18F-FDG PET and 18F-FDG PET/CT in Vulvar Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Molecular image-guided surgery in gynaecological cancer: where do we stand?

PURPOSE

The aim of this review is to give an overview of the current status of molecular image-guided surgery in gynaecological malignancies, from both clinical and technological points of view.

METHODS

A narrative approach was taken to describe the relevant literature, focusing on clinical applications of molecular image-guided surgery in gynaecology, preoperative imaging as surgical roadmap, and intraoperative devices.

RESULTS

The most common clinical application in gynaecology is sentinel node biopsy (SNB). Other promising approaches are receptor-target modalities and occult lesion localisation. Preoperative SPECT/CT and PET/CT permit a roadmap for adequate surgical planning. Intraoperative detection modalities span from 1D probes to 2D portable cameras and 3D freehand imaging.

CONCLUSION

After successful application of radio-guided SNB and SPECT, innovation is leaning towards hybrid modalities, such as hybrid tracer and fusion of imaging approaches including SPECT/CT and PET/CT. Robotic surgery, as well as augmented reality and virtual reality techniques, is leading to application of these innovative technologies to the clinical setting, guiding surgeons towards a precise, personalised, and minimally invasive approach.

Imaging in Vulval Cancer

Vulval cancer is a rare gynaecological cancer, accounting for 3% of all gynaecological malignancies, with 47,000 cases in 2022 globally. Various imaging modalities are widely used in conjunction with clinical assessment in the diagnosis and staging of vulval cancers; however, there is significant heterogeneity in which modalities are recommended in international guidelines, reflecting the paucity of evidence in this area. We reviewed the current evidence for the role of imaging in vulval cancer. A systematic search of the literature was performed on the PubMed database using the MeSH terms 'vulval neoplasm' and 'diagnostic imaging'. We found that there is insufficient evidence to support the routine use of imaging for primary vulval tumours. For nodal assessment, there is no ideal imaging modality with sensitivity or specificity that is superior to other modalities. For distant metastases, CT CAP and FDG-PET/CT have the most evidence to support their use. In conclusion, the evidence for role of imaging in vulval cancer is limited by the heterogeneity of the study design and diagnostic criteria used in each study and the small sample size and retrospective nature of most studies.

Vulvar Carcinoma: Standard of Care and Perspectives

PURPOSE

Treatment of vulvar carcinoma (VC) is challenging. The objectives of this review were to describe for clinicians the epidemiologic and clinical aspects of VC, the standard of care in terms of primary local treatment and systemic therapies, and the recent innovations and perspectives emerging from translational research in immuno-oncology.

DESIGN

We conducted a comprehensive review outlying the clinical aspects and biologic background of vulvar cancer, highlighting modern treatment strategies on the basis of a personalized approach.

RESULTS

Epidemiologic data showed a recent rise in incidence of VC, attributed to human papillomavirus. Surgery is the mainstay of primary treatment, but multimodal approaches are frequently required in the presence of adverse prognosis histopathologic factors. Chemoradiation is indicated when organ-sparing surgery is not feasible. However, inability to achieve high locoregional control rates in advanced cases and the morbidity associated with local treatments are still key issues. Recent clinical data showed the benefit of individualized strategies combining organ-sparing surgical strategies, less invasive lymph node staging procedures, and refinement in radiotherapy modalities. Among the most important research area, there is a sound rationale for testing modern systemic approaches such as immune checkpoint inhibitors in selected patients with recurrent and/or metastatic tumors. Although no specific data exist for VC, the role of supportive care and post-treatment rehabilitation strategies is also crucial.

CONCLUSION

There are still insufficient studies dedicated to patients with VC. Public health programs for prevention, screening, and early diagnosis are required, and clinical research should be strengthened to provide high-quality clinical evidence and improve patients' oncologic and functional outcomes.

Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging Applications in Gynecologic Malignancies: A Comprehensive Review

