Optimal (≤1cm) but visible residual disease: Is extensive debulking warranted?

Ultra-radical (extensive) surgery versus standard surgery for the primary cytoreduction of advanced epithelial ovarian cancer

BACKGROUND

Ovarian cancer is the seventh most common cancer among women and the leading cause of death in women with gynaecological malignancies. Opinions differ regarding the role of ultra-radical (extensive) cytoreductive surgery in ovarian cancer treatment.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the effectiveness and morbidity associated with ultra-radical/extensive surgery in the management of advanced-stage epithelial ovarian cancer.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched CENTRAL (2021, Issue 11), MEDLINE Ovid and Embase Ovid up to November 2021. We also searched registers of clinical trials, abstracts of scientific meetings, reference lists of included studies and contacted experts in the field.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) or non-randomised studies (NRS), analysed using multivariate methods, that compared ultra-radical/extensive and standard surgery in women with advanced primary epithelial ovarian cancer.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two review authors independently assessed whether potentially relevant studies met the inclusion criteria, abstracted data and assessed the risk of bias. We identified three NRS and conducted meta-analyses where possible.

MAIN RESULTS

We identified three retrospective observational studies for inclusion in the review. Two studies included women exclusively undergoing upfront primary debulking surgery (PDS) and the other study including both PDS and interval debulking surgical (IDS) procedures. All studies were at critical risk of bias due to retrospective and non-randomised study designs. Meta-analysis of two studies, assessing 397 participants, found that women who underwent radical procedures, as part of PDS, may have a lower risk of mortality compared to women who underwent standard surgery (adjusted HR 0.60, 95% CI 0.43 to 0.82; I2 = 0%; very low-certainty evidence), but the evidence is very uncertain. The results were robust to a sensitivity analysis including women with more-extensive disease (carcinomatosis) (adjusted HR 0.61, 95% CI 0.44 to 0.85; I2 = 0%; n = 283, very low-certainty evidence), but the evidence is very uncertain. One study reported a comparison of radical versus standard surgical procedures associated with both PDS and IDS procedures, but a multivariate analysis was only undertaken for disease-free survival (DFS) and therefore the certainty of the evidence was not assessable for overall survival (OS) and remains very low. The lack of reporting of OS meant the study was at high risk of bias for selective reporting of outcomes. One study, 203 participants, found that women who underwent radical procedures as part of PDS may have a lower risk of disease progression or death compared to women who underwent standard surgery (adjusted HR 0.62, 95% CI 0.42 to 0.92; very low-certainty evidence), but the evidence is very uncertain. The results were robust to a sensitivity analysis in one study including women with carcinomatosis (adjusted HR 0.52, 95% CI 0.33 to 0.82; n = 139; very low-certainty evidence), but the evidence is very uncertain. A combined analysis in one study found that women who underwent radical procedures (using both PDS and IDS) may have an increased chance of disease progression or death than those who received standard surgery (adjusted HR 1.60, 95% CI 1.11 to 2.31; I2 = 0%; n = 527; very low-certainty evidence), but the evidence is very uncertain. In absolute and unadjusted terms, the DFS was 19.3 months in the standard surgery group, 15.8 in the PDS group and 15.9 months in the IDS group. All studies were at critical risk of bias and we only identified very low-certainty evidence for all outcomes reported in the review. Perioperative mortality, adverse events and quality of life (QoL) outcomes were either not reported or inadequately reported in the included studies. Two studies reported perioperative mortality (death within 30 days of surgery), but they did not use any statistical adjustment. In total, there were only four deaths within 30 days of surgery in both studies. All were observed in the standard surgery group, but we did not report a risk ratio (RR) to avoid potentially misleading results with so few deaths and very low-certainty evidence. Similarly, one study reported postoperative morbidity, but the authors did not use any statistical adjustment. Postoperative morbidity occurred more commonly in women who received ultra-radical surgery compared to standard surgery, but the certainty of the evidence was very low.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

