The significance of comprehensive staging surgery in malignant ovarian germ cell tumors

What are the short- and long-term abdominal consequences of an omentectomy? A systematic review

This review provides an overview regarding the abdominal effects of an omentectomy, with or without extra-peritoneal reconstructions. In general, reported complication rates were low. Short-term complications involved ileus, bowel stenosis, abdominal abscess and sepsis (range 0.0%-23%). Donor-site hernia was mainly reported as long-term complication (up to 32%) and negligible gastrointestinal complications were observed. However, the level of evidence and methodological quality are quite low with a maximum of 8.5 years follow-up.

Spontaneous pregnancy after fertility-sparing surgery and adjuvant chemotherapy for advanced pure dysgerminoma: A case report

Key Clinical Message

Fertility-sparing surgery and appropriate adjuvant chemotherapy for advanced malignant ovarian germ cell tumors have excellent survival results and promising reproductive and obstetric outcomes.

Abstract

This case report aims to demonstrate the potential feasibility and success of fertility-sparing surgery (FSS) coupled with adjuvant chemotherapy in treating advanced malignant ovarian germ cell tumor (MOGCT), focusing on pure dysgerminoma, fertility, and achieving spontaneous pregnancy. The patient was a 23-year-old female who initially presented with complaints of abdominal distension and a palpable mass and was subsequently diagnosed with advanced MOGCT. The patient provided a complete clinical and radiological response to FSS with complete surgical staging and cisplatin-based chemotherapy (bleomycin, etoposide, and cisplatin). Despite being diagnosed with advanced MOGCT and treated with FSS and adjuvant chemotherapy, she later experienced spontaneous pregnancy, giving birth to a healthy child. This case study demonstrated the potential for successful fertility preservation and pregnancy in advanced-stage MOGCT patients treated with personalized treatment approaches. Nevertheless, a broader investigation is needed to understand the relevant complex dynamics and to ascertain whether FSS with adjuvant chemotherapy could be a reliable approach in treating advanced MOGCT.

Fertility-sparing approach to malignant ovarian germ cell tumors - Oncologic and obstetric outocome: A retrospective study

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate oncologic (such as disease-free and overall survival) and obstetric outcomes in patients diagnosed with malignant ovarian germ cell tumors (MOGCTs).

METHODS

Patients diagnosed with MOGCTs between March 2007 and February 2022 were evaluated and patients who underwent fertility sparing surgery were included in this retrospective study. The obstetric and oncologic outcomes were evaluated by collecting data up until the patient's last follow-up visit from the hospital records and patient files. The study was approved by Başkent University Institutional Review Board (KA23/124).

RESULTS

Seventy FSS patients were included in this study. The median age of the patients was 22.5 years (range: 11-37). The median follow-up time was 92.0 months (10-189). Immature teratoma was the most common histological subtype (32.9%). Bilateral involvement was detected in only one patient with immature teratoma (1.4%). The 5-year DFS rates of immature teratoma, dysgerminoma, yolk sac, and mixed germ cell histologic types were 91.1%, 94.1%, 82.4%, and 88.9%, respectively (P: 0.716). The 5-year OS rates of the same histologic types were 95.7%, 100%, 88.2%, and 88.9%, respectively (P = 0.487). All patients (100%) had a regular menstrual cycle after the completion of adjuvant treatment. The mean time between the last chemotherapy and menstruation was 4.38 months. To date, a total of 34 patients tried to conceive after the completion of disease treatment. A total of 23 (67.6%) patients conceived, resulting in 27 live births in 22 (100%) patients.

CONCLUSION

Fertility preservation should be the first treatment option in MOGCTs in young patients due to the unilateral involvement of the disease and its chemosensitive nature.

Outcome of patients with stage I immature teratoma after surveillance or adjuvant chemotherapy

Objective

Immature teratomas are rare malignant ovarian germ cell tumours, typically diagnosed in young women, where fertility-sparing surgery is the treatment of choice. The role of adjuvant chemotherapy in stage I disease remains controversial. We evaluated the impact of surveillance versus chemotherapy on the recurrence rate in stage I immature teratomas.

Methods

We collected a single centre retrospective series of patients with stage I immature teratomas treated with fertility-sparing surgery at San Gerardo Hospital, Monza, Italy, between 1980 and 2019. Potential risk factors for recurrence were investigated by multivariate logistic regression.

Results

Of the 74 patients included, 12% (9/74) received chemotherapy, while 88% (65/74) underwent surveillance. Median follow-up was 188 months. No difference in recurrence was found in stage IA/IB and IC immature teratomas [10% (6/60) vs. 28.6% (4/14) (P=0.087)], grade 1, grade 2, and grade 3 [7.1% (2/28) vs. 14.3% (4/28) vs. 22.2% (4/18) (p=0.39)], and surveillance versus chemotherapy groups [13.9% (9/65) vs. 11.1% (1/9)) (p = 1.00)]. In univariate analysis, the postoperative approach had no impact on recurrence. The 5-year disease-free survival was 87% and 90% in the surveillance and chemotherapy groups, respectively; the overall survival was 100% in both cohorts.

Conclusions

Our results support the feasibility of surveillance in stage I immature teratomas. Adjuvant chemotherapy may be reserved for relapses. However, the potential benefit of chemotherapy should be discussed, especially for high-risk tumours. Prospective series are warranted to confirm our findings.

What is already known on this topic

To date, no consensus has been reached regarding the role of adjuvant chemotherapy in stage I immature teratomas of the ovary. Some studies suggest that only surveillance is an acceptable choice. However, guidelines are not conclusive on this topic.

What this study adds

No difference in terms of recurrence was observed between the surveillance and the adjuvant chemotherapy group. All patients who relapsed were successfully cured with no disease-related deaths.

How this study might affect research practice or policy

Adjuvant chemotherapy should be appropriately discussed with patients. However, it may be reserved for relapse according to our data.

