Long-term prognosis of stage I ovarian carcinoma. Prognostic importance of intraoperative rupture

Immune-Hot tumor features associated with recurrence in early-stage ovarian clear cell carcinoma

Ovarian clear cell carcinoma (OCCC) is a distinct histotype of ovarian cancer, which usually presages a worse prognosis upon recurrence. Identifying patients at risk for relapse is an unmet need to improve outcomes. A retrospective cohort analysis of 195 early-stage OCCC patients diagnosed between January 2011 and December 2019 at National Taiwan University Hospital was conducted to identify prognostic factors for recurrence, progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). Molecular profiling of tumors was performed in a case-controlled cohort matched for adjuvant therapy for biomarker discovery. Multivariate Cox proportional hazard model revealed that paclitaxel-based chemotherapy was associated with better PFS than nonpaclitaxel chemotherapy (HR = 0.19, P = .006). The addition of bevacizumab was associated with better PFS, compared to no bevacizumab (HR = 0.09, P = .02). Neither showed significant improvement in OS. Recurrence is associated with an Immune-Hot tumor feature (P = .03), the CTLA-4-high subtype (P = .01) and increased infiltration of immune cells in general. The Immune-Hot feature (HR = 3.39, P = .005) and the CTLA-4-high subtype (HR = 2.13, P = .059) were associated with worse PFS. Immune-Hot tumor features could prognosticate recurrence in early-stage OCCC.

Minimally invasive surgery for suspected early-stage ovarian cancer; a cost-effectiveness study

OBJECTIVE

While there are a number of benefits to minimally invasive surgery (MIS) for women with ovarian cysts, there is an increased risk of ovarian capsule rupture during the procedure, which could potentially seed the abdominal cavity with malignant cells. We developed a decision model to compare the risks, benefits, effectiveness and cost of MIS versus laparotomy in women with ovarian masses.

DESIGN

Cost-effectiveness study POPULATION: Hypothetical cohort of 10 000 women with ovarian masses who were undergoing surgical management.

METHODS

The initial decision point in the model was performance of surgery via laparotomy or a MIS approach. Model probabilities, costs and utility values were derived from published literature and administrative data sources. Extensive sensitivity analyses were conducted to assess the robustness of the findings.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The primary outcome was the cost-effectiveness of MIS versus laparotomy for women with a pelvic mass measured by incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs).

RESULTS

MIS was the least costly strategy at $7,732 per women on average, compared with $17,899 for laparotomy. In our hypothetical cohort of 10 000 women, there were 64 cases of ovarian rupture in the MIS group and 53 in the laparotomy group, while there were 26 cancer-related deaths in the MIS group and 25 in the laparotomy group. MIS was more effective than laparotomy (188 462 QALYs for MIS versus 187 631 quality adjusted life years [QALYs] for laparotomy). Thus, MIS was a dominant strategy, being both less costly and more effective than laparotomy. These results were robust in a variety of sensitivity analyses.

CONCLUSION

MIS constitutes a cost-effective management strategy for women with suspicious ovarian masses.

TWEETABLE ABSTRACT

MIS is a cost-effective management strategy for women with suspicious ovarian masses.

A multi-ethnic analysis of immune-related gene expression signatures in patients with ovarian clear cell carcinoma

Little is known about the immune environment of ovarian clear cell carcinoma (OCCC) and its impact on various ethnic backgrounds. The aim of this OCCC immune‐related gene expression signatures (irGES) study was to address the interaction between tumour and immune environment of ethnically‐diverse Asian and Caucasian populations and to identify relevant molecular subsets of biological and clinical importance. Our study included 264 women from three different countries (Singapore, Japan, and the UK) and identified four novel immune subtypes (PD1‐high, CTLA4‐high, antigen‐presentation, and pro‐angiogenic subtype) with differentially expressed pathways, and gene ontologies using the NanoString nCounter PanCancer Immune Profiling Panel. The PD1‐high and CTLA4‐high subtypes demonstrated significantly higher PD1, PDL1, and CTLA4 expression, and were associated with poorer clinical outcomes. Mismatch repair (MMR) protein expression, assessed by immunohistochemistry, revealed that about 5% of OCCCs had deficient MMR expression. The prevalence was similar across the three countries and appeared to cluster in the CTLA4‐high subtype. Our results suggest that OCCC from women of Asian and Caucasian descent shares significant clinical and molecular similarities. To our knowledge, our study is the first study to include both Asian and Caucasian women with OCCC and helps to shine light on the impact of ethnic differences on the immune microenvironment of OCCC. © 2021 The Authors. The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. on behalf of The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.

Intraoperative Rupture of the Ovarian Capsule in Early-Stage Ovarian Cancer: A Meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

To examine the effects of intraoperative ovarian capsule rupture on progression-free survival and overall survival in women who are undergoing surgery for early-stage ovarian cancer.

DATA SOURCES

MEDLINE using PubMed, EMBASE (Elsevier), ClinicalTrials.gov, and Scopus (Elsevier) were searched from inception until August 11, 2020.

METHODS OF STUDY SELECTION

High-quality studies reporting survival outcomes comparing ovarian capsule rupture to no capsule rupture among patients with early-stage epithelial ovarian cancer who underwent surgical management were abstracted. Study quality was assessed with the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale, and studies with scores of at least 7 points were included.

