Prediction of disease persistence after conization for microinvasive cervical carcinoma and cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 3

The value of MR-based radiomics in identifying residual disease in patients with carcinoma in situ after cervical conization

Carcinoma in situ (CIS) of the uterine cervix is a precursor to cervical carcinoma. However, hysterectomy can be avoided in patients who can be treated by cone biopsy. Previous studies have shown that imaging-based approaches allow for the noninvasive visualization of cervical cancer, and radiomics has high accuracy in classifying cancer and predicting treatment outcome for different cancer types. To develop a magnetic resonance (MR)-based radiomics model for identifying residual disease in patients with CIS after cervical conization. Patients who had CIS after conization and finally underwent hysterectomy were collected to comprise a database to establish an imaging model for predicting the residual status after conization. Then, patients who opted for uterine preservation were classified as high-risk or low-risk patients according to the model. The disease-free survival was compared between the different risk groups using the Kaplan–Meier curve. The model built with the Boruta features outperformed the random forest model. Further validation with patients with uterine preservation showed that the patients classified as high risk were more likely to have tumor recurrence/residual disease in the follow-up period. In conclusion, radiomics can be used to identify residual disease in patients with CIS after cervical conization and could have the potential to predict recurrence in patients who opt for uterine preservation.

Programmed death-1 (PD-1) expression in cervical intraepithelial neoplasia and its relationship with recurrence after conization

OBJECTIVE

Impaired local cellular immunity contributes to persistent human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and development of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN). Programmed death-1 (PD-1) and its ligands PD-ligand-1 (L1) and PD-L2 are negative regulators of T cell activity in various cancers, but few studies exist. The aim of this study was to determine the clinicopathologic and immunologic parameters (PD-1, PD-L1, and PD-L2) related to the persistence/recurrence of CIN after conization.

METHODS

Medical records of 652 patients diagnosed with CIN and underwent conization were reviewed. The associations between clinicopathologic parameters (e.g., age, parity, initial HPV load, etc.) and persistence/recurrence of CIN were analyzed. Expression of PD-1, PD-L1, and PD-L2 was assessed on 100 conization specimens by immunohistochemistry (IHC) in women matched for propensity-score (50 with persistence/recurrence and 50 without).

RESULTS

Initial HPV load (>1,000 relative light unit) and positive margin were shown to be significantly associated with CIN persistence/recurrence (p=0.012 and p<0.001, respectively). Multivariate analysis showed that margin status was an independent predictor of persistence/recurrence (hazard ratio=8.86; 95% confidence interval=1.67-16.81; p<0.001). On IHC analysis, none of the patients expressed PD-L1. PD-1+ T cells were observed in 25 of 100 patients. Also, PD-1+ T cells were significantly correlated with increasing grade of CIN (p=0.031). In addition, patients with persistence/recurrence had increased expression of PD-1 compared with those without (36% vs. 14%, respectively; p=0.020). Although PD-L2 expression did not differ between 2 groups, it was significantly higher in patients with high-grade CIN compared to low-grade (34.7% vs. 12%, respectively; p=0.041).

CONCLUSION

Positive surgical margin and expression of PD-1+ T cells were associated with CIN persistence/recurrence after conization.

Identification of appropriate cone length to avoid positive cone margin in high grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia

Objective

To identify key factors for predicting positive cone margin and appropriate cone length.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the margin status of patients who received conization with high grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia, along with other factors such as patient age, parity, preoperative cytology, size of disease, type of transformation zone, and cone length from patient records. Cut-off value of cone length was analyzed in women younger than 40 years old because we design conization with minimum length especially for women who wish for future pregnancy. Cut-off value of cone length was defined as length corresponds to estimated probability of positive cone margin equal to 0.1 by logistic regression analysis with variables selected by stepwise methods.

Results

Among 300 patients, 75 patients had positive cone margin. Multivariable analysis revealed that squamous cell carcinoma at preoperative cytology (p=0.001), 2 or more quadrant disease (p=0.011), and shorter cone length (p<0.001) were risk factors for positive cone margin. Stepwise methods identified cone length and size of lesion as important variables. With this condition, cut-off value of cone length was estimated as 15 mm in single quadrant disease and 20 mm in 2 or more quadrant disease, respectively.

Conclusion

We identified the independent risk factors of positive cone margin and identified the cut-off value of cone length to avoid positive cone margin in women younger than 40 years old. Conization should be performed not only according to colposcopic findings including type of transformation zone but size of disease and cone length.

A human papillomavirus (HPV)-16 or HPV-18 genotype is a reliable predictor of residual disease in a subsequent hysterectomy following a loop electrosurgical excision procedure for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia 3

OBJECTIVE

This study was conducted using the human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA chip test (HDC), in order to determine whether the HPV genotype is a predictor of residual disease in a subsequent hysterectomy following a loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP) for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) 3.

