Effect of neoadjuvant chemotherapy on platinum resistance in stage IIIC and IV epithelial ovarian cancer

A nomogram to predict platinum-sensitivity and survival outcome in women with advanced epithelial ovarian cancer

OBJECTIVE

This study presents the development and validation of a nomogram aimed at predicting platinum-sensitivity and survival outcomes in women with advanced epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Data from a retrospective cohort of women diagnosed with stage III/IV EOC between Jan 2011 and Dec 2021 treated at our institute were collected. Clinical and pathological characteristics were analyzed using logistic regression analysis to identify independent predictors of platinum-sensitivity. Impact on progression-free (PFS) and overall survival (OS) was determined by Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression analysis. A nomogram was constructed based on the significant predictors, and its performance was evaluated using calibration, discrimination, and validation analyses.

RESULTS

Of the 210 patients, 139 (66.19%) had platinum-sensitive and 71 (33.81%) were platinum-resistant disease. On multivariate analysis, platinum-resistance correlated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy (OR 2.15; 95% CI 1.10-4.21), clear cell/mucinous histology (OR 5.04; 95% CI 2.20-11.54), and sub-optimal debulking status (OR 3.37; 95% CI 1.44-7.91). Median PFS and OS were also significantly shorter for patients with neoadjuvant chemotherapy (23 vs. 10 months and 69 vs. 29 months, respectively), clear cell/mucinous histology (15 vs. 3 months and 63 vs. 11 months, respectively), and suboptimal debulking (26 vs. 5 months and 78 vs. 24 months, respectively). The nomogram demonstrated good predictive accuracy for platinum-sensitivity in the cohort as indicated by high concordance index of 0.745. Calibration plots showed excellent agreement and internal validation further confirmed the reliability of the nomogram's performance.

CONCLUSION

A novel predictive nomogram based on type of initial treatment, histology, and debulking status was developed, which provides a friendly and reliable tool for predicting platinum-sensitivity and survival outcomes in women with advanced EOC. Its application may assist clinicians in individualizing treatment decisions.

Related Clinical Factors of Platinum-Based Chemotherapy Resistance in Patients with Epithelial Ovarian Cancer

OBJECTIVE

Ovarian cancer is the second most common malignancy in women, but it is a fatal gynecological tumor. Although it has a standard treatment regimen, resistance to chemotherapy makes patients more prone to early recurrence, leading to poor survival rates. Therefore, this study investigated factors related to platinum resistance through a complete analysis of clinical data.

DESIGN

Clinical data of patients with ovarian cancer were collected, and the patients were categorized into platinum-sensitive and platinum-resistant groups. By comparing the differences in clinical data between the groups, the key factors affecting platinum resistance were analyzed.

PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS

We collected the clinical data of patients with epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) who were admitted to the Department of Oncology of the General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University between January 1, 2019, and December 31, 2020. We conducted univariate and multivariate analyses and evaluated overall survival and progression-free survival using the Kaplan-Meier method.

RESULTS

We enrolled 161 patients with EOC, of whom 124 demonstrated platinum sensitivity and 37 demonstrated platinum resistance after the initial platinum-based chemotherapy. Univariate analyses revealed that the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage, neoadjuvant chemotherapy, and Fagotti score were associated with an increased risk of platinum resistance for the first recurrence. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, only Fagotti score and neoadjuvant chemotherapy were associated with an increased risk of platinum resistance (odds ratio: 0.372 and 0.328, 95% confidence interval: 0.160-0.863 and 0.141-0.762, p = 0.021 and 0.010, respectively).

LIMITATIONS

The sample size of this study was relatively small because of nonstandard treatment of some patients, the absence of clinical data, and failure of follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with EOC exhibiting platinum resistance had a very poor prognosis. The Fagotti score and neoadjuvant chemotherapy appeared to increase the risk of platinum resistance at first recurrence.

Comparison end-to-end anastomosis with ostomy after secondary surgical cytoreduction for recurrent high-grade serous ovarian cancer: observational single-center study

We conducted an observational single-center cohort study on patients with recurrent high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma that underwent secondary surgical cytoreduction with extent of partial ileectomy and/or colectomy, followed by adjuvant chemotherapy (Paclitaxel-Carboplatin). All patients performed previously primary debulking surgery without residual disease, followed by three cycles of adjuvant chemotherapy. The aim of this study was to compare survival in patients with ostomy or end-to-end anastomosis that underwent secondary cytoreduction. Furthermore, we investigated the morbidity, the rate, timing and complications of the ostomy or end-to-end anastomosis after secondary cyto-reduction.