We found only very low-certainty evidence comparing ultra-radical surgery and standard surgery in women with advanced ovarian cancer. The evidence was limited to retrospective, NRSs and so is at critical risk of bias. The results may suggest that ultra-radical surgery could result in improved OS, but results are based on very few women who were chosen to undergo each intervention, rather than a randomised study and intention-to-treat analysis, and so the evidence is very uncertain. Results for progression/DFS were inconsistent and evidence was sparse. QoL and morbidity was incompletely or not reported in the three included studies. A separate prognostic review assessing residual disease as a prognostic factor in this area has been addressed elsewhere, which demonstrates the prognostic effect of macroscopic debulking to no macroscopic residual disease. In order to aid existing guidelines, the role of ultra-radical surgery in the management of advanced-stage ovarian cancer could be addressed through the conduct of a sufficiently powered, RCT comparing ultra-radical and standard surgery, or well-designed NRSs, if this is not possible.

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.

A radical approach to achieve complete cytoreductive surgery improve survival of patients with advanced ovarian cancer

INTRODUCTION

Cytoreductive surgery of locally advanced ovarian cancer has evolved in the last few years from surgery to remove macroscopic residual disease (<1cm; R2b) to macroscopic complete cytoreductive surgery with no gross residual disease (R1). The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of the adoption of a maximalist surgical approach on postoperative complications, disease recurrence and survival.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This was a retrospective study using prospectively collected data on patients who received either conservative approach (CA) or radical approach (RA) surgical treatment for primary ovarian cancer stage IIIc/IVa/IVb between June 2006 and June 2013.

RESULTS

Data for 114 patients were included, 33 patients in the CA group and 68 patients in the RA group were consequently analysed. In the RA group, operative time was longer, in relation to more complex surgical procedures; with more blood losses and a higher rate of compete macroscopic resection. Totally, 77% of the patients had postoperative complications, with more grade I/II complications in the RA group but the same rates of grade III/IV complications in the both groups (P=0.14). For all patient study population, the overall and disease-free survivals were improved in case of no macroscopic residual disease. Overall survival was improved in the RA group (P=0.05), with no difference in terms of disease-free survival (P=0.29) CONCLUSION: A radical approach in advanced ovarian cancer allows a higher rate of complete cytoreductive surgery impacting overall survival. However, a non-significant trend for increased mild complications (grade I/II) rate is observed in this group.

Dual-platform affinity proteomics identifies links between the recurrence of ovarian carcinoma and proteins released into the tumor microenvironment

The peritoneal fluid (ascites), replete with abundant tumor-promoting factors and extracellular vesicles (EVs) reflecting the tumor secretome, plays an essential role in ovarian high-grade serous carcinoma (HGSC) metastasis and immune suppression. A comprehensive picture of mediators impacting HGSC progression is, however, not available.

Methods: Proteins in ascites from HGSC patients were quantified by the aptamer-based SOMAscan affinity proteomic platform. SOMAscan data were analyzed by bioinformatic methods to reveal clinically relevant links and functional connections, and were validated using the antibody-based proximity extension assay (PEA) Olink platform. Mass spectrometry was used to identify proteins in extracellular microvesicles released by HGSC cells.

Results: Consistent with the clinical features of HGSC, 779 proteins in ascites identified by SOMAscan clustered into groups associated either with metastasis and a short relapse-free survival (RFS), or with immune regulation and a favorable RFS. In total, 346 proteins were linked to OC recurrence in either direction. Reanalysis of 214 of these proteins by PEA revealed an excellent median Spearman inter-platform correlation of ρ=0.82 for the 46 positively RFS-associated proteins in both datasets. Intriguingly, many proteins strongly associated with clinical outcome were constituents of extracellular vesicles. These include proteins either linked to a poor RFS, such as HSPA1A, BCAM and DKK1, or associated with a favorable outcome, such as the protein kinase LCK. Finally, based on these data we defined two protein signatures that clearly classify short-term and long-term relapse-free survivors.

Conclusion: The ascites secretome points to metastasis-promoting events and an anti-tumor response as the major determinants of the clinical outcome of HGSC. Relevant proteins include both bone fide secreted and vesicle-encapsulated polypeptides, many of which have previously not been linked to HGSC recurrence. Besides a deeper understanding of the HGSC microenvironment our data provide novel potential tools for HGSC patient stratification. Furthermore, the first large-scale inter-platform validation of SOMAscan and PEA will be invaluable for other studies using these affinity proteomics platforms.