Prognostic factors for pure ovarian immature teratoma and the role of adjuvant chemotherapy in stage I diseases

BACKGROUND

The prognostic factors for patients with pure ovarian immature teratoma (POIT) and the role of adjuvant chemotherapy in stage IA G2-G3 and IB-IC POIT remains controversial.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective study of 155 POIT patients treated in our hospital between 2000 and 2022. The recurrence-free survival (RFS), disease-specific survival (DSS), and potential prognostic factors of POIT patients were evaluated. Subgroup analysis was conducted in stage I other than stage IA G1 POIT.

RESULTS

The median age at diagnosis was 23.0 years (range: 4.0 - 39.0), and 126 (81.3%), 2 (1.3%), 26 (16.8%), and 1 (0.6%) patients had FIGO stage I, stage II, stage III, and stage IV disease, respectively. Twenty-three patients relapsed and five died of the diseases after a median follow-up of 7.6 years, with a 5-year RFS and DSS rate of 86.0% and 97.0%, respectively. Multivariate analysis showed that positive postoperative tumour markers (TM) were the risk factor for recurrence in the overall cohort (hazard ratio [HR] 4.058, 95% CI 1.175 - 14.019, p = 0.027) and subgroup (HR 10.237, 95% CI 2.175 - 48.179, p = 0.003), and FIGO stage II-IV was the only factor for DSS in overall cohort (HR 7.751, 95% CI 1.281 - 46.895, p = 0.026). In 110 patients subjected to subgroup analysis, 29 patients received surveillance without chemotherapy and 81 patients were administered adjuvant chemotherapy. Multivariate analysis revealed active surveillance significantly increased the recurrence rate (5-year RFS of 75.7% vs. 93.6%, HR 7.562, 95% CI 2.441 - 23.424, p < 0.001) but not the death related to POIT (p = 0.338).

CONCLUSION

Positive postoperative TM and FIGO stage II-IV were the prognostic factors for POIT. Active surveillance in stage I POIT of any grade may be practical for those with negative postoperative TM.

Malignant germ cell tumor of fallopian tube with rhabdomyosarcoma: a case report and literature review

BACKGROUND

Mixed germ cell tumors originating from the fallopian tubes are rarely reported, and high-grade rhabdomyosarcoma with differentiated components is even less common. The non-specific clinical manifestations of this tumor are prone to misdiagnosis, and there is still controversy over the treatment plan for this rare differentiated type, and there are limited reports on the prognosis of related diseases.

CASE PRESENTATION

Here, we report a 34-year-old woman who presented to our hospital with abdominal pain for two weeks and aggravated for two days. After completing relevant examinations, she underwent transabdominal resection of large tubal masses on the left side of the tube + pelvic lymph node dissection + abdominal paraaortic lymph node dissection + right ovarian cyst excision + greater omentectomy + multipoint peritoneal biopsy. hematoxylin-eosin (H&E) and immunohistochemical (IHC) staining were performed on the surgically resected specimens to further determine the type and nature of the tumor, and 3 cycles of Bleomycin + Etoposide + Cisplatonum (BEP) chemotherapy and 1 cycle of EP(Etoposide + Cisplatonum) chemotherapy were given after surgery.

CONCLUSION

Up to now, regular follow-up of the patient's tumor markers and imaging showed no abnormalities, the general condition is good, and the tumor free survival time has reached 24 months.

Prognosis of lymphadenectomy in malignant ovarian germ cell tumor

Background and objectives

The routine application of lymphadenectomy remains a controversial part of surgical staging in malignant ovarian germ-cell tumor (MOGCT). Thus, studies are needed to explore the prognostic significance of lymphadenectomy in MOGCT. The goal of this retrospective study was to report the clinical outcomes of lymph node dissection (LND) and non-LND in MOGCT surgeries.

Measurements and main results

A total of 340 cases of MOGCTs were included: 143 patients (42.1%) had LND and 197 (57.9%) had no LND. The OS rates at 5 years in the LND and non-LND group were 99.3% vs. 100%, respectively. The DFS rates at 5 years in the LND and non-LND group were 88.8% vs. 88.3%. Forty-three patients (12.6%) were successfully pregnant during the postoperative follow-up. There were 44 recurrences (12.9%) and six deaths (1.8%). Stage was an independent prognostic factor for DFS in the multivariate analysis. Pathology was reported as an independent prognostic factor associated with OS in the multivariate analysis.

Conclusion

Lymphadenectomy had no significant influence on the OS (P=0.621) or disease-free survival rate (P=0.332) of patients with MOGCT.

Assessment of prognostic and reproductive outcomes of omentectomy for patients with clinically apparent early-stage (I, II) malignant ovarian germ cell tumours: A multicentre retrospective study

OBJECTIVE

This study assessed the effect of omentectomy on the prognosis and fertility in patients with clinically early-stage (I, II) malignant ovarian germ cell tumours (MOGCT).

DESIGN

A retrospective multicentre study.

SETTING

Four university teaching hospitals in China.

POPULATION

A total of 268 patients with clinically apparent early-stage (I, II) MOGCT.

METHODS

Data were obtained from the medical records. Additionally, the propensity score matching (PSM) algorithm was adopted.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Prognostic outcomes were disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS). Fertility outcomes were pregnancy and live birth rates.

RESULTS

A total of 187 (69.8%) patients underwent omentectomy. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed no significant differences in DFS and OS between the omentectomy and non-omentectomy groups before and after PSM (p > 0.05). Additionally, subgroup analysis stratified by age (<18 and ≥18 years) showed similar results. International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage was the only risk factor associated with DFS (hazard ratio [HR] 14.71, 95% confidence interval [CI] 4.47-48.38, p < 0.001) and OS (HR 37.36, 95% CI 3.87-361.16, p = 0.002). Pregnancy and live birth rates in the total population were 80.3% and 66.7%, respectively. There were no significant differences between the two groups before and after PSM.