Does the primary treatment sequence affect post-relapse survival in recurrent epithelial ovarian cancer? A real-world multicentre retrospective study

OBJECTIVE

To explore the impact of the primary treatment sequence (primary debulking surgery, PDS, versus neoadjuvant chemotherapy and interval debulking surgery, NACT-IDS) on post-relapse survival (PRS) and recurrence characteristics of recurrent epithelial ovarian cancer (REOC).

DESIGN

Real-world retrospective study.

SETTING

Tertiary hospitals in China.

POPULATION

A total of 853 patients with REOC at International Federation of Gynaecology and Obstetrics stages IIIC-IV from September 2007 to June 2020. Overall, 377 and 476 patients received NACT-IDS and PDS, respectively.

METHODS

Propensity score-based inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) was performed to balance the between-group differences.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Clinicopathological factors related to PRS.

RESULTS

The overall median PRS was 29.3 months (95% CI 27.0-31.5 months). Multivariate analysis before and after IPTW adjustment showed that NACT-IDS and residual R1/R2 disease were independent risk factors for PRS (p < 0.05). Patients with diffuse carcinomatosis and platinum-free interval (PFI) ≤ 12 months had a significantly worse PRS (p < 0.001). Logistic regression analysis revealed that NACT-IDS was an independent risk factor for diffuse carcinomatosis (OR 1.36, 95% CI 1.01-1.82, p = 0.040) and PFI ≤ 12 months (OR 1.59, 95% CI 1.08-2.35, p = 0.019). In IPTW analysis, NACT-IDS was still significantly associated with diffuse carcinomatosis (OR 1.29, 95% CI 1.05-1.58, p = 0.015) and PFI ≤ 12 months (OR 1.90, 95% CI 1.52-2.38, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The primary treatment sequence may affect the PRS of patients with REOC by altering the recurrence pattern and PFI duration.

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.

Residual tumor and primary debulking surgery vs interval debulking surgery in stage IV epithelial ovarian cancer

INTRODUCTION

It is debated whether women with FIGO (International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics) Stage IV epithelial ovarian cancer should be offered primary debulking surgery (PDS) or interval debulking surgery (IDS). Furthermore, the impact of complete resection of intra-abdominal disease (R0) despite their extra-abdominal metastases is questioned. The objective of this study was to investigate the impact of intra-abdominal residual tumor, Stage IVA vs IVB, the localization and number of metastases defining Stage IV disease on overall survival (OS) comparing PDS and IDS in FIGO Stage IV epithelial ovarian cancer.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We included 2091 women registered with Stage IIIC-IV ovarian cancer in the Danish Gynecological Cancer Database during 2009-2016. The impact of residual tumor was evaluated using univariate and multivariate analyses.

RESULTS

In total, 681 patients had stage IV disease, of whom 26% underwent PDS, 38% IDS, and 36% chemotherapy only. Overall survival for PDS and IDS were similar. Patients achieving R0 at PDS showed a tendency towards a higher OS than patients achieving R0 at IDS, though the difference was non-significant. In women with Stage IVA and IVB disease there was a survival benefit in achieving R0 both when treated with PDS and IDS. Women with Stage IVB disease treated with chemotherapy only had a significantly lower OS than patients achieving R0 at both PDS and IDS. Malignant pleural effusion and having five metastatic sites compared with having one was associated with a poorer OS.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study shows similar OS in patients with Stage IV disease treated with IDS compared with PDS. Complete intra-abdominal tumor resection improves the prognosis in both PDS and IDS in Stage IV ovarian cancer. Malignant pleural effusion seems to be a negative prognostic factor and should have more focus in future studies.

Efficacy of neoadjuvant hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy in advanced high-grade serous ovarian cancer (the NHIPEC trial): study protocol for a randomised controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) is an important treatment option for patients with ovarian cancer. Although intravenous NACT can improve optimal resection rates and decrease surgical morbidity and mortality, these advantages do not translate into a survival benefit. Ovarian carcinoma is mainly confined to the peritoneal cavity, which makes it a potential target for hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC). Our previous study showed that HIPEC could be used in the neoadjuvant setting, which was named neoadjuvant HIPEC (NHIPEC). Since hyperthermia is an excellent chemosensitiser, we hypothesised that the combination of NHIPEC and intravenous NACT could show superior efficacy to intravenous NACT alone.