Predictive modeling for determination of microscopic residual disease at primary cytoreduction: An NRG Oncology/Gynecologic Oncology Group 182 Study

OBJECTIVE

Microscopic residual disease following complete cytoreduction (R0) is associated with a significant survival benefit for patients with advanced epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC). Our objective was to develop a prediction model for R0 to support surgeons in their clinical care decisions.

METHODS

Demographic, pathologic, surgical, and CA125 data were collected from GOG 182 records. Patients enrolled prior to September 1, 2003 were used for the training model while those enrolled after constituted the validation data set. Univariate analysis was performed to identify significant predictors of R0 and these variables were subsequently analyzed using multivariable regression. The regression model was reduced using backward selection and predictive accuracy was quantified using area under the receiver operating characteristic area under the curve (AUC) in both the training and the validation data sets.

RESULTS

Of the 3882 patients enrolled in GOG 182, 1480 had complete clinical data available for the analysis. The training data set consisted of 1007 patients (234 with R0) while the validation set was comprised of 473 patients (122 with R0). The reduced multivariable regression model demonstrated several variables predictive of R0 at cytoreduction: Disease Score (DS) (p<0.001), stage (p=0.009), CA125 (p<0.001), ascites (p<0.001), and stage-age interaction (p=0.01). Applying the prediction model to the validation data resulted in an AUC of 0.73 (0.67 to 0.78, 95% CI). Inclusion of DS enhanced the model performance to an AUC of 0.83 (0.79 to 0.88, 95% CI).

CONCLUSIONS

We developed and validated a prediction model for R0 that offers improved performance over previously reported models for prediction of residual disease. The performance of the prediction model suggests additional factors (i.e. imaging, molecular profiling, etc.) should be explored in the future for a more clinically actionable tool.

Minimal Macroscopic Residual Disease (0.1-1 cm). Is It Still a Surgical Goal in Advanced Ovarian Cancer?

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this review was to try to determine by searching in the literature what is the survival in patients with advanced ovarian cancer after a primary debulking with minimal macroscopic residual disease (MMRD; 0.1-10 mm). Additionally, this review aimed to explore the survival in patients with residual disease from 0.1 to 0.5 cm.

METHODS

A retrospective search was accomplished in the PubMed database looking for all English-language articles published between January 1, 2007 and December 31, 2014, under the following search strategy: "ovarian cancer and cytoreduction" or "ovarian cancer and phase III trial". We selected those articles that contain information on both percentage of MMRD (0.1-1 cm) and median overall survival (OS) in this subset of patients with stage III to stage IV ovarian cancer after primary debulking surgery.

RESULTS

Thirteen publications were obtained including information of a total 11,999 patients with stage III to stage IV ovarian cancer. Five thousand thirty-seven patients (42%) had MMRD after the primary debulking (0.1-1 cm). Median overall survival in patients with MMRD was 40 months and disease-free survival (DFS) was 16 months. This group of patients obtained an advantage of 10 months in OS (40 vs 30 m) and 4 months in DFS (16 vs 12 m) compared with the group with suboptimal debulking (P < 0.001). Compared with the group of complete resection, patients with minimal macroscopic residuum showed a significant inferior median OS and DFS of 30 months and 14 months, respectively (OS, 70 vs 40 m; DFS, 30 vs 16 m) (P < 0.001). The group of residual disease of 0.1 to 0.5 cm reached a median survival of 53 months.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with ovarian cancer with MMRD after primary surgery obtain a modest but significant advantage in survival (10 months) over suboptimal patients. Patients with macroscopic residual disease (0.1-0.5 cm) obtain a better survival (53 months) than those with more than 0.5 to 1 cm. We propose that they should be classified as a different prognostic group.