CONCLUSIONS

Omentectomy did not improve survival or affect fertility in patients with clinically apparent early-stage (I, II) MOGCT, regardless of the age. The clinical FIGO stage was an independent risk factor for recurrence and death.

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.

Ovarian Germ Cell Tumors: Pictorial Essay

Ovarian germ cell tumors of the ovary represent a histologically heterogenous group of tumors with a high incidence at reproductive age. Patients with this pathology are very often young women with amenorrhea. The aim of this article is to present a pictorial essay of this rare pathology and to promote a national tumor registry and protocol. The treatment is individualized according to age, and fertility-sparing surgery is the actual standard of surgical treatment for young patients in early stage of the disease.

Surveillance alone in stage I malignant ovarian germ cell tumors: a MITO (Multicenter Italian Trials in Ovarian cancer) prospective observational study

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to analyze the oncological outcome of stage I malignant ovarian germ cell tumors patients included in the MITO-9 study to identify those who might be recommended routine surveillance alone after complete surgical staging.

METHODS

MITO-9 was a prospective observational study analyzing data collected between January 2013 and December 2019. Three groups were identified: group A included 13 patients stage IA dysgerminoma and IAG1 immature teratoma; group B included 29 patients with stage IB-C dysgerminomas, IA-C G2-G3 immature teratomas and stage IA mixed malignant ovarian germ cell tumors and yolk sac tumors; and group C included five patients (two patients with stage IC1 and one patient with stage IC2 yolk sac tumors and two patients with mixed-stage IC2 malignant ovarian germ cell tumors).

RESULTS

A total of 47 patients with stage I conservatively treated malignant ovarian germ cell tumors were analyzed. Two patients in group B were excluded from the routine surveillance alone group due to positive surgical restaging. Therefore, a total of 45 patients were included in the study. Median follow-up was 46.2 months (range; 6-83). In total, 14 of 45 patients (31.1%) received chemotherapy, while 31 (68.9%%) underwent surveillance alone. One patient in group A, with stage IA dysgerminoma had a relapse, successfully managed with conservative surgery and chemotherapy. None of the patients in group B and C relapsed. All patients were alive at completion of the study. Overall, among 31 patients (68.9%) who underwent surveillance alone, only one patient relapsed but was treated successfully.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data showed that close surveillance alone could be an alternative option to avoid adjuvant chemotherapy in properly staged IB-C dysgerminomas, IA-IC G2-G3 immature teratomas, and IA mixed malignant ovarian germ cell tumors with yolk sac tumor component.

Impact of Lymphadenectomy on Outcomes of Early-Stage Ovarian Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Objective: The study aimed to assess if additional lymphadenectomy with primary staging surgery improves overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) of early-stage ovarian cancer (ESOC).

Methods: PubMed and Embase databases were searched for any type of study comparing OS or DFS between lymphadenectomy and control groups for any type of ESOC. Adjusted hazard ratios (HR) were pooled in a random-effects model.

Results: Twelve studies were included. Meta-analysis indicated that lymphadenectomy is associated with significantly improved OS only for epithelial tumors (HR 0.75 95% CI 0.68, 0.82 I² = 0% p < 0.00001) but not for malignant germ cell tumors (HR 1.31 95% CI 0.88, 1.94 I² = 0% p = 0.18). Single studies indicated a tendency of improved OS with lymphadenectomy which was significant for ovarian carcinosarcoma but not for sex cord-stromal tumors. On meta-regression of all histological types, the percentage of patients with lymph node metastasis in the lymphadenectomy group was not found to influence the effect size. Meta-analysis also indicated that lymphadenectomy is associated with significantly improved DFS for epithelial tumors (HR 0.59 95% CI 0.45, 0.77 I² = 0% p < 0.0001). Single studies on malignant germ cell and sex cord-stromal tumors failed to demonstrate any significant beneficial effect of lymphadenectomy on DFS.

Conclusions: Within the limitations of the review, lymphadenectomy may improve OS and DFS for epithelial ESOC. Scarce data suggest that lymphadenectomy is not associated with improved outcomes for malignant germ cell and sex cord-stromal tumors but may benefit ovarian carcinosarcoma. Large-scale RCTs and robust observational studies shall improve current evidence.

A retrospective analysis of the pattern of care and survival in patients with malignant ovarian germ cell tumors

Objective:

The objective of this study is to evaluate the pattern of care and survival outcome in patients with malignant ovarian germ cell tumors (MOGCTs).

Materials and Methods:

Between January 2004 and August 2017, 50 patients with MOGCT were identified at Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences and 48 included in analyses. Histologic subtypes were as follows: dysgerminoma 11; immature teratoma 16; yolk sac tumor 3; and mixed germ cell tumor 18. 31 (64.6% patients belonged to Stage I and 17 (35.4%) patients were advanced stage (Stage II-IV).

Results:

Median follow-up period was 34 months (range: 1–241 months). The 5- and 10-year disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) for the entire cohort were 87.5% and 94.4%, respectively. DFS and OS of incomplete surgery Stage I patients 28.6% and 68.6%, respectively, were significantly lower than completely staged patients 100%. Out of 8 incomplete surgery patients, 5 recurred of which 2 died of disease within 4 and 9 months of recurrence. There was no survival difference with comprehensive surgical staging (CSS) and pediatric surgical staging (PSS) in Stage I MOGCT (DFS and OS 100%). Stage I dysgerminoma kept on active surveillance after PSS had equivalent survival of 100%. There was no survival difference in advanced stage MOGCT treated with primary debulking surgery and neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) followed by fertility-sparing surgery (DFS and OS 100%).

Conclusion:

Incomplete surgery in Stage I MOGCT was associated with poor survival. There was no survival difference with CSS and PSS. NAC followed by surgery could be a reasonable option for patients of advanced stage MOGCT.