METHODS

This study is a single-centre, open-label, randomised (1:1 allocation ratio) phase 2 trial. A total of 80 patients will be randomly assigned into an experimental group (NHIPEC+intravenous NACT) or a control group (intravenous NACT). Patients in the experimental group will receive NHIPEC following laparoscopic evaluation, and four tubes will be placed via the laparoscopic ports, which will be used to administer NHIPEC. Then, perfusion with docetaxel (60-75 mg/m2) will be performed (43°C for 60 min, Day 0) followed by cisplatin (75 mg/m2, Day 1) infusion (43°C for 60 min) 24 hours later. After NHIPEC, two cycles of intravenous NACT will be given. Patients in the control group will receive three cycles of intravenous NACT. The primary endpoint is the proportion of patients who achieve a Chemotherapy Response Score (CRS) of 3 according to the CRS system. The secondary endpoints include progression-free survival, overall survival and the rates of complete resection and NHIPEC-related adverse events.

ETHICS APPROVAL AND DISSEMINATION

This study was approved by the Ethics Committee of Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital (approval number: 2020-ky-050). Results will be submitted to peer-reviewed journals and presented at national and international conferences.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

ChiCTR2000038173.

Clinicopathologic predictors of early relapse in advanced epithelial ovarian cancer: development of prediction models using nationwide data

OBJECTIVE

To identify clinicopathologic factors predictive of early relapse (platinum-free interval (PFI) of ≤6 months) in advanced epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) in first-line treatment, and to develop and internally validate risk prediction models for early relapse.

METHODS

All consecutive patients diagnosed with advanced stage EOC between 01-01-2008 and 31-12-2015 were identified from the Netherlands Cancer Registry. Patients who underwent cytoreductive surgery and platinum-based chemotherapy as initial EOC treatment were selected. Two prediction models, i.e. pretreatment and postoperative, were developed. Candidate predictors of early relapse were fitted into multivariable logistic regression models. Model performance was assessed on calibration and discrimination. Internal validation was performed through bootstrapping to correct for model optimism.

RESULTS

A total of 4,557 advanced EOC patients were identified, including 1,302 early relapsers and 3,171 late or non-relapsers. Early relapsers were more likely to have FIGO stage IV, mucinous or clear cell type EOC, ascites, >1 cm residual disease, and to have undergone NACT-ICS. The final pretreatment model demonstrated subpar model performance (AUC = 0.64 [95 %-CI 0.62-0.66]). The final postoperative model based on age, FIGO stage, pretreatment CA-125 level, histologic subtype, presence of ascites, treatment approach, and residual disease after debulking, demonstrated adequate model performance (AUC = 0.72 [95 %-CI 0.71-0.74]). Bootstrap validation revealed minimal optimism of the final postoperative model.

CONCLUSION

A (postoperative) discriminative model has been developed and presented online that predicts the risk of early relapse in advanced EOC patients. Although external validation is still required, this prediction model can support patient counselling in daily clinical practice.

Total parietal peritonectomy performed during interval cytoreductive surgery for advanced epithelial serous ovarian cancer results in a low incidence of platinum resistant recurrence- results of a prospective multi-centre study

BACKGROUND

The reported incidence of platinum resistant recurrence (PRR) (recurrence within 6 months of the last dose of platinum therapy) after interval debulking/cytoreductive surgery (CRS) is high compared to that after primary CRS. The goal was to study PRR following a total parietal peritonectomy (TPP), that addresses occult disease more completely.

METHODS

This is a prospective multi-center study (CTRI/2018/08/015350). A TPP was performed during interval CRS following a fixed surgical protocol. Patients with a follow-up of 6 months(M) or more were included in this analysis. The incidence and patterns of PRR and factors affecting recurrence were analyzed.

RESULTS

From July 2018 to October 2019, 70 patients with serous carcinoma were included. The median surgical PCI was 15 [range 5-37]. A CC-0 resection was obtained in 55 (78.5%); CC-1 in 10 (14.2%). Occult residual disease was seen in 40%. At a median follow-up of 13 months, 17 (24.2%) had developed recurrence/progression. PRR was seen in 5 (7.1%) patients. The sites of progression (>1 in 2 patients) were pleura (n = 1), visceral peritoneum (n = 2), retroperitoneal nodes (n = 2), mediastinal nodes (n = 1) and small bowel mesentery (n = 2). Overall, though the most common site of recurrence was the visceral peritoneum (N = 9), seven (>40%) patients did not develop recurrence in the visceral peritoneum. Patients with high PCI and grade 3-4 complications had a higher probability of developing recurrence.

CONCLUSIONS

TPP performed during interval CRS resulted in a very low incidence of PRR. These findings need confirmation in a larger series. The benefit of TPP over conventional surgery should be evaluated in a randomized trial.

