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Gupta S, Ahuja S, Kalwaniya DS, Shamsunder S, Solanki S. Vulval premalignant lesions: a review article. Obstet Gynecol Sci 2024; 67:169-185. [PMID: 38262367 PMCID: PMC10948211 DOI: 10.5468/ogs.23274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Revised: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 01/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia (VIN) is a noninvasive squamous lesion that is a precursor of vulvar squamous cell cancer. Currently, no screening tests are available for detecting VIN, and a biopsy is performed to confirm the clinical diagnosis. Despite sharing many risk factors with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia, the diagnosis of VIN is poses challenges, contributing to its increasing prevalence. This study aimed to analyze the underlying risk factors that contribute to the development of VIN, identify specific populations at risk, and define appropriate treatment approaches. Differentiated VIN (dVIN) and usual VIN (uVIN) are the classifications of VIN. While dVIN is associated with other vulvar inflammatory disorders, such as lichen sclerosis, the more prevalent uVIN is associated with an underlying human papillomavirus infection. Patients with differentiated VIN have an increased risk of developing invasive malignancies. Few effective surveillance or management techniques exist for vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia, a preinvasive neoplasm of the vulva. For suspicious lesions, a thorough examination and focused biopsy are necessary. Depending on the specific needs of each patient, a combination of surgical and medical approaches can be used.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sumedha Gupta
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Vardhman Mahavir Medical College and Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi,
India
| | - Sana Ahuja
- Department of Pathology, Vardhman Mahavir Medical College and Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi,
India
| | - Dheer Singh Kalwaniya
- Department of General Surgery, Vardhman Mahavir Medical College and Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi,
India
| | - Saritha Shamsunder
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Vardhman Mahavir Medical College and Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi,
India
| | - Shalu Solanki
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Vardhman Mahavir Medical College and Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi,
India
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Alimena S, Davis J, Fichorova RN, Feldman S. The vaginal microbiome: A complex milieu affecting risk of human papillomavirus persistence and cervical cancer. Curr Probl Cancer 2022; 46:100877. [PMID: 35709613 DOI: 10.1016/j.currproblcancer.2022.100877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2022] [Revised: 05/13/2022] [Accepted: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of this review is to describe the existing literature regarding the relationship between the vaginal microbiome, human papillomavirus persistence, and cervical cancer risk, as well as to discuss factors that mediate these relationships. Data suggest that alterations in the vaginal microbiome affect the risk of human papillomavirus infection and persistence, which has downstream effects on cervical dysplasia and cancer risk. The homeostatic Lactobillus species L. crispatus, L. gasseri, L. jensenii act to promote a healthy vaginal environment, while L. iners and pathogens causing bacterial vaginosis are associated with increased inflammation, human papillomavirus infection, cervical dysplasia, and potentially cancer. There are, however, still several large gaps in the literature, particularly related to the modifiable and non-modifiable factors that affect the vaginal microbiome and ensuing risk of pre-cancerous and cancerous lesions. Evidence currently suggests that endogenous and exogenous hormones, tobacco products, and sexual practices influence vaginal microbiome composition, but the nuances of these relationships and how changes in these factors affect dysplasia risk are yet to be delineated. Other studies examining how diet, exercise, race, socioeconomic status, and genetic factors influence the vaginal microbiome are difficult to interpret in the setting of multiple confounders. Future studies should focus on how changes in these modulatory factors might promote a healthy vaginal microbiome to prevent or treat dysplasia in the lower female genital tract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Alimena
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA.