Systemic anti-cancer treatment in malignant ovarian germ cell tumours (MOGCTs): current management and promising approaches

Malignant ovarian germ cell tumours (MOGCTs) are rare. Unlike epithelial ovarian cancer, MOGCTs typically occur in girls and young women. Fertility-sparing surgery and platinum-based chemotherapy remain the standard of care, providing high chance of cure at all stages. Given the lack of high-quality studies in this field, current practice guidelines recommend chemotherapy regimens adopted in testicular germ cell tumours. However, platinum-resistant/refractory MOGCTs retain a worse prognosis in comparison with their male counterpart. Herein, we focus on current systemic anti-cancer treatment options in MOGCTs and promising approaches. Future studies enrolling exclusively female participants or germ cell tumour trials allowing participation of MOGCT patients are strongly recommended in order to improve evidence on existing management and develop novel strategies.

Germinal ovarian tumors in reproductive age women: Fertility-sparing and outcome

MOGCTs (malignant ovarian germ cell tumors) are rare tumors that mainly affect patients of reproductive age. The aim of this study was to evaluate the fertility and survival outcomes in young women with MOCGTs treated with fertility-sparing surgery (FSS).From 2000 to 2018, data from 28 patients of reproductive age with a diagnosis of MOGCT at the University of Bari were collected. Most received FSS, and in patients treated conservatively, the reproductive outcome and survival were investigated. Data of patient demographics, clinical presentation, oncology marker dosage, staging, type of surgery, histological examination, survival, and reproductive outcome were collected from hospital and office charts. All informed consent was obtained from all patients. The median age was 24 (range: 9-45 years). The majority of the patients had stage IIIC. Twenty-four woman received FSS consisting of unilateral ovariectomy and omentectomy, whereas only 4 women, based on their stage (IIIC), received a radical surgery (hysterectomy with bilateral adnexectomy, lymphadenectomy, and omentectomy). Our study shows that FSS in MOGCTs can produce good results both on reproductive outcomes and on survival. Indeed, in our group, there was only 1 case of exitus as result of recurrence. Furthermore, patients after FSS maintained normal ovarian function and 5 of 5 women who tried to get pregnant succeeded spontaneously. The median follow-up was 90 months (range 3-159).Conservative surgery for MOGCTs should be considered for women of reproductive age who wish to preserve fertility.

The impact of lymphadenectomy on prognosis and survival of clinically apparent early-stage malignant ovarian germ cell tumors

OBJECTIVE

To determine the impact of lymphadenectomy (LND) on survival of clinically apparent early-stage malignant ovarian germ cell tumors (MOGCTs).

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed the survival of patients who were diagnosed with the three most common histopathology types of malignant ovarian germ cell tumors (yolk sac tumor, dysgerminoma and immature teratoma) and with clinical stage I and II disease, and treated at Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center between 1 January 1970 and 30 September 2018.

RESULTS

There were 227 stage I, 28 stage II and one stage IIIA cases after surgery. One hundred and twenty-six patients underwent lymphadenectomy and 130 did not. Only one lymph node metastasis (0.8%) was found in the lymphadenectomy group. Two hundred and twenty-four out of 256 patients (87.5%) received postoperative chemotherapy. There were five relapses (4.0%) in the lymphadenectomy group and four (3.1%) in the non-lymphadenectomy group. Median follow-up was 68 months (range, 1-388). The 10-year disease-free survival rate in the lymphadenectomy group and non-lymphadenectomy group were 88.2 and 96.4%, respectively (P = 0.412); the 10-year overall survival rate in the two groups were 95.7 and 98.2%; respectively (P = 0.798). The results showed that lymphadenectomy did not improve patient survival.

CONCLUSIONS

Lymphadenectomy may have little impact on survival in patients with clinically apparent early-stage malignant ovarian germ cell tumors and may be omitted in the surgical treatment.

Molecular Pathways and Targeted Therapies for Malignant Ovarian Germ Cell Tumors and Sex Cord-Stromal Tumors: A Contemporary Review

Non-epithelial ovarian tumors are heterogeneous and account for approximately 10% of ovarian malignancies. The most common subtypes of non-epithelial ovarian tumors arise from germ cells or sex cord and stromal cells of the gonads. These tumors are usually detected at an early stage, and management includes surgical staging and debulking. When indicated for advanced disease, most respond to chemotherapy; however, options for patients with refractory disease are limited, and regimens can be associated with significant toxicities, including permanent organ dysfunction, secondary malignancies, and death. Targeted therapies that potentially decrease chemotherapy-related adverse effects and improve outcomes for patients with chemotherapy-refractory disease are needed. Here, we review the molecular landscape of non-epithelial ovarian tumors for the purpose of informing rational clinical trial design. Recent genomic discoveries have uncovered recurring somatic alterations and germline mutations in subtypes of non-epithelial ovarian tumors. Though there is a paucity of efficacy data on targeted therapies, such as kinase inhibitors, antibody–drug conjugates, immunotherapy, and hormonal therapy, exceptional responses to some compounds have been reported. The rarity and complexity of non-epithelial ovarian tumors warrant collaboration and efficient clinical trial design, including high-quality molecular characterization, to guide future efforts.

Wise Management of Ovarian Cancer: On the Cutting Edge

Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) is the fifth leading cause of cancer mortality among women. Two-thirds of patients present at advanced stage at diagnosis, and the estimated 5 year survival rate is 20-40%. This heterogeneous group of malignancies has distinguishable etiology and molecular biology. Initially, single-gene sequencing was performed to identify germline DNA variations associated with EOC. However, hereditary EOC syndrome can be explained by germline pathogenic variants (gPVs) in several genes. In this regard, next-generation sequencing (NGS) changed clinical diagnostic testing, allowing assessment of multiple genes simultaneously in a faster and cheaper manner than sequential single gene analysis. As we move into the era of personalized medicine, there is evidence that poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitors exploit homologous recombination (HR) deficiency, especially in breast cancer gene 1 and 2 (BRCA1/2) mutation carriers. Furthermore, extensive preclinical data supported the development of aurora kinase (AURK) inhibitors in specific tumor types, including EOC. Their efficacy may be optimized in combination with chemotherapeutic or other molecular agents. The efficacy of metformin in ovarian cancer prevention is under investigation. Certain mutations, such as ARID1A mutations, and alterations in the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT/mTOR pathway, which are specific in ovarian clear cell carcinoma (OCCC) and endometrioid ovarian carcinoma (EnOC), may offer additional therapeutic targets in these clinical entities. Malignant ovarian germ cell tumors (MOGCTs) are rare and randomized trials are extremely challenging for the improvement of the existing management and development of novel strategies. This review attempts to offer an overview of the main aspects of ovarian cancer, catapulted from the molecular mechanisms to therapeutic considerations.