Gynecologic malignancies, consisting of endometrial, cervical, ovarian, vulvar, and vaginal cancers, pose significant diagnostic and management challenges due to their complex anatomic location and potential for rapid progression. These tumors cause substantial morbidity and mortality, often because of their delayed diagnosis and treatment. An estimated 19% of newly diagnosed cancers among women are gynecologic in origin. In recent years, there has been growing evidence supporting the integration of nuclear medicine imaging modalities in the diagnostic work-up and management of gynecologic cancers. The sensitivity of fluorine-18 fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (18F-FDG PET) combined with the anatomical specificity of computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) allows for the hybrid evaluation of metabolic activity and structural abnormalities that has become an indispensable tool in oncologic imaging. Lymphoscintigraphy, using technetium 99m (99mTc) based radiotracers along with single photon emission computed tomography/ computed tomography (SPECT/CT), holds a vital role in the identification of sentinel lymph nodes to minimize the surgical morbidity from extensive lymph node dissections. While not yet standard for gynecologic malignancies, promising therapeutic nuclear medicine agents serve as specialized treatment options for patients with advanced or recurrent disease. This article aims to provide a comprehensive review on the nuclear medicine applications in gynecologic malignancies through the following objectives: 1) To describe the role of nuclear medicine in the initial staging, lymph node mapping, response assessment, and recurrence/surveillance imaging of common gynecologic cancers, 2) To review the limitations of 18F-FDG PET/CT and promising applications of 18F-FDG PET/MRI in gynecologic malignancy, 3) To underscore the promising theragnostic applications of nuclear medicine, 4) To highlight the current role of nuclear medicine imaging in gynecologic cancers as per the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN), European Society of Surgical Oncology (ESGO), and European Society of Medical Oncology (ESMO) guidelines.

18F-FDG PET/MRI and 18F-FDG PET/CT for the Management of Gynecological Malignancies: A Comprehensive Review of the Literature

OBJECTIVE

Positron emission tomography with 2-deoxy-2-[fluorine-18] fluoro- D-glucose integrated with computed tomography (18F-FDG PET/CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (18F-FDG PET/MRI) has emerged as a promising tool for managing various types of cancer. This review study was conducted to investigate the role of 18F- FDG PET/CT and FDG PET/MRI in the management of gynecological malignancies.

SEARCH STRATEGY

We searched for relevant articles in the three databases PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, and Web of Science.

SELECTION CRITERIA

All studies reporting data on the FDG PET/CT and FDG PET MRI in the management of gynecological cancer, performed anywhere in the world and published exclusively in the English language, were included in the present study.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

We used the EndNote software (EndNote X8.1, Thomson Reuters) to list the studies and screen them on the basis of the inclusion criteria. Data, including first author, publication year, sample size, clinical application, imaging type, and main result, were extracted and tabulated in Excel. The sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic accuracy of the modalities were extracted and summarized.

MAIN RESULTS

After screening 988 records, 166 studies published between 2004 and 2022 were included, covering various methodologies. Studies were divided into the following five categories: the role of FDG PET/CT and FDG-PET/MRI in the management of: (a) endometrial cancer (n = 30); (b) ovarian cancer (n = 60); (c) cervical cancer (n = 50); (d) vulvar and vagina cancers (n = 12); and (e) gynecological cancers (n = 14).

CONCLUSIONS

FDG PET/CT and FDG PET/MRI have demonstrated potential as non-invasive imaging tools for enhancing the management of gynecological malignancies. Nevertheless, certain associated challenges warrant attention.

Ovarian Metastasis From Diffuse Epithelioid Malignant Mesothelioma Revealed by 18F-FDG PET/CT

ABSTRACT

Diffuse epithelioid malignant mesothelioma (MM) with metastasis to the ovary is rare. We reported FDG PET/CT findings in a 39-year-old woman with ovarian metastasis from diffuse epithelioid MM. The ultrasound findings at the external hospital revealed multiple masses in the hepatic hilus. FDG PET/CT examination was recommended to evaluate the nature of the lesions. It showed that 2 hypodense lesions in the perihepatic space had intense activity, and there was an additional FDG lesion in the right ovary, which was later confirmed as diffuse epithelioid MM with ovarian metastasis by pathological examination.

Long Axial Field-of-View PET/CT Could Answer Unmet Needs in Gynecological Cancers

Gynecological malignancies currently affect about 3.5 million women all over the world. Imaging of uterine, cervical, vaginal, ovarian, and vulvar cancer still presents several unmet needs when using conventional modalities such as ultrasound, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance, and standard positron emission tomography (PET)/CT. Some of the current diagnostic limitations are represented by differential diagnosis between inflammatory and cancerous findings, detection of peritoneal carcinomatosis and metastases <1 cm, detection of cancer-associated vascular complications, effective assessment of post-therapy changes, as well as bone metabolism and osteoporosis assessment. As a result of recent advances in PET/CT instrumentation, new systems now offer a long-axial field-of-view (LAFOV) to image between 106 cm and 194 cm (i.e., total-body PET) of the patient's body simultaneously and feature higher physical sensitivity and spatial resolution compared to standard PET/CT systems. LAFOV PET could overcome the forementioned limitations of conventional imaging and provide valuable global disease assessment, allowing for improved patient-tailored care. This article provides a comprehensive overview of these and other potential applications of LAFOV PET/CT imaging for patients with gynecological malignancies.