METHODS

Between January 2002 and February 2015, a total of 189 patients who underwent a hysterectomy within 6 months of LEEP caused by CIN 3 were included in this study. We analyzed their epidemiological data, pathological parameters, high-risk HPV (HR-HPV) load as measured by the hybrid capture II assay, and HR-HPV genotype as measured by the HDC. A logistic regression model was used to analyze the relationship between covariates and the probability of residual disease in subsequent hysterectomy specimens.

RESULTS

Of the 189 patients, 92 (48.7%) had residual disease in the hysterectomy specimen, CIN 2 in seven patients, CIN 3 in 79 patients, IA1 cancer in five patients, and IA2 cancer in one patient. Using multivariate analysis, the results were as follows: cone margin positivity (odds ratio [OR], 2.43; 95% CI, 1.18 to 5.29; p<0.05), HPV viral load ≥220 relative light unit (OR, 2.98; 95% CI, 1.38 to 6.43; p<0.01), positive endocervical cytology (OR, 8.97; 95% CI, 3.81 to 21.13; p<0.001), and HPV-16 or HPV-18 positivity (OR, 9.07; 95% CI, 3.86 to 21.30; p<0.001).

CONCLUSION

The HPV-16 or HPV-18 genotype is a reliable predictive factor of residual disease in a subsequent hysterectomy following a LEEP for CIN 3.

HPV-related squamous neoplasia of the lower anogenital tract: an update and review of recent guidelines

Squamous cell carcinomas of the lower anogenital tract that are related to human papillomavirus (HPV) infection represent a significant disease burden worldwide. The diagnosis and management of their noninvasive precursors has been the subject of extensive study and debate over several decades, accompanied by an evolving understanding of HPV biology. Recent new consensus recommendations for the pathologic diagnosis of these precursor lesions were published in 2012, the result of the Lower Anogenital Squamous Terminology project cosponsored by the College of American Pathologists and the American Society for Colposcopy and Cervical Pathology. Most salient among the new guidelines are the recommendation to switch to a 2-tiered nomenclature (high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion and low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion) rather than the traditional 3-tiered "intraepithelial neoplasia" terminology, and the recommendation to expand use of the immunohistochemical marker p16 to distinguish between low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion and high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion/intraepithelial neoplasia 2. The goals of the project were to align diagnostic terminology with our knowledge of HPV biology, increase reproducibility, consolidate diverse systems of nomenclature, and ultimately better determine a patient's true cancer risk. The clinical guidelines for screening and management of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia have also been recently updated, most notably with a lengthening of screening intervals. In this review, we focus on the new guidelines put forth for pathologic diagnosis of HPV-related anogenital neoplasia, with discussion of the evidence behind them and their potential implications. We also provide an update on relevant biomarkers, clinical recommendations, and the newest developments relating to cervical neoplasia.

Analysis of treatment modalities and prognosis on microinvasive cervical cancer: a 10-year cohort study in China

OBJECTIVE

To explore appropriate treatment modality of microinvasive cervical cancer (MIC) and to analyze prognosis and risk factors of recurrence.

METHODS

A cohort of 324 Chinese patients with MIC diagnosed and treated at Peking Union Medical College Hospital was retrospectively reviewed. Demographic features, treatment modalities, pathologic parameters, risk factors of residual disease, survival and risk factors of recurrence were analyzed.

RESULTS

Of all patients, 280 cases were staged IA1 and 44 cases staged IA2 MIC. Twenty-five cases (7.7%) were found to have lympho-vascular space involvement (LVSI), but no parametrial involvement or ovarian metastasis was detected. Only one staged IA2 patient with LVSI was found to have lymph node metastasis. 32.4% patients (82/253) had residual diseases after conization. No significant difference of LVSI, lymph node metastasis and residual disease after coniztion was found between stage IA1 and IA2 MIC patients. Multivariate logistic analysis showed positive margin was the only independent risk factor of residual disease after conization (odds ratio [OR], 4.18; p<0.001). Recurrence occurred in five cases, but no mortality was found. Progression-free survival for stage IA1 patients treated by conization or hysterectomy was similar (92.3% and 98.8%, p=0.07). Cox regression analysis revealed LVSI as an independent risk factor for recurrence in stage IA1 patients (OR, 12.14; p=0.01).

CONCLUSION

For stage IA1 patients with negative resection margin and no LVSI, conization can be an ideal treatment modality. For stage IA2 patients, more conservative surgery such as simple hysterectomy may be considered. LVSI is an independent risk factor for recurrence in patients with stage IA1 cervical cancer.

Safety of less aggressive surgery for stage IA1 squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix

AIM

To determine the risk of extracervical disease in patients with stage IA1 squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was performed of 169 patients who had stage IA1 cervical cancer after conization at Seoul National University Hospital between 1997 and 2007.