Performance of lymphadenectomy for apparent early stage malignant ovarian germ cell tumors in the era of platinum-based chemotherapy

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the patterns of use and impact of lymphadenectomy (LND) on overall survival (OS) of patients with apparent early stage malignant ovarian germ cell tumors (MOGCTs).

METHODS

Patients with apparent stage I MOGCT diagnosed between 2004 and 2015 were drawn from the National Cancer Database. The performance of LND was assessed from the pathology report. OS was evaluated using Kaplan-Meier curves, and compared with the log-rank test. A multivariate Cox analysis was performed to control for confounders.

RESULTS

A total of 2774 patients were identified; 1426 (51.4%) underwent LND. The median number of lymph nodes (LN) removed was 9 (range 1-81); 48.3% of patients had at least 10 lymph nodes removed. The rate of regional lymph node metastasis was 10.3% (147 patients). There was no difference in OS, between patients who did (n = 1287) and did not (n = 1210) undergo LND, p = 0.81; 5-yr OS rates were 96.5% and 97.6% respectively. After controlling for patient age, insurance status, histology, presence of medical comorbidities, and receipt of chemotherapy, the performance of LND was not associated with better survival (HR: 1.33, 95% CI: 0.82, 2.14).

CONCLUSIONS

While LN metastasis is common in apparent early stage MOGCTs, the performance of LND was not associated with a survival benefit.

Fertility-sparing surgery for patients with malignant ovarian germ cell tumors: 10 years of clinical experience from a tertiary referral center

PURPOSE

To describe a case series of patients with malignant ovarian germ cell tumors (MOGCT) treated exclusively with fertility-sparing surgery (FSS) with or without adjuvant chemotherapy.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the records of 27 patients with MOGCT treated in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Center Zagreb, Croatia, between January 2009 and July 2019.

RESULTS

The median age at diagnosis was 22 years, and the main symptom was abdominal distension (57.0%). The most prevalent histological subtype was immature teratoma (n = 13, 48.1%). Twenty-three patients (85.2%) had laparotomy and 4 (14.8%) had laparoscopy, without conversions. Lymphadenectomy was performed in 16 (59.3%) patients, with 184 removed lymph nodes, and omentectomy was performed in 19 (70.4%) patients. The rate of chemotherapy administration was 81.5%. The follow-up length ranged between 6.30 and 115.1 months (median: 49.60 months). No patient experienced tumor recurrence. The rate of complete gross resection was 100%. At the time of analysis, all patients were alive and disease free. Fifty percent of patients who actively tried to conceive after FSS became pregnant, with 12 deliveries.

CONCLUSION

This study suggests that FSS is a safe treatment option for MOGCT, regardless of tumor stage and histological type.

Trends in the surgical management of malignant ovarian germcell tumors

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate trends in the surgical management of young women and pediatric patients with malignant ovarian germ cell tumors (MOGCTs) and associated survival outcomes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database we identified patients under 40 years who underwent surgery between 1994 and 2014. The Joinpoint Regression Program was employed to investigate the presence of temporal trends and calculate average annual percent change (AAPC) rates. For analysis purposes two age groups were formed; pediatric/adolescent (≤21 yrs) and young adult (22-40 yrs). Histology was categorized into dysgerminoma, immature teratoma, yolk-sac tumor, mixed germ cell tumor and other histology. Cancer specific survival was compared using log-rank tests.

RESULTS

A total of 2238 patients were identified, with median age 21 years. Only 12.4% underwent hysterectomy. One third underwent omentectomy, and one half underwent lymphadenectomy (LND). A decrease in the rate of omentectomy (AAPC: -2.15, 95% CI: -3.4, -0.9) and hysterectomy (AAPC: -3.31, 95% CI: -6.1, -0.4) was observed. There was no change in the rate of LND (AAPC: 0.17, 95% CI: -0.7, 1.1). Pediatric patients were less likely to undergo omentectomy (30.2% vs 35.5%, p < 0.001), hysterectomy (3.5% vs 22%, p < 0.001) and LND (45.6% vs 54.7%, p < 0.001). There were no apparent survival differences according to the performance of hysterectomy, omentectomy or LND, when stratified by early (stage I) and advanced stage (II-IV), (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Pediatric patients with MOGCTs undergo less extensive surgical staging. A trend towards less extensive surgical procedures for young women over time was observed, without an apparent detrimental effect on cancer specific survival.

Persistently elevated alpha-fetoprotein associated with chronic hepatitis B during chemotherapy for malignant ovarian germ cell tumors: a case series and a review of the literature

Background

Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) plays a crucial role in the management of malignant ovarian germ cell tumors (MOGCTs) and is an important reference index for chemotherapy termination. However, a high level of AFP can also be caused by several benign diseases, causing confusion and impacting treatment decisions.

Case presentation

We described four patients who were diagnosed with MOGCTs; the histologic subtype in two of them was mixed MOGCTs (yolk sac tumor with mature teratoma), while the rest was immature teratoma. The serum AFP level of each patient was abnormal before surgery, but it was still persistently elevated around 300 ng/ml even after additional cycles of chemotherapy. All patients were thoroughly evaluated, but we did not find any evidence of disease progression or residual tumors. Liver function tests were normal, whereas serum assays revealed positive of hepatitis B surface antigen, and two patients had a high level of HBV-DNA. They were chronic carriers of hepatitis B virus and never received relevant treatments. Then they were managed with tumor surveillance and the antiviral treatment. Thereafter, the AFP levels presented a slowly decreasing trend.