Lymphatic mapping and sentinel node biopsy in vulvar melanoma: the first multicenter study and systematic review

OBJECTIVE

This multicenter study aimed to investigate the role of preoperative lymphatic mapping and sentinel node biopsy (SNB) as well as the impact of negative SNB on loco-regional control and survival in vulvar melanoma patients with clinically negative nodes (cN0).

METHODS

Patients who had a proven vulvar melanoma with a Breslow thickness of 1-4 mm, cN0 and underwent a preoperative lymphatic mapping followed by SNB between July 2013 and March 2021 were retrospectively included. Groin recurrence and mortality rate were calculated as absolute and relative frequency. Disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) were assessed by the Kaplan-Meier method. We provided a systematic review, searching among PubMed/Medline and Embase libraries. A total of 6 studies were identified (48 patients).

RESULTS

A total of 18 women were included. Preoperative planar images showed 51 SNs in 28 groins. Additional SPECT/CT images were acquired in 5/18 cases; SNs were identified pre- and intra-operatively in all cases. A total of 65 SNs were excised from 28 groins. A total of 13/18 (72.2%) patients (21/28 groins, 75%) had negative SNs with no groin recurrences and 12/13 (92.3%) were still alive at last follow-up. Five out of the 18 (27.8%) patients (7/28 groins, 25%) had positive SNs, 2/5 (40%) patients died of cancer after 26.2 and 33.8 months, respectively. The median DFS and OS for the entire cohort were 17.9 months (95% CI, 10.3-19.9) and 65.0 months (95% CI, 26.2-infinite), respectively. The probability of DFS and OS at 3 years were 15.5% (95% CI, 2.6-38.7) and 64.3% (95% CI, 15.5-90.2), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of preoperative lymphatic mapping followed by SNB permits a precise and minimally invasive surgical approach in cN0 vulvar melanoma patients. Negative SNB is associated with low risk of groin relapse and good survival.

Evaluating the Risk of Inguinal Lymph Node Metastases before Surgery Using the Morphonode Predictive Model: A Prospective Diagnostic Study in Vulvar Cancer Patients

Ultrasound examination is an accurate method in the preoperative evaluation of the inguinofemoral lymph nodes when performed by experienced operators. The purpose of the study was to build a robust, multi-modular model based on machine learning to discriminate between metastatic and non-metastatic inguinal lymph nodes in patients with vulvar cancer. One hundred and twenty-seven women were selected at our center from March 2017 to April 2020, and 237 inguinal regions were analyzed (75 were metastatic and 162 were non-metastatic at histology). Ultrasound was performed before surgery by experienced examiners. Ultrasound features were defined according to previous studies and collected prospectively. Fourteen informative features were used to train and test the machine to obtain a diagnostic model (Morphonode Predictive Model). The following data classifiers were integrated: (I) random forest classifiers (RCF), (II) regression binomial model (RBM), (III) decisional tree (DT), and (IV) similarity profiling (SP). RFC predicted metastatic/non-metastatic lymph nodes with an accuracy of 93.3% and a negative predictive value of 97.1%. DT identified four specific signatures correlated with the risk of metastases and the point risk of each signature was 100%, 81%, 16% and 4%, respectively. The Morphonode Predictive Model could be easily integrated into the clinical routine for preoperative stratification of vulvar cancer patients.

Measuring quality of reporting in systematic reviews of diagnostic test accuracy studies in medical imaging: comparison of PRISMA-DTA and PRISMA

OBJECTIVES

To compare the reporting quality measured by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses of Diagnostic Test Accuracy studies (PRISMA-DTA) vs the original PRISMA checklist for systematic reviews of diagnostic test accuracy studies in imaging and survey the use of PRISMA-DTA by researchers and endorsement by journals.

METHODS

Systematic reviews of DTA studies published in 2020 and 2021 in Quartile 1 and Quartile 3 medical imaging journals (defined by Journal Citation Reports) were identified through PubMed. The reporting of each systematic review was assessed using PRISMA-DTA, PRISMA-2009 and PRISMA-2020. The item scores and overall score were compared among the three checklists. We also examined checklist adoption by the included systematic reviews and surveyed checklist endorsement from author instructions of included journals.