| | | | - Raina N Fichorova
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Sarah Feldman
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
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Nelson TM, Borgogna JC, Michalek RD, Roberts DW, Rath JM, Glover ED, Ravel J, Shardell MD, Yeoman CJ, Brotman RM. Cigarette smoking is associated with an altered vaginal tract metabolomic profile. Sci Rep 2018; 8:852. [PMID: 29339821 PMCID: PMC5770521 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-14943-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2017] [Accepted: 10/18/2017] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Cigarette smoking has been associated with both the diagnosis of bacterial vaginosis (BV) and a vaginal microbiota lacking protective Lactobacillus spp. As the mechanism linking smoking with vaginal microbiota and BV is unclear, we sought to compare the vaginal metabolomes of smokers and non-smokers (17 smokers/19 non-smokers). Metabolomic profiles were determined by gas and liquid chromatography mass spectrometry in a cross-sectional study. Analysis of the 16S rRNA gene populations revealed samples clustered into three community state types (CSTs) ---- CST-I (L. crispatus-dominated), CST-III (L. iners-dominated) or CST-IV (low-Lactobacillus). We identified 607 metabolites, including 12 that differed significantly (q-value < 0.05) between smokers and non-smokers. Nicotine, and the breakdown metabolites cotinine and hydroxycotinine were substantially higher in smokers, as expected. Among women categorized to CST-IV, biogenic amines, including agmatine, cadaverine, putrescine, tryptamine and tyramine were substantially higher in smokers, while dipeptides were lower in smokers. These biogenic amines are known to affect the virulence of infective pathogens and contribute to vaginal malodor. Our data suggest that cigarette smoking is associated with differences in important vaginal metabolites, and women who smoke, and particularly women who are also depauperate for Lactobacillus spp., may have increased susceptibilities to urogenital infections and increased malodor.
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Affiliation(s)
- T M Nelson
- Department of Animal and Range Sciences, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT, USA
| | - J C Borgogna
- Department of Animal and Range Sciences, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT, USA
| | | | - D W Roberts
- Department of Ecology, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT, USA
| | - J M Rath
- Department of Behavioral and Community Health, University of Maryland School of Public Health, College Park, MD, USA
- Truth Initiative, Washington DC, USA
| | - E D Glover
- Department of Behavioral and Community Health, University of Maryland School of Public Health, College Park, MD, USA
| | - J Ravel
- Institute for Genome Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - M D Shardell
- Translational Gerontology Branch, National Institute on Aging, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - C J Yeoman
- Department of Animal and Range Sciences, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT, USA.
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT, USA.
| | - R M Brotman
- Institute for Genome Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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Clinical Characteristics Associated With Development of Recurrence and Progression in Usual-Type Vulvar Intraepithelial Neoplasia. Int J Gynecol Cancer 2013; 23:1476-83. [DOI: 10.1097/igc.0b013e3182a57fd6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
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van Esch EMG, Welters MJP, Jordanova ES, Trimbos JBMZ, van der Burg SH, van Poelgeest MIE. Treatment failure in patients with HPV 16-induced vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia: understanding different clinical responses to immunotherapy. Expert Rev Vaccines 2012; 11:821-40. [PMID: 22913259 DOI: 10.1586/erv.12.56] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Failure of the immune system to launch a strong and effective immune response to high-risk HPV is related to viral persistence and the development of anogenital (pre)malignant lesions such as vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia (VIN). Different forms of immunotherapy, aimed at overcoming the inertia of the immune system, have been developed and met with clinical success. Unfortunately these, in principal successful, therapeutic approaches also fail to induce clinical responses in a substantial number of cases. In this review, the authors summarize the traits of the immune response to HPV in healthy individuals and in patients with HPV-induced neoplasia. The potential mechanisms involved in the escape of HPV-induced lesions from the immune system indicate gaps in our knowledge. Finally, the interaction between the immune system and VIN is discussed with a special focus on the different forms of immunotherapy applied to treat VIN and the potential causes of therapy failure. The authors conclude that there are a number of pre-existing conditions that determine the patients' responsiveness to immunotherapy. An immunotherapeutic strategy in which different aspects of immune failure are attacked by complementary approaches, will improve the clinical response rate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edith M G van Esch
- Department of Gynecology, Leiden University Medical Center, PO Box 9600, 2300 RC, Leiden, The Netherlands