Development of Machine Learning Models to Predict Platinum Sensitivity of High-Grade Serous Ovarian Carcinoma

To support the implementation of individualized disease management, we aimed to develop machine learning models predicting platinum sensitivity in patients with high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma (HGSOC). We reviewed the medical records of 1002 eligible patients. Patients' clinicopathologic characteristics, surgical findings, details of chemotherapy, treatment response, and survival outcomes were collected. Using the stepwise selection method, based on the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) values, six variables associated with platinum sensitivity were selected: age, initial serum CA-125 levels, neoadjuvant chemotherapy, pelvic lymph node status, involvement of pelvic tissue other than the uterus and tubes, and involvement of the small bowel and mesentery. Based on these variables, predictive models were constructed using four machine learning algorithms, logistic regression (LR), random forest, support vector machine, and deep neural network; the model performance was evaluated with the five-fold cross-validation method. The LR-based model performed best at identifying platinum-resistant cases with an AUC of 0.741. Adding the FIGO stage and residual tumor size after debulking surgery did not improve model performance. Based on the six-variable LR model, we also developed a web-based nomogram. The presented models may be useful in clinical practice and research.

The added value of CA125 normalization before interval debulking surgery to the chemotherapy response score for the prognostication of ovarian cancer patients receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy for advanced disease

Objective: To investigate whether CA125 normalization following neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) can complement the chemotherapy response system (CRS) in the prognostication of patients with tubo-ovarian high-grade serous carcinoma (HGSC). Methods: In total, 118 HGSC patients who received NACT followed by interval debulking surgery (IDS) for FIGO stage IIIC-IV disease were included, and their clinical data were retrospectively reviewed. The primary endpoint was progression-free survival (PFS). Cox regression analysis was performed to identify predictors of PFS. Results: Following NACT, CRS3 was noted in 35 patients (29.7%), and CA125 normalization (≤ 35 U/ml) was noted in 54 patients (45.8%). Both CRS3 and CA125 normalization were identified as independent prognosticators of PFS. Combining these two factors, we stratified the 106 patients into three groups with different risks of recurrence: low-risk group (CRS3 + post-NACT CA125≤ 35 U/ml; n = 17, 14.4%), intermediate-risk group (CRS3 + post-NACT CA125 > 35 U/ml; n = 19, 16.1%) and high-risk group (CRS1-2; n= 82, 69.5%). The differences in PFS between the three groups were significant (log-rank test, P < 0.0001). In Cox regression analyses, the new stratification method was found to have an independent prognostic effect. Conclusion: Both the CRS system and the normalization of CA125 following NACT could reliably predict the risk of recurrence following primary treatment. The combination of the two factors refined the prognostic stratification of HGSC patients who were treated with NACT and IDS.

Neoadjuvant treatment for newly diagnosed advanced ovarian cancer: where do we stand and where are we going?

Newly diagnosed high grade serous epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) patients are treated with radical surgery followed by adjuvant platinum and taxane combination chemotherapy. In EOC patients where upfront surgery is contraindicated for medical reasons (e.g., comorbidities or poor performance status), or where complete cytoreduction cannot be achieved, neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) prior to interval debulking surgery (IDS), and adjuvant chemotherapy is an alternative therapeutic option. There is currently a lack of consensus about who are the best candidates to receive NACT, and some authors have even suggested that this approach could be harmful in a subset of patients via promotion of early chemoresistance. Standard and novel imaging techniques together with a better molecular characterization of the disease have the potential to improve selection of patients, but ultimately well designed randomised clinical trials are needed to guide treatment decisions in this setting. The advent of new and effective treatment options (antiangiogenics and PARP inhibitors), now approved for use in the first line and relapse settings has opened the way to clinical trials aiming to investigate these agents as substitute or in addition to chemotherapy in the neoadjuvant setting in molecularly selected EOC patients. Here, we will review the evidence supporting the use of NACT in newly diagnosed EOCs, data highlighting the importance of its use in selected patients, new imaging methodologies and biomarkers that can guide patient selection.

Identification of Ovarian Cancer Patients Most Likely to Achieve Chemotherapy Response Score 3 Following Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy: Development of a Predictive Nomogram

Background: The chemotherapy response score (CRS) system is a reproducible prognostic tool for patients receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) for tubo-ovarian high-grade serous carcinoma (HGSC). Achieving CRS 3 following NACT can be used as a surrogate for progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). This study aimed to identify predictors of CRS 3 and develop a predictive nomogram.

Methods: Data were extracted from 106 HGSC patients receiving NACT. Logistic regression was used to identify independent predictors for CRS 3. A nomogram was established based on the multivariate regression model.