Conclusions

False elevation of AFP in MOGCTs is a rare condition and should be assessed with a comprehensive evaluation to avoid unnecessary treatments.

Fertility Sparing Management in Non-Epithelial Ovarian Cancer. Which Patients, What Procedure and What Outcome?

Non epithelial ovarian tumors represent a small group of rare gynecological cancers but they have a high incidence in young childbearing women. The recent years fertility preservation surgeries have become a common practice in specific ovarian malignancies when the patients wish to maintain their fertility. Specific types of non-epithelial ovarian tumors can be managed with fertility sparing operations with a similar outcome to more radical intervention but due to the rarity of these tumors the extent of the operation remains in some cases controversial. Moreover, the reproductive outcome of the women that had these conservative operations seems to be very promising. In our review we try to summarize the data regarding the fertility sparing management of all types of non-epithelial ovarian cancers and what procedure should be performed in each case. Finally we have accumulated the data concerning the reproductive outcome of patients that had undergone this type of surgery.

The role of staging and adjuvant chemotherapy in stage I malignant ovarian germ cell tumors (MOGTs): the MITO-9 study

Background

Surgery followed by platinum-based chemotherapy is the standard of care for MOGCTs, except for stage IA dysgerminoma and stage IA grade 1 immature teratoma where surveillance only is recommended. The role of adjuvant chemotherapy and surgical staging is debated.

Patients and methods

Data from 144 patients with stage I MOGTs were collected among MITO centers (Multicenter Italian Trials in Ovarian Cancer) and analyzed.

Results

Fifty-five (38.2%) patients were affected by dysgerminomas, 49 (34%) by immature teratomas, 26 (18.1%) by yolk sac tumors and 14 (9.7%) by mixed tumors. Seventy-three (50.7%) patients receive surgery plus chemotherapy, while 71 (49.3%) patients underwent surgery alone. The latter group included 32 dysgerminomas (14 IA-13 Ix, 3 IB, and 2 IC), 34 immature teratomas (20 1A-13 IA grade 1, 6 Ix, 1 IB, and 7 IC), 4 mixed tumors and 1 yolk sac tumor. Forty-four patients did not received chemotherapy, even if it would have been indicated by recommended approach. 94 (65.3%) patients received peritoneal surgical staging. Twenty-three (15.9%) developed a recurrence. Incomplete surgical staging was associated with recurrence (P < 0.05; OR 2.37) at Cox regression analysis. Seven patients died. Four patients were affected by yolk sac tumors, two by mixed tumors and one by immature teratoma. Five patients died for disease, one for acute leukemia and one for suicide. Prognostic parameter analyses showed that yolk sac component is a predictor for survival (P < 0.05). Five-years OS rates were 96.8% and 88.7% in the surgically staged and the incomplete staged group, respectively, while 93.8% and 94.1% in the standard treatment and in the surveillance group, respectively.

Conclusions

This study shows that surveillance seems not to affect survival; chemotherapy should be reserved for relapse resulting in high cure rate. Incomplete peritoneal surgical staging is associated with recurrence. Yolk sac histology worsens the prognosis.

Is Omentectomy Mandatory Among Early Stage (I, II) Malignant Ovarian Germ Cell Tumor Patients? A Retrospective Study of 223 Cases

Objective

The aim of the study was to investigate whether omentectomy (OMT) is necessary in the operation for apparently early stage malignant ovarian germ cell tumors (MOGCTs).

Methods and Materials

Searching medical records database of Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center from January 1, 1966, to November 30, 2015, patients with MOGCTs were identified and their age, year of diagnosis, tumor grade, histologic subtype, International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics stage, nodal findings, gross observation of omentum, and performance of OMT were assessed. Overall survivals of patients with or without OMT were compared using Kaplan-Meier survival curves.

Results

A total of 223 MOGCT cases with clinically early stage (stage I and II) disease and with the 3 common histological subtypes of MOGCT were obtained, which include yolk sac tumor (YST), dysgerminoma (DSG), and immature teratoma (IMT). There were 192 stage I cases and 31 stage II cases. Fifty-four patients were diagnosed with YST, 61 with DSG, and 108 with IMT. Omentectomy was performed as part of the initial surgery in 74.0% patients (165/223) and was omitted in 26.0% patients (58/223). Chemotherapy was administered in 88.3% (197/223) of all patients. The median follow-up was 82.0 months. The 10-year overall survival rates of the patients with and without OMT were 90.5% and 98.1%, respectively (P = 0.156). Regarding different stages or histological subtypes, the 10-year survival rates of the 2 groups were 92.0% versus 97.9% (P = 0.324, stage I), 83.2% versus 100% (P = 0.351, stage II), 89.2% versus 100% (P = 0.303, YST), 94.1% versus 100% (P = 0.470, DSG), and 89.4% versus 96.0% (P = 0.405, IMT), respectively.

Conclusions

In conclusion, OMT in patients with clinically early stage MOGCT may not improve patient survival and may be omitted.

Management and prognosis of ovarian yolk sac tumors; an analysis of the National Cancer Data Base

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the clinico-pathological characteristics, management and prognosis of women diagnosed with ovarian yolk sac tumors (OYSTs).

METHODS

The U.S National Cancer Data Base was queried for women diagnosed with OYST between 2004 and 2014. Overall survival (OS) was calculated following generation of Kaplan-Meir curves. Univariate analysis was performed with the log-rank test. A Cox model was constructed to determine independent predictors of mortality.