TABULATION, INTEGRATION, AND RESULTS

The data were extracted independently by multiple observers. Random-effects models were used to pool associations and to analyze the association between ovarian capsule rupture and oncologic outcomes. Seventeen studies met all the criteria for inclusion in the meta-analysis. Twelve thousand seven hundred fifty-six (62.6%) patients did not have capsule rupture and had disease confined to the ovary on final pathology; 5,532 (33.7%) patients had intraoperative capsule rupture of an otherwise early-stage ovarian cancer. Patients with intraoperative capsule rupture had worse progression-free survival (hazard ratio [HR] 1.92, 95% CI 1.34-2.76, P<.001), with moderate heterogeneity (I2=41%, P=.07) when compared with those without capsule rupture. Pooled results from these studies showed a worse overall survival (HR 1.48, 95% CI 1.15-1.91, P=.003), with moderate heterogeneity (I2=53%, P=.02) when compared with patients without intraoperative capsule rupture. This remained significant in a series of sensitivity analyses.

CONCLUSION

This systematic review and meta-analysis of high-quality observational studies shows that intraoperative ovarian capsule rupture results in decreased progression-free survival and overall survival in women with early-stage ovarian cancer who are undergoing initial surgical management.

SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION

PROSPERO, CRD42021216561.

Large ovarian tumors in adolescents, a systematic review of reported cases, diagnostic findings and surgical management

The purpose of this study was to analyze the published cases regarding large ovarian masses in adolescents, in order to find useful clinical implications for the diagnosis and management of the condition. The methodology employed a systematic review of reported cases of large/giant ovarian tumor in adolescence. The main objective was to assess the imagery findings, histology of the tumor, and the type of surgery performed. Our study included 58 patients with the tumor diameters ranged between 11 and 42 cm, with a median value of 22.75 cm and a mean diameter of 24.66 ± 8.50 cm. The lesions were benign in 47 cases (81%), borderline in 2 cases (3.4%), and malign in 9 cases (15.6%). We found no statistically significant difference (p > 0.05) between the size of the tumors and the ovarian markers levels. At the same time, a statistically significant difference was identified (p=<0,001) between elevated levels of the serum markers and the malignant tumor type (OR = 12.45; CI₉₅ = 2.55-94.77). The main types of surgery performed were cystectomy (35 cases), oophorectomy (4 cases), salpingo-oophorectomy (18 cases). Open laparotomy was performed in 46 cases on tumors with a median diameter of 25 ± 8.8 cm, while laparoscopy was done in 12 cases on tumors with a median diameter of 23.7 ± 7.6 cm. For optimal surgical management, it is advisable to assess first the imagery findings and tumor markers. Then, the laparoscopic approach should be considered as a feasible option, especially in cases where there are no predictive factors for a malign disease.

Clear cell carcinoma of the ovary: a clinical and molecular perspective

Clear cell carcinoma of the ovary has distinct biology and clinical behavior. There are significant geographical and racial differences in the incidence of clear cell carcinoma compared with other epithelial ovarian tumors. Patients with clear cell carcinoma are younger, tend to present at an early stage, and their tumors are commonly associated with endometriosis, which is widely accepted as a direct precursor of clear cell carcinoma and has been identified pathologically in approximately 50% of clear cell carcinoma cases. The most frequent and important specific gene alterations in clear cell carcinoma are mutations of AT-rich interaction domain 1A (ARID1A) (~50% of cases) and phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate 3-kinase catalytic subunit alpha (PIK3CA) (~50% cases). More broadly, subgroups of clear cell carcinoma have been identified based on C-APOBEC (apolipoprotein B mRNA editing enzyme, catalytic polypeptide-like) and C-AGE (age-related) mutational signatures. Gene expression profiling shows upregulation of hepatocyte nuclear factor 1-beta (HNF1β) and oxidative stress-related genes, and has identified epithelial-like and mesenchymal-like tumor subgroups. Although the benefit of platinum-based chemotherapy is not clearly defined it remains the mainstay of first-line therapy. Patients with early-stage disease have a favorable clinical outcome but the prognosis of patients with advanced-stage or recurrent disease is poor. Alternative treatment strategies are required to improve patient outcome and the development of targeted therapies based on molecular characteristics is a promising approach. Improved specificity of the histological definition of this tumor type is helping these efforts but, due to the rarity of clear cell carcinoma, international collaboration will be essential to design appropriately powered, large-scale clinical trials.

Ovary-sparing surgery for benign pediatric ovarian masses

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This review highlights progress in the management of pediatric ovarian neoplasms. Recent research has identified disparities in the management of patients with benign ovarian neoplasms based on a variety of factors. However, the long-term effects of unilateral oophorectomy have prompted an emphasis on ovary-sparing surgery (OSS) for benign masses. One of the challenges still facing providers is the preoperative differentiation between benign and malignant masses.

RECENT FINDINGS

Recent studies highlight the variability in practice patterns surrounding the management of benign ovarian neoplasms. Progress continues to be made in identifying reliable factors that can be used to inform preoperative risk stratification of patients who present with ovarian neoplasms. These factors include imaging characteristics, symptoms and tumor markers. In addition, the safety of OSS with regard to recurrence and upstaging in appropriate settings continues to be demonstrated.

SUMMARY

This review highlights the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration in the treatment of ovarian neoplasms given the varied surgical approach by specialty. Multiple retrospective studies have identified factors that can be used for preoperative risk stratification and selection of patients for OSS. Prospective studies evaluating the accuracy of these factors for preoperative risk stratification are needed.