RESULTS

During the study period, 18 patients had conization as a definite treatment and 151 underwent subsequent surgery ranging from simple hysterectomy to radical hysterectomy with lymphadenectomy. Of the 151 patients who underwent subsequent surgery following conization, 35 (23.3%) patients underwent a simple hysterectomy, 20 (13.1%) a simple hysterectomy with pelvic lymphadenectomy and 96 (63.6%) radical surgery with lymphadenectomy. No parametrial involvement or lymph node metastasis was noted in any of the patients who underwent parametrial resection and/or lymphadenectomy. Of the 62 patients who had negative resection margins in conization specimens, only one presented with residual tumor in subsequent surgery. One recurrence of the disease was identified in the total sample (169 patients) with a median follow-up time of 99 months.

CONCLUSION

The risk of extracervical disease following conization is negligible, even for patients with positive resection margins in conization specimens. A more conservative and less aggressive approach may be possible for this patient subset.

The Lower Anogenital Squamous Terminology Standardization Project for HPV-Associated Lesions: background and consensus recommendations from the College of American Pathologists and the American Society for Colposcopy and Cervical Pathology

The terminology for human papillomavirus(HPV)–associated squamous lesions of the lower anogenital tract has a long history marked by disparate diagnostic terms derived from multiple specialties. It often does not reflect current knowledge of HPV biology and pathogenesis. A consensus process was convened to recommend terminology unified across lower anogenital sites. The goal was to create a histopathologic nomenclature system that reflects current knowledge of HPV biology, optimally uses available biomarkers, and facilitates clear communication across different medical specialties. The Lower Anogenital Squamous Terminology (LAST) Project was co-sponsored by the College of American Pathologists and the American Society for Colposcopy and Cervical Pathology and included 5 working groups; 3 work groups performed comprehensive literature reviews and developed draft recommendations. Another work group provided the historical background and the fifth will continue to foster implementation of the LAST recommendations. After an open comment period, the draft recommendations were presented at a consensus conference attended by LAST work group members, advisors, and representatives from 35 stakeholder organizations including professional societies and government agencies. Recommendations were finalized and voted on at the consensus meeting. The final, approved recommendations standardize biologically relevant histopathologic terminology for HPV-associated squamous intraepithelial lesions and superficially invasive squamous carcinomas across all lower anogenital tract sites and detail the appropriate use of specific biomarkers to clarify histologic interpretations and enhance diagnostic accuracy. A plan for disseminating and monitoring recommendation implementation in the practicing community was also developed. The implemented recommendations will facilitate communication between pathologists and their clinical colleagues and improve accuracy of histologic diagnosis with the ultimate goal of providing optimal patient care.

The Lower Anogenital Squamous Terminology Standardization Project for HPV-Associated Lesions: background and consensus recommendations from the College of American Pathologists and the American Society for Colposcopy and Cervical Pathology

The terminology for human papillomavirus (HPV)-associated squamous lesions of the lower anogenital tract has a long history marked by disparate diagnostic terms derived from multiple specialties. It often does not reflect current knowledge of HPV biology and pathogenesis. A consensus process was convened to recommend terminology unified across lower anogenital sites. The goal was to create a histopathologic nomenclature system that reflects current knowledge of HPV biology, optimally uses available biomarkers, and facilitates clear communication across different medical specialties. The Lower Anogenital Squamous Terminology (LAST) Project was cosponsored by the College of American Pathologists and the American Society for Colposcopy and Cervical Pathology and included 5 working groups; 3 work groups performed comprehensive literature reviews and developed draft recommendations. Another work group provided the historical background and the fifth will continue to foster implementation of the LAST recommendations. After an open comment period, the draft recommendations were presented at a consensus conference attended by LAST work group members, advisors, and representatives from 35 stakeholder organizations including professional societies and government agencies. Recommendations were finalized and voted on at the consensus meeting. The final, approved recommendations standardize biologically relevant histopathologic terminology for HPV-associated squamous intraepithelial lesions and superficially invasive squamous carcinomas across all lower anogenital tract sites and detail the appropriate use of specific biomarkers to clarify histologic interpretations and enhance diagnostic accuracy. A plan for disseminating and monitoring recommendation implementation in the practicing community was also developed. The implemented recommendations will facilitate communication between pathologists and their clinical colleagues and improve accuracy of histologic diagnosis with the ultimate goal of providing optimal patient care.

Role of high risk-human papilloma virus test in the follow-up of patients who underwent conization of the cervix for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia

OBJECTIVE

To examine whether the presence of high risk-human papilloma virus (HR-HPV) after conization of the cervix was a risk factor for persistence or recurrence of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) and whether HR-HPV test could be a guideline for post-therapy surveillance.

METHODS

The study retrospectively analyzed data from 243 patients who underwent LLETZ or CKC of the cervix due to CIN.

RESULTS

A positive HR-HPV test result which was performed between 3 and 6 months after procedure was a risk factor for persistent or recurrent cytological (p<0.001, odds ratio [OR]=22.51, 95% confidence interval [CI]=9.74-52.02) and pathological (p<0.001, OR=18.28, 95% CI=5.55-60.20) abnormalities.

CONCLUSION

HR-HPV positive patients between 3 and 6 months after procedure should undergo frequent and meticulous post-therapy surveillance, while HR-HPV negative patients do not require such high-level surveillance and could undergo routine surveillance.