RESULTS

A total of 561 women were identified with a median age of 23years. The majority (58.5%) had early stage (I-II), while 29.6% and 11.9% had stage III and IV disease respectively. Five-year OS for women with stage I, II, III and IV disease were 94.8%, 97.1%, 70.9% and 51.6% respectively, p<0.001. Better 5-yr OS was observed for adolescents (94.4%) and young adults (89.3%) compared to older premenopausal (67.6%) and postmenopausal women (30.6%), p<0.001. Omentectomy, hysterectomy and lymph node sampling/dissection (LND) were not associated with better OS. Women who received adjuvant chemotherapy had superior OS compared to those who did not, p=0.016. Early disease stage, younger age and receipt of adjuvant chemotherapy, but not LND were independently associated with better mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

Women with OYST commonly present with early stage disease. Administration of adjuvant chemotherapy, early stage and younger age are associated with superior outcomes.

Current Strategy for the Treatment of Ovarian Germ Cell Tumors: Role of Extensive Surgery

OPINION STATEMENT

The necessity and extent of comprehensive surgical staging (CSS) and lymphadenectomy in the treatment of malignant ovarian germ cell tumors (MOGCTs) is still controversial. However, it is uniformly agreed that CSS with lymphadenectomy is crucial to follow up patients without adjuvant chemotherapy in stage I MOGCTs. Considering the chemotherapy-sensitive nature of MOGCTs, fertility-sparing cytoreductive surgery (FSCS) seems a reasonable approach in initial treatment for patients with advanced stage. When encountered with bilateral MOGCTs, debulking is surely granted if there is no desire for fertility. Both ovaries completely replaced by neoplastic tissue composed the most challenging situation especially when patients require childbearing potential. In dysgerminoma histology, which usually has good prognosis, residual disease could be left to spare fertility. USO of the largest and more heterogeneous ovarian mass and a biopsy of the contralateral lesion may be considered if the patients are compliant to regular follow-up. NACT followed by interval FSCS may be a reasonable option in patients with extensive disease, when initial debulking is not an option or where the poor general condition or clinical findings suggest an increased risk of surgical morbidity or preclude fertility-sparing surgery. This is currently not the standard of care but deserves future study. In some rare situation, when any remaining ovarian tissue means high risk, BSO may be performed with the uterus preserved for possible assisted reproduction with donor egg. Treatment failure occurs in a small group of MOGCTs after primary treatment. A good number of recurrences can be salvaged with selected salvage surgery, especially when optimal secondary cytoreduction can be achieved. Immature teratoma is a subtype of MOGCTs where secondary cytoreduction may have a strong role to play.

Ovarian cystectomy in the treatment of apparent early-stage immature teratoma

Objective

To investigate the role of ovarian cystectomy in patients with early-stage immature teratoma.

Methods

A retrospective review was undertaken on patients diagnosed pathologically with immature teratoma and with malignant lesions confined to the ovary. Patients were included if they had been treated between January 1997 and December 2015 at the Obstetrics and Gynaecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China. Relevant demographic and clinical data were retrieved from the medical records.

Results

Forty-three patients were included in the study; 14 underwent ovarian cystectomy (group 1) and 29 underwent unilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (USO; group 2). Three of the patients who underwent USO relapsed and required a second surgical intervention. The 5-year disease-free survival rates were 100% and 88%for groups 1 and 2, respectively. There were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of survival or postoperative fertility outcomes. Univariate and multivariate analysis further revealed that ovarian cystectomy was not a poor prognostic indicator for disease-free survival.

Conclusion

These current data suggest that ovarian cystectomy can be considered for patients with apparent early-stage immature teratoma as it preserves fertility as much as possible without adversely impacting upon survival.

Conundrums in the management of malignant ovarian germ cell tumors: Toward lessening acute morbidity and late effects of treatment

One of the most extraordinary stories in the chronicles of gynecologic cancers has been that of malignant ovarian germ cell tumors. Prior to the mid-1960s, most patients died of disease. Fifty years later, most survive. Precisely because high cure rates are achievable, the concentration over the past decade has been on minimizing toxicity and late effects. The present review focuses on five areas of interest related to the management of malignant ovarian germ cell tumors that highlight the different therapeutic strategies practiced by pediatric and gynecologic oncologists: 1) primary surgery, 2) surgery alone (surveillance) for patients with FIGO stage IA disease, 3) postoperative management of FIGO stage IC-III disease, 4) postoperative management of pure immature teratoma, and 5) postoperative management of metastatic pure dysgerminoma. All of these topics share a common overarching theme: Lessening acute morbidity and late effects of treatment.

Prognostic factors for recurrence in early stage adult granulosa cell tumor of the ovary

OBJECTIVE

Adult granulosa cell tumors (AGCTs) account for less than 5 % of all ovarian malignancies, whereas the majority (95 %) occurs after the age of 30 (adult-type) and present at an early stage. Aim of this study is to identify clinical and pathological risk factors for recurrence in early stage AGCTs.

METHODS

Retrospective review of patients with AGCT of the ovary, treated surgically at our institution from 1996 to 2011. Clinical, pathological and follow-up data were collected. Systematic analysis was performed to determine variables for predicting recurrence.

RESULTS

In total, 43 patients were identified. The mean age at diagnosis was 54.3 years and 65.1 % of them were postmenopausal. All patients underwent surgical staging and intraoperative rupture of the tumor occurred in four of them (9.3 %). The majority of the cases were staged as IA (72.1 %) while 10 (23.3 %) were staged as IC and only two patients as IIB. Mitotic index was 4 or more in 34.9 % of the patients and nuclear atypia was moderate to high in 60.5 %. During follow-up period (mean 9.2 years), recurrence occurred in three patients (7 %) with no deaths recorded so far. The cumulative recurrence free rate for the first 2 years was 97.6 % (SE = 2.4 %), for 5 years 94.9 % (SE = 3.5 %) and for 10 years 91.0 % (SE = 5.1 %).Tumor size, stage and mitotic index proved to be independent predictors for recurrence at the multivariate analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

Recurrence in early stage AGCT seems to be associated with stage, tumor size and mitotic index. All the above should be taken into consideration when tailored postoperative management is planned.