Radiation Therapy in Ovarian Cancer: An Overview and Future Directions

Clear cell cancer of the ovary is a rare and aggressive subtype. There is a general paucity of data from randomised trials to inform the most appropriate approach to adjuvant therapy. Retrospective data has highlighted an improvement in disease free survival with the addition of whole abdominal radiotherapy. This approach merits further exploration in a randomised clinical trial.

Clear cell carcinoma of the ovary: Clinicopathologic features and outcomes in a Chinese cohort

This retrospective analysis aimed to clarify the clinical and pathologic features of ovarian clear cell carcinoma (OCCC), and to determine the factors predictive of survival.Data waereextracted from OCCC patients who underwent primary surgery followed by adjuvant chemotherapy in Obstetrics & Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University between January2007 and December 2014. Kaplan-Meier survival estimates and Cox proportional hazards model were used for survival analyses.Of 130 patients (mean age = 56.2 years), 66.2% had stage I disease when the 5-year overall survival and 5-year disease-free survival were 89.2% and 88.1%, respectively. Patients frequently presented with large pelvic mass (>10 cm) and mild-to-moderate elevation of serological CA125 (≤200U/ mL). 60.7% of the cases at stage III/IV exhibited resistance to platinum-based chemotherapy; 37.69% of the tumors arose from endometriosis. On multivariate analysis, stage and chemoresistance were independent prognostic factors predictive for poorer survival. Survival at stage IC1 (surgical rupture) was comparable to that at stage IA (capsule intact), whereas survival at stage IC2/IC3 (rupture before surgery) was significantly worse than that at stage IA.OCCC shows distinct features compared to other epithelial ovarian cancers. FIGO stage and response to chemotherapy affect prognosis independently. Arising from endometriosis is not associated with better survival. Preoperative rupture rather than intraoperative rupture confers an adverse prognosis in otherwise stage IA disease.

Practice Bulletin No. 174: Evaluation and Management of Adnexal Masses

Adnexal masses (ie, masses of the ovary, fallopian tube, or surrounding tissues) commonly are encountered by obstetrician-gynecologists and often present diagnostic and management dilemmas. Most adnexal masses are detected incidentally on physical examination or at the time of pelvic imaging. Less commonly, a mass may present with symptoms of acute or intermittent pain. Management decisions often are influenced by the age and family history of the patient. Although most adnexal masses are benign, the main goal of the diagnostic evaluation is to exclude malignancy. The purpose of this document is to provide guidelines for the evaluation and management of adnexal masses in adolescents, pregnant women, and nonpregnant women and to outline criteria for the identification of adnexal masses that are likely to be malignant and may warrant referral to or consultation with a gynecologic oncologist.

Variability in surgical management of benign ovarian neoplasms in children

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

Although most pediatric ovarian neoplasms are benign and may be treated with ovary-sparing surgery (OSS), consensus is lacking on the optimal surgical approach. We aimed to determine the proportion of pediatric benign ovarian neoplasms managed with OSS and to assess variability in management across hospitals and specialties.

METHODS

Using the Pediatric Health Information System, we studied patients aged 6-21 years treated in 2006-2014 for a benign ovarian neoplasm with oophorectomy or OSS. Inter-hospital variability and predictors of the type of surgery were determined using logistic mixed effects models with random hospital effects.

RESULTS

Of 1164 patients with benign ovarian neoplasms, 646 underwent oophorectomy, and 518 underwent OSS. Across hospitals, there was significant variability in the proportion of OSS (range: 21.7-76.6%). In multivariable analysis, patients managed by pediatric surgeons (vs. pediatric and adolescent gynecologists) (OR: 0.27, 95%CI: 0.17-0.43, p<0.001), younger patients (OR: 0.94 per year, 95%CI: 0.90-0.98, p=0.007), and those admitted through the emergency department (OR: 0.76, 95%CI: 0.58-0.99, p=0.04) were less likely to undergo OSS. Inter-hospital variability remained significant after adjusting for relevant patient and hospital characteristics (p<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Significant variability exists in management of benign ovarian neoplasms across hospitals and specialties. Collaborative efforts between treating specialists may improve implementation of evidence-based guidelines for OSS.

TYPE OF STUDY

retrospective study LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Surgical lymph node assessment in mucinous ovarian carcinoma staging: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The proportion of women with mucinous ovarian carcinoma in whom nodal metastases are identified during staging remains unclear.

OBJECTIVES

To review the literature on surgical lymph node assessment during staging of women diagnosed with mucinous ovarian carcinoma.

SEARCH STRATEGY

A systematic search using synonyms of 'mucinous ovarian carcinoma' and 'lymph node assessment' was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, Embase and the Cochrane Library.

SELECTION CRITERIA

When they covered ten or more mucinous ovarian carcinoma cases, staging surgery and minimally one of the following outcomes: prevalence of metastases, stage shift or survival data.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Studies were quality evaluated with the Cochrane risk-of-bias assessment tool for non-randomised studies of interventions. Outcomes were pooled using an inverse variance weighted random effects model.

MAIN RESULTS

Sixteen studies were included. In 278 women with mucinous ovarian cancer suspected to be stage I-II, a pooled proportion of 0.8% (95% CI <0.1-2.9%) had lymph node metastases and were upstaged. In those suspected of stage I (n = 184), this proportion was 0.7% (95% CI <0.1-3.8%). No difference (P = 0.287) was found in metastases between sampling at 0.0% (95% CI 0.0-3.3%) and complete pelvic and/or para-aortic lymph node dissection at 1.2% (95% CI <0.1-4.2%). One study directly compared the survival of patients staged with and without lymph node dissection and reported no significant difference.