Results: All patients received three cycles of NACT, and CRS 3 was observed in 24 (22.6%) patients. Compared with patients in the CRS 1–2 group, patients in the CRS 3 groups had significantly improved PFS (log-rank test P < 0.0001). The multivariate regression analysis identified post-NACT CA125, percent decrease in CA125, post-NACT human epididymis protein 4 (HE4), and post-NACT hemoglobin level as independent predictors of CRS 3. The Hosmer-Lemeshow test showed goodness-of-fit of this regression model (P = 0.272). The nomogram including these factors presented good discrimination (area under the curve = 0.82), good calibration (mean absolute error = 0.039), and a net benefit within the threshold probabilities of CRS 3 > 5%.

Conclusions: We validated the prognostic role of the CRS system and developed a nomogram that predicts the possibility of CRS 3 following NACT. The nomogram helps to identify patients who would benefit the most from NACT. More studies are warranted to validate this model.

Low expression of NCALD is associated with chemotherapy resistance and poor prognosis in epithelial ovarian cancer

Background

Low expression of NCALD(neurocalcin delta) in peripheral blood of ovarian cancer patients predicts poor prognosis. However, the molecular mechanism of NCALD in ovarian cancer and its relationship with chemotherapy outcomes is unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential signaling pathways of NCALD and to evaluate its ability to predict chemotherapy outcomes and prognosis.

Methods

High-throughput RNA sequencing data were downloaded from TCGA. GSEA explored the potential signaling pathways of NCALD. The expression of NCALD in chemotherapy sensitive and chemotherapy resistant ovarian cancer patients was detected by TCGA data and clinical samples. ROC analysis confirmed the ability of NCALD to predict chemotherapy outcomes. The association between NCALD expression and prognosis in ovarian cancer patients was assessed using Kaplan-Meier plotter.

Results

In patients with NCALD overexpression, genes expression related to ERK1 / 2 signaling pathway, NF-kappaB signaling pathway, TGF-β signaling pathway and immune response pathway was increased, especially ERK1 / 2 signaling pathway. The expression of NCALD in chemoresistant patients was significantly lower than chemosensitive patients. In TCGA data and immunohistochemical samples, the AUC of NCALD expression predicting chemotherapy outcome was 0.59 and 0.64, respectively. In clinical samples, low expression of NCALD was associated with poor OS and PFS.

Conclusions

NCALD may activate the ERK1 / 2 signaling pathway in ovarian cancer. As a new biomarker of chemotherapy sensitivity, NCALD was significantly down-regulated in chemotherapy resistance ovarian cancer patients. Low expression of NCALD in ovarian cancer is associated with poor OS and PFS. In the future, further research will be needed on the potential mechanism and clinical application value of NCALD in ovarian cancer.

Preoperative serum levels of HE4 and CA125 predict primary optimal cytoreduction in advanced epithelial ovarian cancer: a preliminary model study

Objective

The aim of this study is to establish a noninvasive preoperative model for predicting primary optimal cytoreduction in advanced epithelial ovarian cancer by HE4 and CA125 combined with clinicopathological parameters.

Methods

Clinical data including preoperative serum HE4 and CA125 level of 83 patients with advanced epithelial ovarian cancer were collected. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and overall accuracy of each clinical parameter were calculated. The Predictive Index score model and the logistic model were constructed to predict the primary optimal cytoreduction.

Results

Optimal surgical cytoreduction was achieved in 62.65% (52/83) patients. Cutoff values of preoperative serum HE4 and CA125 were 777.10 pmol/L and 313.60 U/ml. (1) Patients with PIV ≥ 6 may not be able to achieve optimal surgical cytoreduction. The diagnostic accuracy, NPV, PPV and specificity for diagnosing suboptimal cytoreduction were 71, 100, 68, and 100%, respectively. (2) The logistic model was: logit p = 0.12 age − 2.38 preoperative serum CA125 level − 1.86 preoperative serum HE4 level-2.74 histological type-3.37. AUC of the logistic model in the validation group was 0.71(95%CI 0.54–0.88, P = 0.025). Sensitivity and specificity were 1.00 and 0.44, respectively.

Conclusion

Age, preoperative serum CA125 level and preoperative serum HE4 level are important non-invasive predictors of primary optimal surgical cytoreduction in advanced epithelial ovarian cancer. Our PIV and logistic model can be used for assessment before expensive and complex predictive methods including laparoscopy and diagnostic imaging. Further future clinical validation is needed.