Ovarian Yolk Sac Tumor: The Experience of a Regional Cancer Center

Objective

The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinicopathologic characteristics of patients with ovarian yolk sac tumor and the benefit of omentectomy in patients with clinical early-stage disease.

Methods

The medical records of 66 patients with ovarian yolk sac tumor were reviewed retrospectively.

Results

There were 37, 8, 14, and 7 patients with stages I, II, III, and IV disease, respectively. Sixty-five patients received surgery and adjuvant chemotherapy, and 1 had chemotherapy only. The median follow-up was 78 months. The overall 5-year survival rate was 86.0%. Univariate analysis revealed that stage (P = 0 .022), age (P = 0.001), residual tumor (P = 0.036), and satisfactory α-fetoprotein (AFP) decline (defined as normalization of AFP after the first or second cycles of postsurgery chemotherapy, P = 0.006) were significant prognostic factors. Multivariate analysis revealed that satisfactory AFP decline was an independent significant prognostic factor for overall survival (P = 0.028). The postoperative pathology showed that only 1 (2.7%) of 37 patients who received omentectomy without gross spread had omentum metastasis microscopically. The 5-year survival rates were 89.2% and 100.0% for stage I-II patients with (36 cases) or without (9 cases) omentectomy, respectively (P > 0.05). Three of the 7 patients with recurrence were successfully salvaged and lived 38.0, 102.6, and 45.2 months after initial diagnosis.

Conclusions

Postsurgery satisfactory AFP decline was an independent significant prognostic factor for patient survival. Omentectomy might not be of therapeutic significance for clinical stage I-II patients.

Fertility-Preserving Treatments in Patients with Gynecological Cancers: Chinese Experience and Literature Review

We conducted a retrospectively reviewed of the literature published of patients underwent fertility-preserving treatments for cervical, endometrial and ovarian cancers using the WANFANG database in Chinese. A majority were retrospective studies and case reports. With cervical cancer, radical trachelectomy(RT) in combination with pelvic lymphadenectomy could preserve the fertility of patients with early stage IA1-IB1 cancers, Tumor size≤2 cm should be emphasized as the indication of RT in considering of the higher recurrent rate in patients with tumor size>2 cm. For endometrial cancers, there is much experience on it. Given accurate pretreatment assessment, hormonal therapy is feasible management option to preserve fertility in young patients with early stage lesions that limited to the endometrium and well differentiated. High dose progestin have been applied, oral medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA), 250-500 mg/day, megestrol acetate 160-480 mg/day. Other therapies that have been used in a limited number of cases include GnRH analog, intrauterine devices (IUDS) containing progestogen, usually combination of these therapies. All patients should be followed up by ultrasound and/or MRI evaluation, and endometrial curettage at intervals of 3 months. With ovarian cancer, in China, fertility- preserving surgery in patients with stage IA (grade G1) of epithelial ovarian tumor and patients with germ cell tumor and borderline ovarian tumor have been successfully performed.

Malignant ovarian germ cell tumor - role of surgical staging and gonadal dysgenesis

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effect of comprehensive surgical staging and gonadal dysgenesis on the outcomes of patients with malignant ovarian germ cell tumor.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective review of patients with ovarian germ cell tumors who were treated at our institution between 1976 and 2012.

RESULTS

Malignant ovarian germ cell tumors (MOGCTs) were identified in 50 females. The median age was 24 years (range 13 to 49). Of all MOGCT patients, 42% had dysgerminoma, 20% immature teratoma, 16% endodermal sinus tumor, and 22% mixed germ cell tumor. Univariate analyses revealed that the lack of surgical staging (p=0.048) and endodermal sinus tumor (p=0.0085) were associated with disease recurrence, while age at diagnosis, ethnicity, and stage of the disease were not. Multivariate analyses revealed that the lack of surgical staging (p=0.029) and endodermal sinus tumor (p=0.016) were independently associated with disease recurrence. In addition, 7 patients (14%) had 46 XY karyotype, including 6 with pure dysgerminoma and 1 with mixed germ cell tumor. Five had Swyer syndrome and 2 had complete androgen insensitivity syndrome. Concurrent gonadoblastoma was found in 5 of the patients. No difference was found in the mean age at presentation, stage distribution, or recurrence rate for MOGCT patients with or without XY phenotype.

CONCLUSIONS

Comprehensive surgical staging was associated with a lower rate of recurrence. Fourteen percent of phenotypic females with MOGCT and 29% of those with dysgerminoma had XY karyotype. The clinical outcome of these patients is similar to that of MOGCT patients with XX karyotype.

Lymph-node metastasis in stage I and II sex cord stromal and malignant germ cell tumours of the ovary: a systematic review

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this systematic review is to determine the incidence of lymph-node metastasis in clinical stage I and II sex cord stromal tumours and germ cell tumours of the ovary.

METHODS

Relevant articles were identified from MEDLINE and EMBASE and supplemented with citations from the reference lists of the primary studies. Eligibility was determined by two authors. Included studies were prospective or retrospective cohort and cross-sectional studies analysing at least ten patients with clinical early-stage non-epithelial ovarian cancer who underwent lymphadenectomy or lymph-node sampling as part of a staging laparotomy.

RESULTS

For sex cord stromal tumours, five articles including 578 patients were analysed and lymph-node metastasis was not detected in the 86 patients who underwent lymph-node removal. The median number of removed lymph nodes was 13 (range 9-29). For malignant germ cell tumours, three articles were eligible including 2436 patients of whom 946 patients underwent lymph-node resection. The mean number of removed nodes was 10 (range 2-14) with a mean incidence of lymph-node metastasis of 10.9% (range 10.5-11.8%).

CONCLUSIONS

The incidence of lymph-node metastasis in patients with clinical stage I and II sex cord stromal tumours is low, whereas the incidence in patients with clinical stage I-II germ cell tumours is considerable, although limited data are available.