Aldehyde dehydrogenase 1A1 (ALDH1A1) expression by immunohistochemistry is associated with chemo-refractoriness in patients with high-grade ovarian serous carcinoma

Aldehyde dehydrogenase-1A1 (ALDH1A1), CD133, CD44, and CD24 have been reported as cancer stem cell markers in ovarian cancers. The goal of our study was to assess the prognostic significance of these markers in patients with advanced serous ovarian cancer. Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissues from 347 ovarian cancers were used to construct a microarray. Immunohistochemical studies for ALDH1A1, CD133, CD44, and CD24 were performed and scored semiquantitatively by 2 pathologists based on intensity and percent of positive immunoreactive cells. Immunohistochemistry was compared to clinical parameters and survival. Of the 347 cases, early stage disease, nonserous tumors, cases with incomplete therapy, and cores with no tumor were excluded. Immunohistochemistry was interpretable in 124 of the 136 stage III and IV ovarian serous carcinoma. ALDH1A1, CD24, and CD44 were variably detected in both tumor and stromal cells, and immunoreactivity in tumor was stronger than in stromal cells. CD133 immunoreactivity was not quantified due to nonspecific staining in tumor and stroma. Statistical analyses using χ² and Student t test revealed that ALDH1A1-positive (n=53) carcinoma were 3 times more likely to demonstrate platinum refractoriness than ALDH1A1-negative (n=71) tumors (17% vs. 6%, respectively; p=.04); however, neither progression free nor overall survival was influenced by ALDH1A1 status in this cohort. The expression of CD44 and CD24 had no clinicopathological associations in the present study. Our study supports that ALDH1A1 expression is associated with poor response to platinum-based therapy in patients with high-grade ovarian serous carcinoma. Further study of this relationship is needed to understand how this could impact clinical care.

Diaphragmatic Surgery and Related Complications In Primary Cytoreduction for Advanced Ovarian, Tubal, and Peritoneal Carcinoma

Background

To evaluate the procedures and complications of diaphragm peritonectomy (DP) and diaphragm full-thickness resection (DFTR) during primary cytoreduction for advanced stage epithelial ovarian cancer.

Methods

All the patients with epithelial ovarian carcinoma who underwent diaphragm procedures at our institution between January 2009 and August 2015 were identified. Clinicopathological data were retrospectively collected from the patients’ medical records. Postoperative morbidities were assessed according to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC) grading system.

Results

A total of 150 patients were included in the study. The majority of the patients had ovarian cancer (96%), stage IIIC disease (76%) and serous histology (89.3%). DP and DFTR were performed in 124 (82.7%) and 26 (17.3%) patients, respectively. A total of 142 upper abdominal procedures in addition to the diaphragmatic surgery were performed in 77 (51.3%) patients. No macroscopic residual disease was observed in 35.3% of the patients, while 84% of the total patient cohort had residual disease ≤1 cm. The overall incidence of at least one major morbidity (MSKCC grades 3–5) was 18.0%, whereas pleural effusions (33.3%), pneumonia (15.3%) and pneumothorax (7.3%) were the most commonly reported morbidities. The rate of postoperative pleural drainage was 14.6% in total, while half the patients in the DFTR group received drainage intraoperatively (11.5%) and postoperatively (38.5%). The incidence of postoperative pleural effusion was associated with stage IV disease (hazard ratio [HR], 17.2; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 4.5–66.7; P < 0.001), DFTR (HR, 4.9; 95% CI: 1.2–19.9; P = 0.028) and a long surgery time (HR, 15.4; 95% CI: 4.3–55.5; P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Execution of DP and DFTR as part of an extensive upper abdominal procedure resulted in an acceptable morbidity rate. Pleural effusion, pneumonia and pneumothorax were the most common pulmonary morbidities. The pleural drainage rate was not high enough to justify prophylactic chest tube placement for all the patients. However, patients who underwent DFTR merited special consideration for intraoperative prophylactic drainage.

Primary Surgery or Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy in Advanced Ovarian Cancer: The Debate Continues…

Primary debulking surgery (PDS) followed by platinum-based chemotherapy has been the cornerstone of treatment for advanced ovarian cancer for decades. Primary debulking surgery has been repeatedly identified as one of the key factors in improving survival in patients with advanced ovarian cancer, especially when minimal or no residual disease is left behind. Achieving these results sometimes requires extensive abdominal and pelvic surgical procedures and consultation with other surgical teams. Some clinicians who propose a primary chemotherapy approach reported an increased likelihood of leaving no macroscopic disease after surgery and improved patient-reported outcomes and quality-of-life (QOL) measures. Given the ongoing debate regarding the relative benefit of PDS versus neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT), tumor biology may aid in patient selection for each approach. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy offers the opportunity for in vivo chemosensitivity testing. Studies are needed to determine the best way to evaluate the impact of NACT in each individual patient with advanced ovarian cancer. Indeed, the biggest utility of NACT may be in research, where this approach provides the opportunity for the investigation of predictive markers, mechanisms of resistance, and a forum to test novel therapies.