RESULTS

A total of 173 systematic reviews from 66 journals were included. The use of PRISMA-DTA, compared with PRISMA-2009 and PRISMA-2020, identified more issues in the reporting of title (proportion of systematic reviews with proper reporting, 27.2% vs 98.8% vs 98.8%), abstract (39.3% vs 97.1% vs 64.7%), eligibility criteria (67.6% vs 94.2% vs 94.2%), search (28.9% vs 72.3% vs 28.9%), definitions for data extraction (14.5% vs 91.9% vs 91.9%), diagnostic accuracy measures (38.2% vs 93.6% vs 93.6%), synthesis of results (28.9% vs 89.6% vs 73.4%) and results of individual studies (40.5% vs 80.3% vs 80.3%). The overall median reporting score measured by PRISMA-DTA (72.0% (interquartile range (IQR), 66.7-77.8%)) was lower than that measured by PRISMA-2009 (88.9% (IQR, 84.0-92.6%)) and similar to that measured by PRISMA-2020 (74.1% (IQR, 66.7-77.8%)). Additionally, PRISMA-DTA was used by only 43 (24.9%) systematic reviews and endorsed by two (3.0%) journals. These trends remained consistent for reviews published in journals with diverse scientific impact.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of PRISMA-DTA may identify more reporting inadequacies compared with the original PRISMA checklists when assessing diagnostic test accuracy systematic reviews, especially in critical sections such as title, abstract and methods. However, this tool is not commonly used by researchers and is inadequately endorsed by imaging journals. Our findings suggest a strong need to use PRISMA-DTA for reporting of diagnostic test accuracy systematic reviews by authors and its endorsement by journals. © 2022 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Groin Surveillance by Serial Ultrasonography Rather Than Sentinel Node Biopsy or Inguinofemoral Lymphadenectomy for Patients with Vulvar Cancer: A Pilot Study

A pilot study was conducted to determine whether 3-monthly groin ultrasonography could eliminate groin dissection after a negative bilateral groin ultrasound in three groups of patients: (i) Those with a unifocal stage 1B squamous cell carcinoma of up to 20 mm in diameter. (ii) Those with an ipsilateral squamous cell carcinoma of any size which extended to within 1 cm either side of the midline. These patients underwent ipsilateral inguinofemoral lymphadenectomy and ultrasonic surveillance of the contralateral groin. (iii) Patients with multifocal invasive lesions with the largest individual focus 20 mm or less in diameter. Three additional patients were added because they either refused groin dissection or were considered unfit for surgery. All ultrasonically positive nodes were confirmed histologically. Thirty-two patients were entered, and no patients were lost to follow-up. Forty-three groins were followed. With a median follow-up of 37 months, three positive nodes (9.4%) were detected. One patient died of her recurrence (3.1%), and 39 groins (90.7%) were preserved. The overall sensitivity of ultrasonic surveillance was 100% (95% CI: 44-100%), with a specificity of 97% (95% CI: 83-99%) and a negative predictive value of 100% (95% CI: 88-100%). This pilot justifies a larger study on serial ultrasonography in lieu of groin dissection in selected patients with vulvar cancer.

Sentinel Lymph Node Mapping: Current Applications and Future Perspectives in Gynecology Malignant Tumors

The sentinel lymph nodes (SLNs) is a group of lymph nodes initially involved in the metastatic spread of cancer cells. SLN mapping refers to intraoperative localization and biopsy of SLNs with specific tracers to assess lymph node metastases. It is widely used in a variety of tumor surgeries for its high sensitivity and high negative predictive value. In the evaluation of the status of lymph node metastases in gynecological malignancies, it has received increasingly more attention due to its minor invasiveness, few complications, and high diagnosis rate. The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines provide an excellent introduction to the indications and methods of SLN techniques in vulvar, cervical, and endometrial cancers, but they provide little explanation about some specific issues. In this review, we summarize different dyes and injection methods and discuss the indications of application and the clinical trials of SLN mapping in gynecological malignant tumors, aiming to provide a reference for the rational application of sentinel techniques in gynecology malignant tumors before relevant guidelines are updated.