Clonal Evolution of TP53 c.375+1G>A Mutation in Pre- and Post- Neo-Adjuvant Chemotherapy (NACT) Tumor Samples in High-Grade Serous Ovarian Cancer (HGSOC)

Carboplatin/paclitaxel is the reference regimen in the treatment of advanced high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) in neo-adjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) before interval debulking surgery (IDS). To identify new genetic markers of platinum-resistance, next-generation sequencing (NGS) analysis of 26 cancer-genes was performed on paired matched pre- and post-NACT tumor and blood samples in a patient with stage IV HGSOC treated with NACT-IDS, showing platinum-refractory/resistance and poor prognosis. Only the TP53 c.375+1G>A somatic mutation was identified in both tumor samples. This variant, associated with aberrant splicing, was in trans configuration with the 72Arg allele of the known germline polymorphism TP53 c.215C>G (p. Pro72Arg). In the post-NACT tumor sample we observed the complete expansion of the TP53 c.375+1G>A driver mutant clone with somatic loss of the treatment-sensitive 72Arg allele. NGS results were confirmed with Sanger method and immunostaining for p53, BRCA1, p16, WT1, and Ki-67 markers were evaluated. This study showed that (i) the splice mutation in TP53 was present as an early driver mutation at diagnosis; (ii) the mutational profile was shared in pre- and post-NACT tumor samples; (iii) the complete expansion of a single dominant mutant clone through loss of heterozygosity (LOH) had occurred, suggesting a possible mechanism of platinum-resistance in HGSOC under the pressure of NACT.

Evaluating the benefits of neoadjuvant chemotherapy for advanced epithelial ovarian cancer: a retrospective study

Objective

To compare the chemoresistance and survival in patients with stage IIIC or IV epithelial ovarian cancer who were treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) followed by interval debulking surgery (IDS) or primary debulking surgery (PDS). The clinical characteristics of patients who benefited from NACT were further evaluated.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed 220 patients who underwent NACT followed by IDS or PDS from January 2002 to December 2016. Differences in clinicopathological features, chemoresistance and prognosis were analyzed.

Results

The incidence rate for optimal cytoreduction and chemoresistance in the NACT group was relatively higher than PDS group. No differences were observed in progression free survival or overall survival. Patients without macroscopic RD in NACT group (NACT-R0) had a similar prognosis compared to those in PDS group who had RD<1 cm, and a relatively better prognosis compared to the PDS group that had RD ≥ 1 cm. The survival curve showed that patients in NACT-R0 group that were chemosensitive seemed to have a better prognosis compared to patients in PDS group that had RD.

Conclusion

Patients without RD after PDS had the best prognosis, whereas patients with RD after NACT followed by IDS had the worst. However, even if patients achieved no RD, their prognosis varied depending on chemosensitivity. Survival was better in patients who were chemosensitive compared to thosewho underwent PDS but had RD. Hence evaluating the chemosensitivity and feasibility of complete cytoreduction in advance is crucial.

Feasibility and safety of neoadjuvant laparoscopic hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy in patients with advanced stage ovarian cancer: a single-center experience

Objectives

For patients with advanced ovarian cancer, neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) can significantly increase the rate of optimal cytoreduction. However, this does not translate into a survival benefit. The aim of this study was to investigate the feasibility and effect of neoadjuvant laparoscopic hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (NLHIPEC).

Methods

Between March 2016 and February 2018, 14 patients with advanced ovarian cancer who were not candidates for optimal cytoreduction via primary debulking surgery (PDS) received NLHIPEC. Their clinical data were retrospectively analyzed.

Results

No patients experienced intraoperative complications during NLHIPEC. Grade 3 adverse events (AEs) were noted in two (14.3%) patients, and all patients received planned NACT without dose delay or dose reduction. Following NACT, CA125 levels <35 U/mL and <20 U/mL were observed in six (42.9%) patients and five (35.7%) patients, respectively. All patients underwent interval debulking surgery (IDS) after the last NACT cycle. After IDS, R0 resection was achieved in 10 (71.4%) patients without intraoperative injury, and one (7.1%) patient developed a grade 3 AE. During a median follow-up time of 16 months, no patients died of disease, and the median progression-free survival (PFS) was not achieved. Progression was noted in six (42.9%) patients (range, 9–21 months).

Conclusions

NLHIPEC appears to be a feasible option for ovarian cancer patients who have a low likelihood of achieving optimal cytoreduction during PDS.

IGF1R predicts better survival in high-grade serous epithelial ovarian cancer patients and correlates with hCtr1 levels

Aim: To evaluate the potential of IGF1R as a prognostic marker for high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) patients. Patients & methods: The expression levels of IGF1R and drug transporters (ABCB1, hCtr1) were measured longitudinally in chemo-naive and chemo-treated tumor samples from 19 HGSOC patients, and their correlation with the clinical outcome was examined. Results: IGF1R expression was significantly upregulated in treated tumor samples, which positively correlated with hCtr1 levels. Patients with metastatic tumors with IGF1R expression higher than median showed better overall survival (median not reached) and disease-free survival (26.7 months) than those with less than median expression (overall survival: 27.5 months [p = 0.029]; disease-free survival: 11.9 months [p = 0.014]). Conclusion: IGF1R prognosticates prolonged survival in HGSOC patients, possibly due to its positive correlation with hCtr1.