CONCLUSIONS

Surgical lymph node assessment in women suspected of stage I-II mucinous ovarian carcinoma rarely identifies nodal metastases and consequently has no significant impact on staging.

TWEETABLE ABSTRACT

Surgical lymph node assessment in women with stage I-II mucinous ovarian cancer rarely has staging consequences.

The Relationship between Intraoperative Rupture and Recurrence of Pediatric Ovarian Neoplasms: Preliminary Observations

STUDY OBJECTIVE

We investigated whether rupture increased the recurrence rate of pediatric ovarian neoplasms.

DESIGN

20-year single-institution retrospective study.

SETTING

Tertiary, free-standing, university children's hospital.

PARTICIPANTS

All girls with ovarian neoplasms treated during between 1991 and 2011.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

Tumor recurrence.

RESULTS

Fifty-nine tumors in 53 patients were managed, including 51/59 (86%) benign and 8/59 (14%) malignant. Laparotomy was employed in 44/59 (75%), laparoscopy in 8/59 (14%), and laparoscopy converted to laparotomy in 7/59 (12%). Total and partial oophorectomy (cystectomy) was used for 15/51 (29%) and 36/51 (71%) of benign tumors, respectively. All malignant tumors underwent total oophorectomy. Accidental rupture or intentional tumor puncture occurred in 26/56 cases (46%), 23/51 benign and 3/5 malignant. Rupture was associated with increasing cyst size on univariate and multivariate analyses (p = 0.002 and p = 0.004, respectively). There were 5 recurrences (9%) in 4 patients, including 4 benign (3 mature teratomas, 1 mucinous cystadenoma), and 1 malignant yolk sac tumor. Recurrence occurred in 2/30 (7%) without rupture and 3/26 (12%) with rupture, p = 0.66. Follow-up was available for 50/53 patients (94%), with a median of 23.8 months [range 0.2-189 months]. All recurrences were salvaged by surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

In this limited study, intra-operative rupture did not increase the recurrence rate or worsen the prognosis of pediatric ovarian neoplasms.

Clear cell carcinomas of the ovary: a mono-institutional study of 73 cases in China with an analysis of the prognostic significance of clinicopathological parameters and IMP3 expression

Background

Ovarian clear cell carcinoma (CCC) is an uncommon subtype of ovarian epithelial tumor. The prognostic significance of its clinicopathological parameters is discordant, with the exception of stage as the adverse prognostic factor. The present study aimed to evaluate the prognostic significance of its clinicopathological characteristics and the expression of IMP3 (Insulin-like growth factor-II mRNA-binding protein 3, IMP3 or IGF2BP3) in Chinese patients with primary pure CCC.

Methods

We collected clinicopathological data from 73 cases with a minimum of 5 years of follow-up and evaluated the expression of IMP3 by immunohistochemistry.

Results

In total, 49.3 % of the patients were in stage I. Advanced stages were closely related to poor prognosis of disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) (P < 0.005). Patients with CCC coexisting with endometriosis tended to be younger and to have unilateral involvement but did not exhibit differences in prognosis compared with patients with CCC without endometriosis. Other histological features such as growth pattern, mitosis, and necrosis did not have prognostic significance. IMP3 was positive in 63 % of patients (46 of 73 cases); Thus, positive expression of IMP3 is an adverse prognostic marker in terms of OS (P = 0.012), even in stage I patients (P = 0.038).

Conclusions

The present study demonstrates that IMP3 expression is a prognostic marker, with the exception of stage. IMP3 represents a biomarker of unfavorable prognosis even in stage I patients.

Spontaneous rupture of ovarian cystadenocarcinoma: pre- and post-rupture computed tomography evaluation

Epithelial ovarian tumors are the most common malignant ovarian neoplasms and, in most cases, eventual rupture of such tumors is associated with a surgical procedure. The authors report the case of a 54-year-old woman who presented with spontaneous rupture of ovarian cystadenocarcinoma documented by computed tomography, both before and after the event. In such cases, a post-rupture staging tends to be less favorable, compromising the prognosis.

Ovarian clear cell carcinoma, outcomes by stage: the MSK experience

OBJECTIVE

Ovarian clear cell carcinomas (OCCCs) are rare, and uncertainty exists as to the optimal treatment paradigm and validity of the FIGO staging system, especially in early-stage disease.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective cohort study of all OCCC patients diagnosed and treated at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center between January 1996 and December 2013. Progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were calculated by stage and race, and comparisons were made using the log-rank test. Statistical significance was set at p<0.05. Type and duration of treatment were also recorded.

RESULTS

There were 177 evaluable patients. The majority of patients were stage I at diagnosis (110/177, 62.2%). Of these, 60/110 (54.6%) were stage IA, 31/110 (28.2%) were stage IC on the basis of rupture-only, and 19/110 (17.3%) were stage IC on the basis of surface involvement and/or positive cytology of ascites or washings. Patients with stage IA and IC based on rupture-only had similar PFS/OS outcomes. Patients with stage IC based on surface involvement and/or positive cytology had a statistically significant decrement in PFS/OS. Stage was an important indicator of PFS/OS, while race was not.

CONCLUSIONS

OCCC often presents in early stage. Women with stage IA OCCC have excellent prognosis, and future studies should explore whether they benefit from adjuvant chemotherapy. Women with IC OCCC need further staging clarification, as surgical rupture alone affords better prognosis than surface involvement and/or positive cytology. Women with advanced OCCC have poor survival and are often chemotherapy resistant/refractory. New treatment paradigms are needed.