The Role of Ultrasound in the Evaluation of Inguinal Lymph Nodes in Patients with Vulvar Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Simple Summary

Currently, around 30% of vulvar cancer cases at first diagnosis are spread to the inguinal lymph nodes. Preoperative staging of patients affected by vulvar carcinoma is still a hot topic. To date, MRI has shown a great diagnostic accuracy on defining disease extension to soft tissue and deep organs. At present, regarding the study of inguinal nodes, the PET/CT scan has shown a high negative predictive value, although in the presence of a suspicious/positive report it should be taken with caution. We report the results of a study aimed to investigate the role of groin ultrasound in the assessment of lymph nodal status in vulvar cancer. Furthermore, this review represents the most accurate collection of papers available in the literature. This work demonstrates that groin ultrasound can be considered a valuable tool for risk assessment of the presence of groin lymph node metastases. Achieving a high diagnostic accuracy would allow tailored surgical planning with access to minimally invasive surgery techniques for an increasing number of patients.

Abstract

Objective. To determine the efficacy of ultrasound in assessing the inguinal lymph nodes in patients with vulvar cancer. Methods. A systematic review of published research up to October 2020 that compares the results of ultrasound to determine groin node status with histology was conducted. All study types that reported primary data on the role of ultrasound in the evaluation of groin lymph nodes in vulvar cancer were included in the systematic review. Data retrieved from the included studies were pooled in random-effects meta-analyses. Results. After the screening and selection process, eight articles were deemed pertinent for inclusion in the systematic review and meta-analysis. The random-effects model showed a pooled Se of 0.85 (95% CI: 0.81–0.89), Sp of 0.86 (95% CI: 0.81–0.91), PPV of 0.65 (95% CI: 0.54–0.79) and NPV of 0.92 (95% CI: 0.91–0.94). There was a pooled LR+ and LR− of 6.44 (95% CI: 3.72–11.4) and 0.20 (95% CI: 0.14–0.27), respectively. The pooled accuracy was 0.85 (95% CI: 0.80–0.91). Conclusions. Although the studies had small sample sizes, this review represents the best summary of the data so far. Ultrasound has revealed high sensitivity and high negative predictive value in the assessment of nodal status in vulvar cancer.

PET-CT in Clinical Adult Oncology-IV. Gynecologic and Genitourinary Malignancies

Simple Summary

Positron emission tomography (PET), typically combined with computed tomography (CT), has become a critical advanced imaging technique in oncology. With concurrently acquired positron emission tomography and computed tomography (PET-CT), a radioactive molecule (radiotracer) is injected in the bloodstream and localizes to sites of tumor because of specific cellular features of the tumor that accumulate the targeting radiotracer. The CT scan provides information to allow better visualization of radioactivity from deep or dense structures and to provide detailed anatomic information. PET-CT has a variety of applications in oncology, including staging, therapeutic response assessment, restaging and surveillance. This series of six review articles provides an overview of the value, applications, and imaging interpretive strategies for PET-CT in the more common adult malignancies. The fourth report in this series provides a review of PET-CT imaging in gynecologic and genitourinary malignancies.

Abstract

Concurrently acquired positron emission tomography and computed tomography (PET-CT) is an advanced imaging modality with diverse oncologic applications, including staging, therapeutic assessment, restaging and longitudinal surveillance. This series of six review articles focuses on providing practical information to providers and imaging professionals regarding the best use and interpretative strategies of PET-CT for oncologic indications in adult patients. In this fourth article of the series, the more common gynecological and adult genitourinary malignancies encountered in clinical practice are addressed, with an emphasis on Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved and clinically available radiopharmaceuticals. The advent of new FDA-approved radiopharmaceuticals for prostate cancer imaging has revolutionized PET-CT imaging in this important disease, and these are addressed in this report. However, [¹⁸F]F-fluoro-2-deoxy-d-glucose (FDG) remains the mainstay for PET-CT imaging of gynecologic and many other genitourinary malignancies. This information will serve as a guide for the appropriate role of PET-CT in the clinical management of gynecologic and genitourinary cancer patients for health care professionals caring for adult cancer patients. It also addresses the nuances and provides guidance in the accurate interpretation of FDG PET-CT in gynecological and genitourinary malignancies for imaging providers, including radiologists, nuclear medicine physicians and their trainees.

Vulvar Cancer: 2021 Revised FIGO Staging System and the Role of Imaging

Vulvar cancer is a rare gynecological malignancy. It constitutes 5-8% of all gynecologic neoplasms, and squamous cell carcinoma is the most common variant. This article aims to review the etiopathogenesis revised 2021 International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) classification and emphasize imaging in the staging of vulvar cancer. The staging has been regulated by FIGO since 1969 and is subjected to multiple revisions. Previous 2009 FIGO classification is limited by the prognostic capability, which prompted the 2021 revisions and issue of a new FIGO classification. Although vulvar cancer can be visualized clinically, imaging plays a crucial role in the staging of the tumor, assessing the tumor extent, and planning the management. In addition, sentinel lymph node biopsy facilitates the histopathological staging of the draining lymph node, thus enabling early detection of tumor metastases and better survival rates.