Neoadjuvant therapy in gynaecological malignancies: What pathologists need to know

In recent times, there has been a growing tendency to treat advanced gynaecological malignancies with neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT), with the goal of reducing tumour volume and enhancing operability resulting in optimal cytoreduction. This approach is used in particular for patients with advanced high-grade serous carcinoma of the ovary, fallopian tube or peritoneum. Pathology plays a crucial role in the management of these patients, both before and after NACT. Prior to initiation of NACT, a biopsy should be performed, usually of the omental cake, to confirm that a malignancy is present, to identify the site of origin of the tumour and to type and grade the tumour. Histopathologists must be aware of the resultant morphological effects of NACT when examining specimens following interval cytoreduction surgery. Tumour typing and grading, and even the identification of residual neoplasia, are particular challenges. Immunohistochemistry, when used judiciously, can be a useful adjunct in certain scenarios. A pathological assessment of the response to chemotherapy, and the pathological stage should be provided in the pathology report, as these may inform prognosis and subsequent management. We present a comprehensive overview of the relevant clinical and pathological aspects pertaining to NACT for gynaecological malignancies for the practicing surgical pathologist.

Evaluation of various kinetic parameters of CA-125 in patients with advanced-stage ovarian cancer undergoing neoadjuvant chemotherapy

Various kinetic parameters of serum CA-125 have been reported to have better correlation with outcomes for patients treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC). This study aimed to compare the available kinetic parameters of serum CA-125 in an external cohort of advanced-stage ovarian cancer. Using the cancer registry databases from the Yonsei Cancer Hospital, we retrospectively reviewed 210 patients with advanced-stage ovarian cancer, treated with NAC followed by interval debulking surgery. We compared area under the receiver-operating characteristics curves (AUCs), false negative rate, and negative predictive value (NPV) using 10 different models for optimal cytoreduction and platinum resistance. In addition, we compared incremental AUC for progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). No gross residual tumor was observed in 37.0% and residual tumors <1 cm in 82.2% of patients. No model using CA-125 kinetic parameters had an AUC higher than >0.6 for predicting optimal cytoreduction. After adjusting for age, BMI, disease stage, and histologic subtypes, all models had an AUC >0.70 for predicting platinum resistance. However, no model had a high enough NPV (highest value = 82.0%) to avoid chemotherapy futility. For survival outcomes, no model had an incremental AUC >0.70 for predicting either PFS or OS. None of the proposed serum CA-125 kinetic parameters showed high accuracy in predicting optimal cytoreduction, platinum resistance, or survival in patients receiving NAC. For advanced-stage ovarian cancer treated with NAC, there is a need to discover reliable biomarkers to better stratify patient response groups for optimal treatment decision-making.

Prognostic significance of platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio in patients with ovarian cancer: A meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) has been found to predict clinical outcomes in borderline ovarian tumours and the other genital neoplasms. However, its prognostic value in patients with ovarian cancer remains controversial. The aim of this study was to assess its prognostic value in ovarian cancer.

METHODS

We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE and the Cochrane databases to identify studies evaluating the prognostic significance of pretreatment PLR in ovarian cancer. The end points were overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS). Pooled hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using fixed-effects/random-effects models.

RESULTS

A total of 11 studies comprising 3574 patients with ovarian cancer were included. The random-effects meta-analysis demonstrated that patients with elevated PLR had shorter OS (HR: 1.48, 95% CI: 1.24-1.76, P < .001) and PFS (HR: 1.38, 95% CI: 1.17-1.63, P < .001). The negative prognostic impact of high PLR on OS and PFS remained substantial in Asian populations, patients with PLR ≥ 200 and studies with NOS score ≥ 7.

CONCLUSIONS

Elevated pretreatment PLR could be an unfavourable prognostic factor for clinical outcomes in patients with ovarian cancer.

The role of neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by interval debulking surgery in advanced ovarian cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials and observational studies

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to performed a meta-analysis and systematic review on the role of neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by interval debulking surgery (NACT-IDS) in advanced ovarian cancer (AOC) patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We searched PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library for relevant articles. All statistical analyses were performed in Review Manager 5.3.5.