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Santoso JT, Crigger M, English E, Wan J, Likes W. Smoking cessation counseling in women with genital intraepithelial neoplasia. Gynecol Oncol 2012; 125:716-9. [PMID: 22366589 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygyno.2012.02.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2012] [Revised: 02/02/2012] [Accepted: 02/14/2012] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Cigarette smoking is a risk factor for cervical, vaginal, vulvar, and anal dysplasia. We will study the prevalence of cigarette smoking in patients with genital dysplasia and effect of counseling on smoking cessation. METHODS All patients with genital dysplasia were screened for smoking history. One clinician provided smoking cessation counseling using the US Department of Health 5 A's technique: ask patients about their smoking status, advise smokers to quit, assess their readiness to quit, assist with their smoking cessation effort, and arrange for follow-up visits. Patients were informed on how smoking may cause worsening of genital dysplasia and increased risk of progression to cancer. Each patient received 2 counseling sessions, but no pharmacological or psychological interventions. Smoking cessation was evaluated by patient self-report via phone or during clinic visits. RESULTS From January 2007 to December 2010, 344 patients were referred to our gynecologic oncology clinic for evaluation of genital dysplasia. Patients who were smokers (n=125, 36%) were counseled to cease smoking in 2 counseling sessions, with 100% compliance for attendance. At study analysis (July 2011), 83 patients still smoke and 40 patients quit smoking (smoking cessation rate of 32%). Caucasian patients (P=.0013) and patients with vulvar dyplasia (P=.411) seemed to smoke more than other races and patients with cervical/vaginal dysplasia respectively. CONCLUSION Smoking cessation counseling for the genital dysplasia patients who smoked was associated with smoking cessation in 32% of the patients.
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Li X, Zhu L, Gu Y, Jin H, Wang C, Lang J. A multicenter study of the clinical characteristics of usual-type vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia in China. Int J Gynaecol Obstet 2012; 117:18-22. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijgo.2011.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2011] [Revised: 11/10/2011] [Accepted: 12/20/2011] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
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Human Papillomavirus and Warts. Integr Med (Encinitas) 2012. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-1-4377-1793-8.00058-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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Terlou A, Kleinjan A, Beckmann I, Heijmans-Antonissen C, van Seters M, Santegoets LAM, van Beurden M, Helmerhorst TJM, Blok LJ. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs do not interfere with imiquimod treatment for usual type vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia. Int J Cancer 2011; 128:2463-9. [PMID: 20658529 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.25573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Imiquimod has been shown to be an effective treatment for usual type vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia (uVIN). Since local inflammation and burning are common side effects, patients often use nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Our study investigated whether NSAID-use, which has been documented to inhibit the cell-mediated immune response, interferes with the outcome of imiquimod treatment. Monocyte-derived dendritic cells (moDCs) and Langerhans cells (moLCs) were cultured in the presence of NSAIDs. The expression of relevant surface markers (CD80, CD86, CD40, HLA-DR, CCR6 and CCR7), stimulatory function, and cytokine production were evaluated. Furthermore, we analyzed in uVIN patients whether frequent NSAID-use had an effect on the clinical response and on immunocompetent cell counts before and after imiquimod treatment. Although an effect was observed on the expression of moDC and moLC maturation markers, NSAIDs did not affect the ability of moDCs and moLCs to stimulate allogeneic T-cell proliferation, or the production of cytokines in an allogeneic T-cell stimulation assay. In agreement with this, in uVIN patients treated with imiquimod, no interference of frequent NSAID-use with clinical outcome was observed. However, we did notice that high CD1a(+) and CD207(+) cell counts in frequent NSAID-users before treatment seemed to predict a favourable response to imiquimod treatment. Our data indicate that NSAID-use does not seem to interfere with moDC and moLC function and does not interfere with immunomodulatory properties of imiquimod in uVIN patients. Therefore, NSAIDs can safely be used to reduce imiquimod side effects in uVIN patients during treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annelinde Terlou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
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Abstract
The diagnosis and management of chronic vulvovaginal disease requires attention to several issues. Psychological factors are usually important, because women worry about malignancy, impaired sexuality and self-image, fertility, and sexually transmitted diseases. Multifactorial processes are common due to the risk of secondary candidiasis, contact dermatitis, effects of low estrogen in postmenopausal women and women on oral contraceptives, and so forth. Undertreatment of inflammatory dermatoses is common, because clinicians use topical corticosteroids that are of inadequate potency and for insufficient duration. All of these issues must be considered for optimal benefit in the therapy of chronic vulvovaginal diseases.
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