VEGF-D Serum Level as a Potential Predictor of Lymph Node Metastasis and Prognosis in Vulvar Squamous Cell Carcinoma Patients

Background

Radical surgical resection of the primary tumor with mono/bilateral inguinofemoral lymph node dissection is the standard treatment for invasive vulvar squamous cell carcinoma (VSCC) and is frequently related to severe morbidity. Tailoring surgical treatment is of paramount importance, and a comprehensive preoperative evaluation is mandatory. Vascular endothelial growth factor D (VEGF-D) is considered a regulator of lymphangiogenesis involved in tumor spread via lymphatic vessels. The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential of VEGF-D in the prediction of inguinofemoral lymph node metastasis.

Methods

We analyzed the preoperative levels of serum VEGF-D (sVEGF-D) from two independent cohorts of patients with VSCC by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and its protein expression on tumor tissue by immunohistochemistry. Logistic regression was performed to identify the independent risk factors for lymph node metastasis, and Cox proportional hazard model was used for survival analysis.

Results

High levels of sVEGF-D, but not tissue VEGF-D, significantly correlated with positive groin nodes and a more advanced International Federation of Gynecologists and Obstetricians (FIGO) stage. In multivariable analysis, a high sVEGF-D level was an independent predictor of lymph node metastasis and worse prognosis. A prediction model based on sVEGF-D, tumor grade assessed on biopsy, tumor diameter, and lymph node clinical evaluation was able to predict lymph node metastasis, reaching C-index values of 0.79 and 0.73 in the training and validation cohorts, respectively.

Conclusions

The preoperative sVEGF-D level might be a reliable biomarker for the prediction of lymph node metastasis and prognosis in patients with VSCC, supporting better clinical/surgical decision. Multicenter prospective studies are required to confirm our findings.

Clinical and prognostic 18F-FDG PET/CT role in recurrent vulvar cancer: a multicentric experience

PURPOSE

The aim of this retrospective multicentric study was to investigate the diagnostic performance, the prognostic value and the impact of 18F-FDG PET/CT on treatment decision-making in patients with suspected recurrent vulvar cancer (VC).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Sixty-three patients affected by VC performed 18F-FDG-PET/CT for restaging purposes in case of suspected clinical and/or radiological recurrence. Histopatology results if available and/or clinical-imaging follow-up for at least 12 months were considered as reference standard. The diagnostic accuracy and the clinical impact of 18F-FDG PET/CT were investigated. Progression free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were calculated using Kaplan-Meier curves.

RESULTS

Fifty-two (82.5%) PET/CT showed the presence of recurrence, while the remaining 11 (17.5%) were negative. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and accuracy of PET/CT were 100% (95%CI 93-100%), 92% (95%CI 62-100%), 98% (95%CI 89-99%), 100% and 98% (95%CI 92-100%). A relevant impact of 18F-FDG PET/CT imaging was registered in 28 cases: in 12 cases moving from local therapy to chemotherapy due to the recognition of disseminate localizations; in 10 showing the site of recurrence in presence of negative conventional imaging, and in 6 cases confirming to be true negative and avoiding unnecessary therapies. Beside advanced age and HPV status, a positive restaging 18F-FDG PET/CT scan was significantly correlated with shorter PFS and OS compared to negative scan (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

18F-FDG PET/CT demonstrated to be an accurate tool in the assessing of recurrent VC with high sensitivity and specificity and with a significant impact on clinical decision-making. Restaging 18F-FDG PET/CT findings were associated with survival.

The Vulvar Immunohistochemical Panel (VIP) Project: Molecular Profiles of Vulvar Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Simple Summary

This study investigated the immunohistochemical expression of 14 biological markers as potential prognostic/therapeutic factors in vulvar squamous cell carcinoma, comparing 53 node-negative (Group A) and 48 node-positive (Group B) patients. Our results show a significantly higher p16 expression (surrogate of HPV-related tumors) in the vulvar samples of non-metastatic patients. In Group B, PD-L1 positivity and high EGFR expression were found in the vast majority of vulvar and/or nodal specimens. VEGF showed strong/moderate-diffuse expression in almost 14% of all vulvar samples. A mutated p53 and over-expressed PD-L1 showed a significant association with nodal metastasis. Our results support a potential role of immune checkpoint inhibitors and anti-VEGF and anti-EGFR drugs, especially in patients with worse prognosis (metastatic, HPV-independent). A panel including EGFR, VEGF, PDL1, p16, and p53 might be performed routinely in primary tumor and repeated in case of lymph node metastases to identify changes in marker expression.