RESULTS

In two randomized controlled trials (RCTs), there was no significant difference in overall survival (OS) (HR = 0.93, 95% CI: 0.81-1.06) or progression-free survival (PFS) (HR = 0.97, 95% CI: 0.86-1.09). Few adverse events (HR = 0.37, 95% CI: 0.19-0.72) and a high optimal debulking surgery rate (HR = 1.69, 95% CI: 1.50-1.91) were observed with NACT. In 22 observational studies, primary debulking surgery (PDS) yielded better OS (HR = 1.38, 95% CI: 1.19-1.60) but not progression-free survival (PFS) (HR = 1.03, 95% CI: 0.86-1.23). An increased optimal cytoreduction rate (HR = 1.17, 95% CI: 1.12-1.22) was observed with NACT. Irrespective of the degree of residual disease, OS was longer in the PDS group than that in the NACT group. Patients with FIGO stage III (HR = 1.43, 95% CI: 1.05-1.95) and IV (HR = 1.14, 95% CI: 1.06-1.23) disease had better survival with PDS.

CONCLUSIONS

Treatment with NACT-IDS improves perioperative outcomes and optimal cytoreduction rates, but it may not improve OS. NACT-IDS is not inferior to PDS-CT in terms of survival outcomes in selected AOC patients. Future studies should focus on candidate selection for NACT.

Surgery for patients with newly diagnosed advanced ovarian cancer: which patient, when and extent?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Cytoreduction to no residual disease is the mainstay of primary treatment for advanced epithelial ovarian cancer (AdvEOC). This review addresses recent insights on optimal patient selection, timing, and extent of surgery, intended to optimize cytoreduction in patients with AdvEOC.

RECENT FINDINGS

Clinical guidelines recommend primary cytoreductive surgery (PCS) for AdvEOC patients with a high likelihood of achieving complete cytoreduction with acceptable morbidity. In line with this, preoperative prediction markers such as cancer antigen-125, histologic and genomic factors, innovative imaging modalities, and the performance of a diagnostic laparoscopy have been suggested to improve clinical decision-making with regard to optimal timing of cytoreductive surgery. To determine whether these strategies should be incorporated into clinical practice validation in randomized clinical trials is essential.

SUMMARY

The past decade has seen a paradigm shift in the number of AvdEOC patients that are being treated with upfront neoadjuvant chemotherapy instead of PCS. However, although neoadjuvant chemotherapy may reduce morbidity at the time of interval cytoreductive surgery, no favorable impact on survival has been demonstrated and it may induce resistance to chemotherapy. Therefore, optimizing patient selection for PCS is crucial. Furthermore, surgical innovations in patients diagnosed with AvdEOC should focus on improving survival outcomes.

Anti-tumor and chemosensitization effects of Cryptotanshinone extracted from Salvia miltiorrhiza Bge. on ovarian cancer cells in vitro

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Cryptotanshinone, a natural compound isolated from the roots of Salvia miltiorrhiza Bge. (Danshen), is a commonly used traditional Chinese medicine to treat high blood pressure in some countries. It has been shown that Cryptotanshinone induces cancer cells apoptosis and impairs cell migration and invasion. However, the antiproliferation and chemosensitization effects of Cryptotanshinone on ovarian cancer and the underlying mechanism are not fully elucidated.

AIM OF STUDY

In this study, we evaluated the inhibitory effect of Cryptotanshinone on ovarian cancer cells and explored the underlying molecular mechanism. Additionally, the chemosensitization potential of Cryptotanshinone was evaluated in combination with cisplatin.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

MTT assay was used for cell viability assessment of ovarian cancer A2780 cells treated with Cryptotanshinone and/ or cisplatin. Flow cytometry was used for apoptosis analysis. Wound healing and transwell assays were used for migratory and invasive potential assessment of Cryptotanshinone-treated ovarian cancer cells. Western blot was used to investigate proteins involved in the mechanisms for metastasis and apoptosis. γH2AX immunocytochemistry was used to detect DNA damage in A2780 cells exposed to Cryptotanshinone and/or cisplatin.

RESULTS

Cryptotanshinone significantly induced ovarian cancer A2780 cells apoptosis by activating caspase cascade. Additionally, wound healing and transwell assays revealed that Cryptotanshinone could suppress migration and invasion of ovarian cancer cells and dramatically inhibited MMP-2 and MMP-9 expression. Furthermore, Cryptotanshinone could sensitize A2780 cells to cisplatin treatment in a dose-dependent manner.

CONCLUSION

Our data confirmed the anti-tumor effect of Cryptotanshinone on ovarian cancer cells and provided new findings that Cryptotanshinone could sensitize ovarian cancer cells to chemotherapy.