Safety of fertility-sparing surgery in primary mucinous carcinoma of the ovary

Purpose

The aim of this study is to evaluate the safety of fertility-sparing surgery as the treatment for patients with primary mucinous epithelial ovarian cancer.

Materials and Methods

A retrospective study of patients with mucinous ovarian cancer between 1991 and 2010 was performed. The demographics and survival outcomes were compared between patients who underwent fertility-sparing surgery and those who underwent radical surgery.

Results

A total of 110 patients underwent primary surgery. At the time of surgery, tumors appeared to be grossly confined to the ovaries in 90 patients, and evidence of metastasis was definite in 20 patients. Of the 90 patients with tumors that appeared to be grossly confined to the ovaries at surgical exploration, 35 (38.9%) underwent fertility-sparing surgery. The Kaplan- Meier curve and the log rank test showed no difference in either recurrence-free survival (p=0.792) or disease-specific survival (p=0.706) between the two groups. Furthermore, there was no significant difference in recurrence-free survival (p=0.126) or disease-specific survival (p=0.377) between the two groups, even when the analysis was limited to women below the age of 40. In a multivariate Cox model, fertility-sparing surgery had no effect on either recurrence-free survival (recurrence hazard ratio [HR], 1.20; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.25 to 5.71) or disease-specific survival (death HR, 0.88; 95% CI, 0.17 to 4.60).

Conclusion

Fertility-sparing surgery in primary mucinous cancer grossly confined to the ovaries may be a safe option and one not associated with an increase in recurrence or mortality.

Sertoli-Leydig cell tumors: current status of surgical management: literature review and proposal of treatment

To identify the appropriate management we review the current literature on the diagnostic and different surgical procedures to which the patients affected by Sertoli-Leyding cell tumors (SLCTs) were submitted. Through the description of a case report we also propose an interdisciplinary diagnostic approach and a laparoscopic surgical staging, with a long-term follow-up. The analysis shows that pelvic ultrasound is primary diagnostic procedure, and only 36% of publications clearly describe to have performed more specific investigation. The hormone assessment is performed in the presence of specific endocrine symptoms. Laparoscopic approach is chosen by a few surgeon. Laparotomic surgery is preferred based in not recent recommendations for ovarian cancer treatment, although it is demonstrated the efficacy and safety of laparoscopy in the treatment of ovarian epithelial tumors. Different steps that are usually used for oncological ovarian cancer staging are not always performed. Conservative and fertility sparing surgery is commonly accepted, and even preferred due to the young age of patients. In the surgical treatment of SLCTs is necessary to adopt common guidelines, and evenly define the steps that the patient should be submitted. If are observed epithelial cancer oncological principles, laparoscopic surgery should be the approach of choice for these patients.

Low-stage ovarian clear cell carcinoma: population-based outcomes in British Columbia, Canada, with evidence for a survival benefit as a result of irradiation

PURPOSE

To evaluate the population-based outcomes of stage I and II ovarian clear cell carcinoma (OCCC) in a North American population treated with carboplatin/paclitaxel and abdominopelvic irradiation.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Retrospective analysis was performed of 241 patients referred in the carboplatin/paclitaxel era. Irradiation was to be used with a few defined exceptions. However, because of differing beliefs as to its effectiveness, its use was consistently avoided by specific oncologists, allowing the opportunity to study its possible effect on disease-free survival (DFS) in these concurrent cohorts.

RESULTS

Five- and 10-year DFS rates were 84% and 70% for stage IA/B; 67% and 57% for stage IC; and 49% and 44% for stage II, respectively. Five- and 10-year DFS rates for those with stage IC disease based purely on rupture were similar to rates for patients with stage IA/B, at 92% and 71%, respectively. The remaining patients with stage IC had 48% 5- and 10-year DFS. Multivariate analysis using a decision tree identified positive cytology as the most important factor (72% relapse rate if positive and 27% if negative or unknown). If, in addition, the capsule surface was involved, then the relapse rate was 93%. Irradiation had no discernible survival benefit for patients with stage IA and IC (rupture alone), whereas for the remainder of patients with stage IC and stage II, it improved DFS by 20% at 5 years (relative risk, 0.5); the benefit was most evident in the cytologically negative/unknown group.

CONCLUSION

DFS is similar in this North American population with early OCCC to the DFS reported in Asia. A potential benefit from irradiation was evident in a subset.

Adnexal masses suspected to be benign treated with laparoscopy

OBJECTIVE

Guidelines for referring women with pelvic masses suspicious for ovarian cancer to gynecologic oncologists have been developed by the American College of Obstetrician Gynecologists (ACOG). We set out to evaluate the negative predictive value of these guidelines and to assess a modified algorithm involving minimally invasive surgery in the treatment of women with masses suspected to be benign.

METHODS

257 consecutive patients with adnexal masses of 8cm to 13cm on preoperative ultrasound examination meeting Triage Criteria set forth in ACOG Committee Opinion 280. Patients meeting the selection criteria were scheduled for operative laparoscopy, washings, adnexectomy, bagging, and colpotomy. A total of 240 patients successfully completed intended treatment (93.38%), and 234 of these did not require admission (97.5%). There was a low incidence of significant complications: 97.50% of women were successfully treated as outpatients, 97.92% of surgeries lasted <136 minutes, and <97.08% had blood loss <200mL. The negative predictive value of ACOG Committee Opinion 280 Triage Criteria as a deselector for having invasive ovarian malignancy in our population was 95.57% for premenopausal and 90.91% for postmenopausal women.

