribed oral or intrauterine progesterone for early stage, low-grade endometrial cancer. Conversely, 65.7% and 45.7% of the most surgeons did not change their management for early stage high-grade and advanced stage endometrial cancers respectively, as they perform surgery. 58% and 67.1% of the surgeons continued to prefer standard surgical treatment for microinvasive and early stage cervical cancers, respectively. Radiotherapy was preferred administered with hypofractionated doses for locally advanced cervical cancer (57.1%). While 67.1% of surgeons operated early stage ovarian cancer patients, 50% administered neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) to all advanced stage ovarian cancers and 50% administered more cycles of NACT in preference to interval debulking surgery. 93.7% of the surgeons responded that treatment should not be delayed beyond eight weeks.

Conclusion:

Most Turkish gynecologic oncologists modified their management of gynecologic cancers due to the COVID-19 pandemic. While chemotherapy was preferred for ovarian cancer, postponement of the surgery, with or without non-surgical options, was considered for early stage, low-grade endometrial cancer. Treatment of gynecologic cancers should be decided on a case by case basis, taking into account local COVID-19 infection rates and availability of health facilities. Prognosis is also an important consideration if delay is contemplated. Standard treatment and normal time-frames should be used if possible. If not, a postponement for a maximum of eight weeks or referral to another center were acceptable alternatives.

[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.

Trucut Biopsy vs FNAC of Pelvic Tumors-Who Wins the Match?

Preoperative pathologic diagnosis of pelvic tumors is mandatory for proper management of patients like neoadjuvant chemotherapy and interval debulking. Currently there are many minimally invasive methods available which include fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) and trucut biopsy, mostly complimentary to each other. FNAC is a cheap, rapid and sensitive method for diagnosis of pelvic tumors. It can be done as an outpatient procedure without complications. But with it, the tissue architecture cannot be seen. Trucut biopsy on the other hand reveals tissue architecture and can help in grading and subtyping of malignant tumors. Trucut biopsy has to be done under image guidance like ultrasound and computed tomography. Patient is administered local anaesthetic and can be discharged safely after 2 hours. Pathologists familiar with histomorphology can give a correct diagnosis easily. But many times sampling errors may occur; especially in large tumors, resulting only in necrosis, hemorrhage and degenerated tissue bits. Also differentiation of borderline from malignant ovarian tumors is very difficult. In case of mixed tumors one component may be missed. Hard tumors like fibromas and leiomyomas yield scanty material and result in inadequate reporting. With FNAC, the overall accuracy rate is estimated to be around 96.3%. With trucut biopsy, adequacy is from 91 to 95% and accuracy is approximately 98% in different studies. When both methods are combined, the adequacy is 100%, diagnostic accuracy 95.5%, sensitivity 94.9% and specificity 100%. Therefore depending on the clinical diagnosis and the location of tumors, either FNAC and/or trucut biopsy can be chosen.

Human epididymis protein 4 immunostaining of malignant ascites differentiates cancer of Müllerian origin from gastrointestinal cancer

BACKGROUND

An accurate diagnosis of cancer of Müllerian origin is required before the initiation of treatment. An overlap in clinical presentation and cytological, histological, or imaging studies with other nongynecological tumors does occur. Therefore, immunocytochemistry markers are used to determine tumor origin. Human epididymis protein 4 (HE4) is overexpressed in tissue of epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC). It has shown to be a sensitive and specific serum marker for EOC and to be of value for the differentiation between EOC and ovarian metastases of gastrointestinal origin. The objective of the current study was to evaluate HE4 immunocytochemistry in malignant ascites for differentiation between cancer of Müllerian origin, including EOC, and adenocarcinomas of the gastrointestinal tract.

METHODS

Cytological specimens of 115 different adenocarcinomas (45 EOCs, 46 cases of gastric cancer, and 24 cases of colorectal cancer) were stained for HE4, paired box 8 (PAX8), and other specific markers.