Abstract

Introduction: The study’s aim was to investigate the immunohistochemical (IHC) expression of biological markers as potential prognostic/therapeutic factors in vulvar squamous cell carcinoma (VSCC). Methodology: A series of 101 patients surgically treated at our center from 2016 to 2020 were retrospectively enrolled: 53 node-negative (Group A) and 48 node-positive (Group B). A total of 146 samples, 101 from primary tumor (T) and 45 from nodal metastases (N), were investigated. The IHC panel included: p16, p53, MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, PMS2, PD-L1, CD3, HER2/neu, ER, PR, EGFR, VEGF, and CD31. The reactions were evaluated on qualitative and semi-quantitative scales. Generalized Linear Model (GLM) and cluster analysis were performed in R statistical environment. A distance plot compared the IHC panel of T with the correspondent N. Results: In Group A: p16-positive expression (surrogate of HPV-dependent pathway) was significantly higher (20.8% vs. 6.2%, p = 0.04). In Group B: PD-L1 positivity and high EGFR expression were found, respectively, in 77.1% and 97.9% patients (T and/or N). Overall, p16-negative tumors showed a higher PD-L1 expression (60.9% vs. 50.0%). In both groups: tumoral immune infiltration (CD3 expression) was mainly moderate/intense (80% vs. 95%); VEGF showed strong/moderate-diffuse expression in 13.9% of T samples; CD31, related to tumoral microvessel density (MVD), showed no difference between groups; a mutated p53 and over-expressed PD-L1 showed significant association with nodal metastasis, with Odds Ratios (OR) of 4.26 (CI 95% = 1.14–15.87, p = 0.03) and 2.68 (CI 95% = 1.0–7.19, p < 0.05), respectively; since all mismatch repair proteins (MMR) showed a retained expression and ER, PR, and HER2/neu were negative, they were excluded from further analysis. The cluster analysis identified three and four sub-groups of molecular profiles, respectively, in Group A and B, with no difference in prognosis. The molecular signature of each N and corresponding T diverged significantly in 18/41 (43.9%) cases. Conclusions: Our results support a potential role of immune checkpoint inhibitors and anti-VEGF and anti-EGFR drugs especially in patients with worse prognosis (metastatic, HPV-independent). A panel including EGFR, VEGF, PDL1, p16, and p53 might be performed routinely in primary tumor and repeated in case of lymph node metastases to identify changes in marker expression.

MRI Staging in Locally Advanced Vulvar Cancer: From Anatomy to Clinico-Radiological Findings. A Multidisciplinary VulCan Team Point of View

MR imaging provides excellent spatial and contrast resolution to stage locally advanced vulvar cancer (LAVC) for tumor and nodal evaluation in order to facilitate the planning of treatment. Although there are no standard indications for how to estimate the clinical stage of International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics at diagnosis, MR imaging can depict the tumor and its extension to the vulvar region and adjacent organs, such as the vagina, urethra, and anus. Optimizing the MR imaging protocol and technique is fundamental for correct staging. The aim of this overview was to focus on the role of MR imaging in LAVC staging. We define vulvar anatomy and corresponding MR imaging findings, MR imaging protocol, and technique. Moreover, we describe the MR imaging findings of LAVC with example cases stage by stage. Key imaging findings based on signal intensity, diffusion restriction, and enhancement are portrayed to correctly identify and stage vulvar cancer. A structured report for LAVC staging is reported in order to give all necessary information to the clinicians and to facilitate MR imaging comprehension.

New developments in rare vulvar and vaginal cancers

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To provide the latest insight on the rare vulvar and vaginal malignancies, able to impact on clinical practice, and to outline new potential research developments.

RECENT FINDINGS

Many efforts are being made to produce technical and scientific advances in the fields of vulvar and vaginal carcinoma, including imaging work-up, interventional procedures and minimally invasive surgical approach, as well as molecular profiling and identification of new target treatments.