CONCLUSIONS

Laparoscopic adnexectomy, bagging, and colpotomy is a desirable goal for patients with ovarian masses in the 8cm to 13cm range meeting selection criteria affording a minimally invasive approach with attendant benefits including outpatient treatment (97.5%), few complications, low likelihood of iatrogenic rupture of the ovarian capsule (1.25%), and low necessity for reoperation after final pathology is evaluated (6.03%). Negative predictive value of ACOG Committee Opinion 280 is confirmed in a community gynecology practice and is recommended to form the basis of a new treatment algorithm for women with adnexal masses.

Mucinous carcinomas of the ovary and colorectum: different organ, same dilemma

Mucinous carcinomas are uncommon histological types that affect several organ sites. Primary mucinous carcinomas of the ovary are distinct from other ovarian carcinoma types, but they can pose a particular challenge for correct diagnosis from metastases, which most usually originate from the colorectum. Correct diagnosis is the mainstay of treatment, because standard practice states that protocols are tailored to the primary organ site. Little is known of mutational alterations in primary and metastatic mucinous carcinomas of the ovary, and few markers exist that can discriminate between them. We reviewed commonalities between ovarian and colorectal mucinous carcinomas with respect to aetiology, molecular alterations, differential diagnosis, and implications for treatment. Although primary mucinous carcinomas of the ovary and colorectum share similar mutational patterns and unfavourable outcomes at advanced stage, compared with their non-mucinous counterparts, important differences exist with respect to mucin localisation and specific molecular alterations. Technologies--eg, next-generation sequencing--could aid identification of additional driver molecular changes that will help clarify the relation between mucinous carcinomas from different organ sites. Perhaps, then, we can consider moving towards testing and adoption of therapeutic approaches tailored to molecular characteristics of mucinous carcinomas, irrespective of organ site, so patients' survival can be optimised.

Fertility-sparing surgery in young women with mucinous adenocarcinoma of the ovary

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study was to clarify the clinical outcome of patients with stage IA mucinous epithelial ovarian cancer (mEOC) treated with fertility-sparing surgery (FSS).

METHODS

After a central pathological review and search of the medical records from multiple institutions, a total of 148 stage I mEOC patients were retrospectively evaluated in the current study. All mEOC patients were divided into three groups: group A (FSS; age, 40≥); groups B and C {radical surgery; age, 40≥ (B); 40< (C)}. Survival analysis was performed among these three groups using Kaplan-Meier methods.

RESULTS

The median follow-up time of all mEOC patients was 71.6 (4.8-448.3) months. Among the 41 patients in group A, 27 patients (65.9%) had IA disease, and 14 (34.1%) had IC disease. Five-year overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) rates of patients in the groups were as follows: group A, 97.3% (OS)/90.5% (DFS); group B, 94.4% (OS)/94.4% (DFS); group C; 97.3% (OS)/89.3% (DFS). Collectively, there was no significant difference in OS or DFS among these groups even though they were stratified to each substage (IA/IC) (OS, P=0.180; DFS, P=0.445, respectively). Furthermore, in multivariate analyses, the surgical procedure was not an independent prognostic factor for either OS or DFS (OS, HR: 0.340, 95% CI: 0.034-3.775, P=0.352; DFS, HR: 0.660, 95% CI: 0.142-3.070, P=0.596).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with stage I mEOC treated with FSS did not necessarily show a poorer prognosis than those receiving radical surgery.

Polytomous diagnosis of ovarian tumors as benign, borderline, primary invasive or metastatic: development and validation of standard and kernel-based risk prediction models

Background

Hitherto, risk prediction models for preoperative ultrasound-based diagnosis of ovarian tumors were dichotomous (benign versus malignant). We develop and validate polytomous models (models that predict more than two events) to diagnose ovarian tumors as benign, borderline, primary invasive or metastatic invasive. The main focus is on how different types of models perform and compare.

Methods

A multi-center dataset containing 1066 women was used for model development and internal validation, whilst another multi-center dataset of 1938 women was used for temporal and external validation. Models were based on standard logistic regression and on penalized kernel-based algorithms (least squares support vector machines and kernel logistic regression). We used true polytomous models as well as combinations of dichotomous models based on the 'pairwise coupling' technique to produce polytomous risk estimates. Careful variable selection was performed, based largely on cross-validated c-index estimates. Model performance was assessed with the dichotomous c-index (i.e. the area under the ROC curve) and a polytomous extension, and with calibration graphs.

Results

For all models, between 9 and 11 predictors were selected. Internal validation was successful with polytomous c-indexes between 0.64 and 0.69. For the best model dichotomous c-indexes were between 0.73 (primary invasive vs metastatic) and 0.96 (borderline vs metastatic). On temporal and external validation, overall discrimination performance was good with polytomous c-indexes between 0.57 and 0.64. However, discrimination between primary and metastatic invasive tumors decreased to near random levels. Standard logistic regression performed well in comparison with advanced algorithms, and combining dichotomous models performed well in comparison with true polytomous models. The best model was a combination of dichotomous logistic regression models. This model is available online.