Potential Application of Dual-Energy CT in Gynecologic Cancer: Initial Experience

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this article is to review the use of dual-energy CT (DECT) in the assessment of gynecologic cancer.

CONCLUSION

DECT has the potential to improve diagnostic performance, may improve the ability to differentiate between simple cystic lesions and primary ovarian cancer, and may also improve the detection of musculoskeletal and liver metastases. Additional studies will be needed to determine the direction of future developments and the degree to which DECT will affect the imaging and management of gynecologic cancer.

Intraperitoneal chemotherapy after interval debulking surgery for advanced-stage ovarian cancer: Feasibility and outcomes at a comprehensive cancer center

OBJECTIVES

Intraperitoneal (IP)-based chemotherapy following primary debulking surgery (PDS), although associated with substantial toxicity, is supported by a strong evidence base. We sought to determine feasibility and outcomes of IP chemotherapy after interval debulking surgery (IDS) among patients deemed ineligible for PDS.

METHODS

We identified all patients with high-grade, stage III/IV ovarian cancer treated at our institution with neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) followed by IDS and postoperative chemotherapy from 1/2008-5/2013. IP and intravenous (IV) regimens were defined; demographic and clinical data were analyzed using appropriate statistics.

RESULTS

Of 128 evaluable patients, 118 (92%) achieved ≤1cm residual disease at IDS and 74 (58%) achieved a complete gross resection (CGR). An IP port was placed in 54/128 patients (42%), with 89% port utilization. Forty-eight (38%) of 128 patients received IP chemotherapy, 17 (13%) weekly IV paclitaxel/q3week carboplatin, and 63 (49%) q3week IV carboplatin/paclitaxel. Patients completed a median of 3 IP cycles (range, 2-6), with 3 (5.5%) of 54 ports removed due to complications. Overall survival (OS) for patients with a CGR treated with IP and weekly IV chemotherapy was 53.2months (range, 24.7-NE), and 44.2months (range, 30.2-NE) with any visible residual disease (p<0.001). Median OS was 53.2months (range, 44.5-NE) for IP-, not reached for weekly IV-, and 34.2months (range, 27.5-49.8) for q3week IV-treated patients (p=0.1).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients administered IP after IDS had a high rate of successful port utilization, with few regimen switches. Oncologic outcomes were optimal in patients with a CGR at IDS, regardless of chemotherapy used.

Impact of Extended Primary Surgery on Suboptimally Operable Patients With Advanced Ovarian Cancer

Objectives

Extensive surgical efforts to achieve an optimal debulking (no residual tumor) in primary surgery of ovarian cancer are today’s criterion standard in gyneco-oncologic surgery. However, it is controversial whether extensive surgery, including resections of metastases in the upper abdomen and bowel resections, is justifiable in patients with not completely operable lesions.

Methods

All patients who had undergone surgery for ovarian cancer in the years 2002 to 2013 at our institution were viewed (n = 472). We retrospectively identified 278 operations for primary ovarian cancer. Ninety-six (35%) of the 278 patients showed postoperative tumor residuals and were included in this study.

Results

Fifty-five (57%) of 96 patients underwent bowel resection, showing significantly higher complication rates (64% vs 39% minor complications, P = 0.017; 31% vs 9.8% severe complications, P = 0.013) compared with patients without bowel resections as well as no improvement in progression-free or overall survival (median overall survival, 19.5 vs 32.9; P = 0.382). Multiple anastomoses (≥2) were associated with higher rates for anastomotic leakage (16.7% vs 2.6%, P = 0.02) and a higher mortality (16.7% vs 0%, P = 0.04) compared with patients with only 1 anastomosis. Extensive surgery of the upper abdomen was not associated with a significant increase in complication rates.