RESULTS

91% of the ascites samples from patients with EOC stained for both HE4 and PAX8. The 4 samples without HE4 staining were a clear cell carcinoma, a low-grade serous adenocarcinoma, an undifferentiated adenocarcinoma, and a neuroendocrine carcinoma. All high-grade serous adenocarcinomas (n = 37, 100%) stained with HE4, compared with 94% that stained positively for PAX8. In cases of gastric or colorectal cancer, 25% and 21% of cases, respectively, stained positive for HE4. No PAX8 staining was observed in colorectal or gastric adenocarcinomas.

CONCLUSIONS

HE4 staining in ascites is feasible and appears to have a high sensitivity for high-grade serous ovarian cancer. HE4 is a useful addition to the current panel of immunocytochemistry markers for the diagnosis of EOC and for differentiation with gastrointestinal adenocarcinomas. Cancer Cytopathol 2017;125:197-204. © 2016 American Cancer Society.

Diagnosis of Ovarian Carcinoma Histotype Based on Limited Sampling: A Prospective Study Comparing Cytology, Frozen Section, and Core Biopsies to Full Pathologic Examination

Growing insights into the biological features and molecular underpinnings of ovarian cancer has prompted a shift toward histotype-specific treatments and clinical trials. As a result, the preoperative diagnosis of ovarian carcinomas based on small tissue sampling is rapidly gaining importance. The data on the accuracy of ovarian carcinoma histotype-specific diagnosis based on small tissue samples, however, remains very limited in the literature. Herein, we describe a prospective series of 30 ovarian tumors diagnosed using cytology, frozen section, core needle biopsy, and immunohistochemistry (p53, p16, WT1, HNF-1β, ARID1A, TFF3, vimentin, and PR). The accuracy of histotype diagnosis using each of these modalities was 52%, 81%, 85%, and 84% respectively, using the final pathology report as the reference standard. The accuracy of histotype diagnosis using the Calculator for Ovarian Subtype Prediction (COSP), which evaluates immunohistochemical stains independent of histopathologic features, was 85%. Diagnostic accuracy varied across histotype and was lowest for endometrioid carcinoma across all diagnostic modalities (54%). High-grade serous carcinomas were the most overdiagnosed on core needle biopsy (accounting for 45% of misdiagnoses) and clear cell carcinomas the most overdiagnosed on frozen section (accounting for 36% of misdiagnoses). On core needle biopsy, 2/30 (7%) cases had a higher grade lesion missed due to sampling limitations. In this study, we identify several challenges in the diagnosis of ovarian tumors based on limited tissue sampling. Recognition of these scenarios can help improve diagnostic accuracy as we move forward with histotype-specific therapeutic strategies.

The Utility of Core Needle Biopsy and Fine-Needle Aspiration in the Workup of Tumors of Suspected Müllerian Origin

OBJECTIVES

Core needle biopsy (CNB) and fine-needle aspiration (FNA) for tumors of suspected Müllerian origin may prevent unnecessary laparotomies and allow patients the benefit of neoadjuvant chemotherapy. An assessment of the utility and limitations of CNB/FNA, with incorporation of current immunohistochemistry, is needed.

STUDY DESIGN

Two hundred nineteen female patients with CNB/FNA of the omentum, pelvis, abdomen, adnexa, ovary, uterus, and fallopian tube were identified. From these, 30 consecutive CNB/FNA with corresponding surgical resection were reviewed to assess diagnostic agreement and identify potential diagnostic pitfalls.

RESULTS

The most frequent diagnosis overall was adenocarcinoma (96/219; 43.8%), most commonly adenocarcinoma of gynecologic origin (65/219; 30%). Nondiagnostic or unsatisfactory material was present in a minority of cases (10/219; 5%). In the 30 CNB/FNA cases examined for diagnostic agreement with surgical resection, 24 (80%) had exact or essential agreement with the final diagnosis. Of the 23 cases that were positive and/or suspicious on cytology, 18 (78%) had neoadjuvant chemotherapy or radiation treatment prior to surgical resection.