Conclusions

We have developed models that successfully discriminate between benign, borderline, and invasive ovarian tumors. Methodologically, the combination of dichotomous models was an interesting approach to tackle the polytomous problem. Standard logistic regression models were not outperformed by regularized kernel-based alternatives, a finding to which the careful variable selection procedure will have contributed. The random discrimination between primary and metastatic invasive tumors on temporal/external validation demonstrated once more the necessity of validation studies.

Pediatric borderline ovarian tumors: a retrospective analysis

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

Borderline ovarian tumors (BOTs) are uncommon in the pediatric population, and there have been limited studies that have included a small number of patients. In present study, we evaluated the clinical outcomes and the rates of recurrence of pediatric BOTs with larger sample size than those in previous studies.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review was performed on 29 patients who were treated for histopathologically confirmed BOTs at our institution between January 1997 and December 2009.

RESULTS

Twenty-nine patients (median age, 18 years) had a large-sized tumor (median, 19.8 cm). Abdominal pain was the most common symptom, seen in 82.8% of the patients, followed by abdominal distension. The permanent section histology revealed 25 mucinous (86.2%) and 4 serous type tumors (13.8%). There was considerable discordance between the permanent and frozen sections (rate of concordance, 55.1%). Disease stage was IA in 26 patients (89.7%) and stage IC in the other 3 patients (10.3%). All patients underwent fertility-preserving surgery. Overall, 4 patients (13.8%) experienced a clinically suspicious recurrence requiring surgery. In 2 cases, the suspected recurrences were found to be other benign ovarian tumors. In one case that was initially treated with left ovarian cystectomy for a mucinous BOT, subsequent left salpingo-oophorectomy confirmed recurrence of a mucinous BOT at 16-month follow-up. The last case was a newly developed primary ovarian mucinous carcinoma with no evidence of recurrence of a previous mucinous BOT at 26-month follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

This study shows that BOTs in pediatric populations can be successfully treated conservatively to preserve fertility with no apparent increased risk of morbidity or mortality compared with those of more radical surgical options.

The impact of complete surgical staging upon survival in early-stage ovarian clear cell carcinoma: a multi-institutional retrospective study

Pure-type clear cell carcinoma (CCC) has been recognized as a distinct subtype of ovarian cancer, showing resistance to conventional platinum-based chemotherapy and resulting in poor prognosis. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of complete surgical staging procedures for early-stage CCC patients in a retrospective multi-institutional analysis. During the period 1992 to 2002, a total of 199 patients with pT1 M0 CCC were identified. Survival analysis was estimated by Kaplan-Meier methods, and prognostic factors were evaluated using a Cox regression model. Among pT1 M0 tumors, retroperitoneal lymph node status was negative in 125 cases (pN0, 63%), positive in 10 cases (pN1, 5%), and unknown in 64 cases (pNx, 32%). Progression-free survival of pN1 was significantly worse than that of pN0 (P < 0.05), whereas there was no significant difference between pN1 and pNx. There was no significant difference of overall survival (OS) among the 3 groups. Multivariate analysis revealed that peritoneal cytology status was the only independent prognostic factor for progression-free survival (P = 0.04), but completion of surgical staging procedures was not a prognostic factor. There was no significant prognostic factor for OS. Our study implied that complete surgical staging enabled us to distinguish a high-risk group of recurrence in pT1 M0 CCC; however, the procedure could not improve OS. Although the study was a limited retrospective study, the impact of peritoneal cytology status was more important than complete surgical staging procedure in CCC patients. More effective treatment modality was warranted, especially for CCC cases positive for malignant peritoneal cytology.

Management of ovarian dermoid cysts in the pediatric and adolescent population

STUDY OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the surgical approach used in the management of ovarian dermoid cysts in the pediatric and adolescent population.

DESIGN

A descriptive retrospective chart review of all cases of ovarian dermoid cyst excision between January 2001 and January 2006.

SETTING

The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada.

PARTICIPANTS

Forty-one female children and adolescents who underwent operative management of an ovarian dermoid cyst.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Surgical approach (laparoscopy vs laparotomy), intraoperative cyst rupture, length of hospital stay, and postoperative complications.

RESULTS

The mean age was 12.5 years. All cysts were unilateral. Twenty-three patients (56%) underwent laparoscopic cystectomy, 14 (34%) underwent cystectomy via laparotomy, and 4 (10%) oophorectomies were performed via laparotomy. Cyst size was significantly larger in the laparotomy group compared to the laparoscopy group (mean diameter 14.4 cm vs 7.1 cm, respectively, P < .001). A significantly higher rate of cyst rupture was experienced during laparoscopic cystectomy (100%), compared to excision via laparotomy (27.7%, P < .001). Length of hospital stay was significantly shorter in the laparoscopy group compared to the laparotomy group (median of 0 vs 3 days, respectively, P < .001). A single case in the laparoscopy group sustained a bladder injury and developed postoperative necrotizing fasciitis resulting in a prolonged hospitalization and recovery. There were no operative or postoperative complications related to cyst content spillage, regardless of the surgical approach.

CONCLUSION

Laparoscopic cystectomy is a safe and effective method of managing ovarian dermoid cysts in the pediatric and adolescent patient population.