Conclusions

Because of the increased morbidity of bowel resections without any evidence for improvement of survival, we suggest to restrain from further resection of intestines if an optimal debulking seems not feasible after removal of the major tumor bulk.

Characteristics of 10-year survivors of high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma

OBJECTIVE

High-grade serous carcinoma (HGSC) generally presents at an advanced stage with poor long-term (LT) survival. Here we describe clinical features found in women surviving HGSC for ten or more years.

METHODS

A multi-center research consortium was established between five participating academic centers. Patient selection criteria included high-grade serous ovarian, fallopian tube, or peritoneal carcinoma with at least ten years of follow up. Non-serous, borderline tumors and low-grade serous subtypes were excluded.

RESULTS

The 203 identified LT ten-year survivors with HGSC were diagnosed at a median age of 57years (range 37-84years). The majority of patients had stage IIIC (72.4%) disease at presentation. Of those who underwent primary cytoreductive surgery, optimal cytoreduction was achieved in 143 (85.6%) patients. After a median follow up of 144months, 88 (46.8%) patients did not develop recurrent disease after initial treatment. Unexpected findings from this survey of LT survivors includes 14% of patients having had suboptimal cytoreduction, 11% of patients having an initial platinum free interval of <12months, and nearly 53% of patients having recurrent disease, yet still surviving more than ten years after diagnosis.

CONCLUSIONS

LT survivors of HGSC of the ovary generally have favorable clinical features including optimal surgical cytoreduction and primary platinum sensitive disease. The majority of patients will develop recurrent disease, however many remained disease free for more than 10years. Future work will compare the clinical features of this unusual cohort of LT survivors with the characteristics of HGSC patients having less favorable outcomes.

Characteristics of 10-year survivors of high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma

OBJECTIVE

High-grade serous carcinoma (HGSC) generally presents at an advanced stage with poor long-term (LT) survival. Here we describe clinical features found in women surviving HGSC for ten or more years.

METHODS

A multi-center research consortium was established between five participating academic centers. Patient selection criteria included high-grade serous ovarian, fallopian tube, or peritoneal carcinoma with at least ten years of follow up. Non-serous, borderline tumors and low-grade serous subtypes were excluded.

RESULTS

The 203 identified LT ten-year survivors with HGSC were diagnosed at a median age of 57years (range 37-84years). The majority of patients had stage IIIC (72.4%) disease at presentation. Of those who underwent primary cytoreductive surgery, optimal cytoreduction was achieved in 143 (85.6%) patients. After a median follow up of 144months, 88 (46.8%) patients did not develop recurrent disease after initial treatment. Unexpected findings from this survey of LT survivors includes 14% of patients having had suboptimal cytoreduction, 11% of patients having an initial platinum free interval of <12months, and nearly 53% of patients having recurrent disease, yet still surviving more than ten years after diagnosis.

CONCLUSIONS

LT survivors of HGSC of the ovary generally have favorable clinical features including optimal surgical cytoreduction and primary platinum sensitive disease. The majority of patients will develop recurrent disease, however many remained disease free for more than 10years. Future work will compare the clinical features of this unusual cohort of LT survivors with the characteristics of HGSC patients having less favorable outcomes.

Which Surgical Attitude to Choose in the Context of Non-Resectability of Ovarian Carcinomatosis: Beyond Gross Residual Disease Considerations

BACKGROUND

In ovarian cancer, the increased rate of radical surgery comprising upper abdominal procedures has participated to improve overall survival (OS) in advanced stages by increasing the rate of complete cytoreductions. However, in the context of non-resectability, it is unclear whether radical surgery should be considered when it would lead to microscopic but visible disease (≤1 cm). We aimed to compare the survival outcomes among patients with incomplete cytoreduction according to the extent of surgery.

METHODS

Overall, 148 patients presenting with advanced stage ovarian carcinomas were included in this retrospective study, regardless of treatment schedule. These patients were stratified according to the extent of surgery (standard or radical). Complete cytoreduction at the time of debulking surgery could not be carried out in all cases.