SUMMARY

In the evaluation of lymph node status, ultrasound has demonstrated promising results because of high predictive value, low risk and low cost. Positron Emission Tomography-Computed Tomography is confirmed to be reliable and should be prospectively investigated for its potential applications in radiomics, whilst Fusion-US could allow a precision guidance in diagnostics and interventional procedures. Regarding interventional procedure, surgery is becoming less invasive with the aim to increase quality of life; in carefully selected patients it would be possible to overcome the current strict criteria in the use of sentinel node biopsy. Future research should focus on potential target therapy, on the basis of tumor-specific biological features.Rare cancers should be referred to experienced centers with a high case flow, able to offer a full range of diagnostic and therapeutical options and a multidisciplinary approach. Networking should be encouraged to promote research opportunities and enable data sharing and multicenter trials.

The Association of Tumor Burden by 18F-FDG PET/CT and Survival in Vulvar Carcinoma

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to assess the impact of 18F-FDG PET/CT metabolic parameters obtained at initial staging of vulva carcinoma on survival in women with and without HIV infection.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

18F-FDG PET/CT images of women with vulva cancer who are planned for definitive therapy were analyzed. SUVmax, SUVmean, MTV, and total lesion glycolysis (TLG) as well as whole-body MTV and whole-body TLG were computed.

RESULTS

Twenty-five women were included with a mean age of 43.44 ± 10.32. The majority of the patients were HIV infected with a median CD4 count of 444.00 cells/mm3. The HIV-infected women are younger at diagnosis than their HIV-uninfected counterparts. All patients presented with inguinofemoral lymph node involvement, whereas half the patients had pelvic nodal metastasis. All the patients with distant visceral or skeletal metastasis were HIV infected. The lungs were the most common site of distant metastasis. When comparing the SUVmax, SUVmean, MTV, TLG, wbMTV, and wbTLG between HIV-infected and HIV-uninfected patients, we did not find statistical differences. Twelve patients (48%) were upstaged to metastatic disease. Seven patients had died at the time of analysis. The wbMTV and wbTLG were significantly higher in nonsurvivors than survivors.

CONCLUSIONS

18F-FDG PET/CT improves initial staging of squamous cell carcinoma among women with and without HIV infection. The whole-body tumor burden assessed by 18F-FDG PET metabolic metrics did not differ between HIV-infected and HIV-uninfected women. A higher whole-burden tumor burden is associated with a higher risk of mortality among women with vulva cancer.

Diagnostic performance of preoperative [18F]FDG-PET/CT for lymph node staging in vulvar cancer: a large single-centre study

Purpose

This retrospective study aimed to assess the diagnostic performance of preoperative [¹⁸F]FDG-PET/CT in predicting the groin and pelvic lymph node (LN) status in a large single-centre series of vulvar cancer patients.

Methods

Between January 2013 and October 2018, among all consecutive women with proven vulvar cancer submitted to [¹⁸F]FDG-PET/CT, 160 patients were included. LNs were analysed by two qualitative methods assessing PET information (defined as visual assessment) and a combination of PET and low-dose CT information (defined as overall assessment), respectively, as well as semi-quantitative analysis (LN-SUV_max). Sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive and negative predictive values (PPV and NPV) in predicting the groin and pelvic LN status were calculated in the overall study population; a subset analysis of groin parameters in clinically/ultrasonography negative patients was also performed. Histopathology was the reference standard.

Results

All patients underwent vulvar and inguinofemoral LN surgery, and 35 pelvic LN surgery. Overall, 338 LN sites (296 groins and 42 pelvic sites) were histologically examined with 30.4% prevalence of metastatic groins and 28.6% for metastatic pelvic sites. In the overall study population, sensitivity (95% confidence interval, CI), specificity (95% CI), accuracy (95% CI), PPV (95% CI) and NPV (95% CI) at the groin level were 85.6% (78.3–92.8), 65.5% (59.0–72.0), 71.6% (66.5–76.8), 52.0% (44.0–60.1) and 91.2% (86.7–95.8) for visual assessment; 78.9% (70.5–87.3), 78.2% (72.5–83.8), 78.4% (73.7–83.1), 61.2% (52.3–70.1) and 89.4% (85.0–93.9) for overall assessment; and 73.3% (64.2–82.5), 85.0% (80.1–89.8), 81.4% (77.0–85.8), 68.0% (58.8–77.3) and 87.9% (83.4–92.5) for semi-quantitative analysis (SUV_max cut-off value 1.89 achieved by ROC analysis). Similar results were observed in the pelvis-based analysis.

Conclusion

In this large single-centre series of vulvar cancer patients, [¹⁸F]FDG-PET/CT showed good values of sensitivity and NPV in discriminating metastatic from non-metastatic LNs. In routine clinical practice, qualitative analysis is a reliable interpretative criterion making unnecessary commonly used semi-quantitative methods such as SUV_max.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00259-021-05257-8.