Ovarian epithelial tumors of low malignant potential: a case series of 5 adolescent patients

Epithelial ovarian neoplasms are uncommon in pediatric and adolescent patients, accounting for approximately 20% to 30% of ovarian tumors in adolescent females and women younger than 25. Tumors of low malignant potential (LMP) account for a significant proportion of epithelial neoplasms in this patient population. This case series describes 5 adolescent patients, with a mean age of 14.4 +/- 2.4 years, diagnosed with ovarian tumors of LMP at one institution. Between November 2001 and January 2006, 5 patients were diagnosed with ovarian tumors of LMP of 126 patients who had surgery for adnexal masses. All patients underwent initial surgery via laparotomy. Two patients underwent ovarian cystectomy, and 3 had at least a unilateral salpingo-oophorectomy. One patient had stage IIIc disease, whereas the other 4 patients, not all completely staged, had presumed stage I disease. Three patients developed recurrent ovarian masses on follow-up. Two had recurrent LMP tumors (one bilateral) and one was a benign mucinous cystadenoma. This case series of 5 adolescent patients with ovarian tumors of LMP highlights the importance of considering epithelial neoplasms in any pediatric or adolescent patient with a pelvic mass and supports conservative management, with staging and fertility-sparing surgery; however, appropriate follow-up is essential, as evidenced by 3 of 5 patients exhibiting recurrent ovarian masses.

Prognostic factors for high-risk early-stage epithelial ovarian cancer: a Gynecologic Oncology Group study

BACKGROUND

The purpose was to identify the factors predictive of recurrence and survival in patients with high-risk (stage I, grade 3; stage IC, stage II, or clear cell) epithelial ovarian cancer after adjuvant therapy.

METHODS

Data was extracted from patients who underwent primary surgery followed by adjuvant therapy in 2 randomized trials by the Gynecologic Oncology Group (Protocols 95 and 157). Kaplan-Meier survival estimates and Cox proportional hazards model adjusted for covariates were used for analyses.

RESULTS

Of 506 patients (median age = 56.2 years), 347 (68.6%) had stage I and 159 (31.4%) had stage II cancers. The 5-year recurrence-free (RFS) and overall survivals (OS) were 75.5% and 81.7%, respectively. On multivariate analysis, older age, higher stage, higher grade, and malignant cytology were independent prognostic factors predictive for recurrence and poorer survival. The risk of recurrence was higher for those >/=60 versus < 60 years (hazards ratio [HR] = 1.57, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.12-2.19), stage II (stage II: HR = 2.70, 95% CI, 1.41-5.16) versus stage IA or IB, grade 2 (HR = 1.84, 95% CI, 1.04-3.27) and grade 3 (HR = 2.47, 95% CI, 1.39-4.37) versus grade 1, and positive versus negative cytology (HR = 1.72, 95% CI, 1.21-2.45). By using these factors in a prognostic index, those with low-risk (no or 1 risk factor), intermediate-risk (2 factors), and high-risk (3-4 risk factors) disease had survivals of 88%, 82%, and 75%, respectively (P < .05).

CONCLUSIONS

Age, stage, grade, and cytology are important prognostic factors in high-risk early-stage epithelial ovarian cancer. This information may be used in the design of future clinical trials.

Clear cell carcinoma of the ovary: a retrospective multicentre experience of 254 patients with complete surgical staging

A retrospective analysis was performed to evaluate the clinical characteristics and prognostic factors in the patients with clear cell carcinoma (CCC) of the ovary. After central pathological review and scanning of the medical records of nine Japanese institutions between 1992 and 2003, a total of 254 patients with CCC of the ovary were enrolled in the present study. Mean age was 52.4 years (range 23–73 years). Tumours were 13% (33/254) stage Ia, 36% (92/254) stage Ic, 13% (33/254) stage II, 30% (80/254) stage III, and 6% (16/254) stage IV. Five-year progression-free survival and overall survival was 84 and 88% in stage I, 57 and 70% in stage II, 25 and 33% in stage III and 0 and 0% in stage IV, respectively. Retroperitoneal lymph node metastasis was observed in 9% in pT1a tumours, 7% in pT1c tumours, 13% in pT2 tumours, and 58% in pT3 tumours, respectively. There was no survival benefit according to chemotherapeutic differences in the patients who received complete surgical staging procedures and conventional chemotherapy. Peritoneal cytological status was an independent prognostic factor in stage Ic patients (P=0.03) and only residual tumour diameter was an independent prognostic factor in stage III, IV patients (P=0.02). Our results suggest that cytoreductive surgery resulting in no residual tumour only could improve the prognosis of advanced CCC patients.

Long-term follow-up and prognostic factor analysis in clear cell adenocarcinoma of the ovary

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

There were a few reports of a large number of patients with clear cell adenocarcinoma (CCA) of the ovary because of the low incidence of CCA. This study compared the clinical factors affecting long-term survival of patients with CCA to those with serous cystadenocarcinoma (SCA).

METHODS

One hundred and seventy-eight CCA and 311 SCA patients treated between 1987 and 2000 were retrospectively evaluated. Differences in survival rates were calculated using log-rank test and Cox's proportional hazards analysis was used to identify independent prognostic factors.

RESULTS

The ratio of stage I was significantly higher than that of SCA. There was no significant difference of 8-year survival rate in each stage between CCA and SCA. However, the patients with stage IIIb or IIIc CCA showed significantly worse prognosis than those with SCA. Positive peritoneal or ascitic cytology, the presence of residual tumor, more than 100 ml ascites were demonstrated to have the significant impact on survival by univariate analysis. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that stage, more than 100 ml ascites, and the presence of residual tumor were significant prognostic factors of CCA overall survival.

CONCLUSIONS

Distribution of stage and substage differed between CCA and SCA in this study. Thus, substaging is quite important for comparison of prognoses between histologies, and CCA showed poorer prognoses than serous adenocarcinoma in stages IIIb and IIIc.