RESULTS

Among our study population (n = 148), 96 patients underwent standard procedures (SPs) and 52 underwent radical surgeries (RP). Patients in the SP group had a lower Peritoneal Index Cancer (PCI) at baseline (12.6 vs. 14.9; p = 0.049). After PCI normalization, we observed similar OS in the SP and RP groups (39.7 vs. 43.1 months; p = 0.737), while patients in the SP group had a higher rate of residual disease >10 mm (p < 10(-3)). Patients in the RP group had an increased rate of relapse (p = 0.005) but no difference in disease-free survival compared with the SP group (22.2 for SP vs. 16.3 months; p = 0.333). Residual disease status did not impact survival outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

In the context of non-resectable, advanced stage ovarian cancer, standard surgery seems as beneficial as radical surgery regarding survival outcomes and should be considered to reduce surgery-associated morbidity.

Radical surgery versus standard surgery for primary cytoreduction of bulky stage IIIC and IV ovarian cancer: an observational study

Background

The aim of this study was to evaluate the survival benefit of radical surgery with additional extensive upper abdominal procedures (EUAS) for the treatment of stage IIIC and IV ovarian cancer with bulky upper abdominal disease (UAD).

Methods

An observational study was conducted between 2009 and 2012 involving two different surgical teams. Team A was composed of the “believers” in EUAS and Team B the “non-believers” in EUAS. Patients were divided into a radical surgery group (EUAS group) or a standard surgery group (non-EUAS group) according to whether or not they had received EUAS. All patients underwent primary cytoreductive surgery with the goal of optimal debulking (≤1 cm); this was reviewed in the pelvis, middle abdomen, and upper abdomen. The baseline for the two groups was optimal cytoreduction in both the pelvis and middle abdomen. Progression-free survival (PFS) was evaluated.

Results

Radical surgery was performed in 70.7 % (82/116) and 12.7 % (30/237) of the patients by Teams A and B, respectively. The study groups had similar clinicopathologic characteristics. The median PFS and OS were significantly improved in the radical surgery group, compared with standard surgery groups (PFS: 19.5 vs. 13.3 months, HR: 0.61; 95 % CI: 0.46–0.80, P < 0.001; OS: not reached vs. 39.3 months, HR: 0.47; 95 % CI: 0.30–0.72, P < 0.001). Positive predictors of complete cytoreduction were treatment with neoadjuvant chemotherapy, improved American Society of Anesthesiologists performance status, and the absence of bowel mesenteric carcinomatosis.

Conclusions

Radical surgery lengthens the PFS and overall survival times of ovarian cancer patients with bulky UAD. However, a well-designed randomized trial is needed to confirm the present results.

The Prognostic Role of Optimal Cytoreduction in Advanced, Bowel Infiltrating Ovarian Cancer

AIM

In locally advanced ovarian cancer with bowel involvement appropriate surgical treatment is still controversial. Objective was to delineate factors to select those most likely to benefit from radical surgery in patients with locally advanced ovarian cancer.

METHODS

Therefore, we retrospectively evaluated 207 consecutive patients with primary stage IIB-IV ovarian cancer who underwent primary surgery between 2000 and 2007. Every patient received stage-related surgery and adjuvant platinum-based chemotherapy. Median follow-up was 53.5 months. Data collected included stage, histology, extent of cytoreduction and type of bowel resection. Univariate survival analyses were performed to investigate variables associated with outcome.

RESULTS

Optimal cytoreduction (OCR) (R ≤ 1 cm) was achieved in 76.8%. Most patients presented histologic grade 2/3 (96.6%), serous ovarian cancers (84.1%) and lymph node involvement (52.2%). Complete cytoreduction (R = 0 mm) has significant best prognostic impact in FIGO IIB-IV (p = .026). Regarding bowel involvement, bowel resection was performed in 82 patients (39.6%). In this subgroup of patients complete cytoreduction led to significant better overall survival than R > 0 mm-1 cm, even in FIGO IIIC-IV patients (p = .027); this fact is independent of bowel resection. Noticeably, for survival bowel resection achieving residual tumor mass below 1 cm was also one main prognostic factor and even recurrence rate was associated with residual tumor mass.

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggest that the major prognostic factor in patients with advanced ovarian cancer needing colorectal resection is completeness of cytoreduction. Therefore, in advanced ovarian cancer patients, multivisceral surgery is indicated to achieve OCR (R ≤ 1 cm) with or without bowel resection with best prognostic impact.