CONCLUSIONS

The majority of CNB/FNA for tumors of suspected Müllerian origin are diagnostic, correlate with the surgical resection, and contribute to management. A standard diagnostic algorithm is suggested.

Postchemotherapy histopathological evaluation of ovarian carcinoma: a 40-case study

Ovarian carcinomas are conventionally treated with primary debulking surgery followed by chemotherapy. Nowadays neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by surgery is an upcoming treatment modality for ovarian carcinoma. This study highlights the histopathological changes observed after neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Present study is a 40-case study stressing five histological parameters: residual tumour, fibrosis, necrosis, inflammation, and psammoma bodies. All these parameters carry prognostic significance and they are easily reproducible. Fleiss kappa statistics were used to measure intraobserver agreement between pathologists which was found to be substantial to almost perfect with κ ranging between 0.621 and 1.00. This study highlights easily reproducible parameters and their incorporation in histopathology report, thus helping in patient management.

Serum HE4, CA125, YKL-40, bcl-2, cathepsin-L and prediction optimal debulking surgery, response to chemotherapy in ovarian cancer

Background

The most important prognostic factor in the ovarian cancer is optimal cytoreduction. The neoadjuvant chemotherapy, an only optional method of treatment in this case and is still the subject of debate. The object of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of markers: CA 125, HE4, YKL-40 and bcl-2 as well as cathepsin L in predicting optimal cytoreduction and response to chemotherapy.

Methods

Sera were secured preoperatively. The division into groups was performed retrospectively depending on the method of treatment (surgery vs neoadjuvant chemotherapy) as well as on response to chemotherapy (sensitive vs resistant vs refractory). Comparisons were made between groups, and the diagnostic usefulness of tested proteins was examined.

Results

We found that statistically significant differences between primary operated patients and patients undergoing neoadjuvant chemotherapy were applicable only to the tumour markers (CA125 1206.79 vs 2432.38, p = 0.000191; HE4 78.87 vs 602.45, p = 0.000004; YKL-40 108.13 vs 203.96, p = 0.003991). Cathepsin-L and Bcl-2 were statistically insignificant. The cut-off point values were determined for the CA 125 (345 mIU/ml), HE4 (218.43 pmol/L) and YKL-40 (140.9 ng/ml). The sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV were as follows: CA125 (83.3%; 75%; 80.6%; 78.3%), HE4 (86.6%; 91.3%; 92.9%; 84%) and YKL-40 (75%; 83.3%; 84%; 74.1%).

Conclusion

Among the tested proteins the HE4 marker appears to be helpful in forecasting of optimal cytoreduction and possibly also of the prediction of response to platinum analogues used in first-line treatment of ovarian cancer.

Sonographically guided core biopsy: a minimally invasive procedure for managing adnexal masses

OBJECTIVES

We hypothesized that sonographically guided core biopsy is an effective method for the differential diagnosis of adnexal masses and evaluated patients who underwent core biopsies in our gynecologic oncology department.

METHODS

We reviewed the medical records of 55 patients who underwent sonographically guided core biopsies in our gynecologic oncology department between 2010 and 2013. Patients with suspected ovarian malignancies who were unsuitable for optimal debulking surgery and patients at risk for higher morbidity and mortality because of a poor performance status, suspected nongynecologic tumors, and peritoneal tuberculosis were indicated for sonographically guided biopsy.

RESULTS

The indications for sonographically guided core biopsy were candidacy for suboptimal cytoreduction (n = 32 [58.2%]), a poor performance status (n = 11 [20.0%]), and suspected nongynecologic tumors (n = 12 [21.8%]). Histopathologic evaluations revealed primary ovarian tumors in 36 patients (65.5%). Tuberculosis was found to be the second most common disease (n = 8 [14.5%]) among the patients who underwent core biopsies. In 2 patients (3.6%), histologic examination revealed metastatic colorectal cancer.

CONCLUSIONS

Sonographically guided core biopsy may be preferred as a minimally invasive procedure for managing adnexal masses, particularly in patients with advanced ovarian cancer and high comorbidities who might benefit from neoadjuvant chemotherapy and in cases of suspected nongynecologic tumors, including pelvic tuberculosis.

The diagnostic utility of TP53 and CDKN2A to distinguish ovarian high-grade serous carcinoma from low-grade serous ovarian tumors

Low-grade serous carcinomas and serous borderline tumors, combined herein and referred to as low-grade serous tumors, show distinct molecular alterations and clinical behaviors compared with high-grade serous carcinomas. The discrimination between low-grade serous tumors and high-grade serous carcinomas can be challenging on small tissue samples, such as cell blocks of paracentesis fluid or biopsies from omental disease. The purpose of this study was to test the ability of TP53 and CDKN2A immunohistochemistry to distinguish between high-grade serous carcinomas and low-grade serous tumors on small tissue samples. Tissue microarrays containing 582 high-grade serous carcinomas, 45 low-grade serous carcinomas, and 49 serous borderline tumors, confirmed by contemporary histopathological review, were stained for TP53 and CDKN2A (DO7 and E6H4 antibody clones, respectively). TP53 was scored as completely absent, wild-type pattern or overexpressed (>60%), and CDKN2A was scored as either negative/patchy (<90%) or block expression (>90%). The combination of the two markers, ie, the TP53 wild-type pattern and CDKN2A patchy expression, had sensitivity for low-grade serous tumors of 89%, a specificity of 93%, a positive predictive value of 68%, and a negative predictive value of 98%. These markers can, therefore, be used on small biopsies/cell blocks to refute a diagnosis of low-grade serous tumors. These findings may inform emerging neoadjuvant therapeutic strategies in advanced ovarian cancers and may be crucial for future clinical trials on molecular-based therapies.

Biomarker-based ovarian carcinoma typing: a histologic investigation in the ovarian tumor tissue analysis consortium

BACKGROUND

Ovarian carcinoma is composed of five major histologic types, which associate with outcome and predict therapeutic response. Our aim was to evaluate histologic type assessments across the centers participating in the Ovarian Tumor Tissue Analysis (OTTA) consortium using an immunohistochemical (IHC) prediction model.

METHODS

Tissue microarrays (TMA) and clinical data were available for 524 pathologically confirmed ovarian carcinomas. Centralized IHC was conducted for ARID1A, CDKN2A, DKK1, HNF1B, MDM2, PGR, TP53, TFF3, VIM, and WT1, and three histologic type assessments were compared: the original pathologic type, an IHC-based calculated type (termed TB_COSPv2), and a WT1-assisted TMA core review.

RESULTS

The concordance between TB_COSPv2 type and original type was 73%. Applying WT1-assisted core review, the remaining 27% discordant cases subdivided into unclassifiable (6%), TB_COSPv2 error (6%), and original type error (15%). The largest discordant subgroup was classified as endometrioid carcinoma by original type and as high-grade serous carcinoma (HGSC) by TB_COSPv2. When TB_COSPv2 classification was used, the difference in overall survival of endometrioid carcinoma compared with HGSC became significant [RR 0.60; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.37-0.93; P = 0.021], consistent with previous reports. In addition, 71 cases with unclear original type could be histologically classified by TB_COSPv2.

CONCLUSIONS

Research cohorts, particularly those across different centers within consortia, show significant variability in original histologic type diagnosis. Our IHC-based reclassification produced more homogeneous types with respect to outcome than original type.

IMPACT

Biomarker-based classification of ovarian carcinomas is feasible, improves comparability of results across research studies, and can reclassify cases which lack reliable original pathology.