Sonographic, Demographic, and Clinical Characteristics of Pre- and Postmenopausal Women with Endometrial Cancer; Results from a Post Hoc Analysis of the IETA4 (International Endometrial Tumor Analysis) Multicenter Cohort

In this study, we conducted a comparative analysis of demographic, histopathological, and sonographic characteristics between pre- and postmenopausal women diagnosed with endometrial cancer, while also examining sonographic and anthropometric features in 'low' and 'intermediate/high-risk' cases, stratified by menopausal status. Our analysis, based on data from the International Endometrial Tumor Analysis (IETA) 4 cohort comprising 1538 women (161 premenopausal, 1377 postmenopausal) with biopsy-confirmed endometrial cancer, revealed that premenopausal women, compared to their postmenopausal counterparts, exhibited lower parity (median 1, IQR 0-2 vs. 1, IQR 1-2, p = 0.001), a higher family history of colon cancer (16% vs. 7%, p = 0.001), and smaller waist circumferences (median 92 cm, IQR 82-108 cm vs. 98 cm, IQR 87-112 cm, p = 0.002). Premenopausal women more often had a regular endometrial-myometrial border (39% vs. 23%, p < 0.001), a visible endometrial midline (23% vs. 11%, p < 0.001), and undefined tumor (73% vs. 84%, p = 0.001). Notably, despite experiencing a longer duration of abnormal uterine bleeding (median 5 months, IQR 3-12 vs. 3 months, 2-6, p < 0.001), premenopausal women more often had 'low' risk disease (78% vs. 46%, p < 0.001). Among sonographic and anthropometric features, only an irregular endometrial-myometrial border was associated with 'intermediate/high' risk in premenopausal women. Conversely, in postmenopausal women, multiple features correlated with 'intermediate/high' risk disease. Our findings emphasize the importance of considering menopausal status when evaluating sonographic features in women with endometrial cancer.

European Society of Gynaecological Oncology Guidelines for the Management of Patients with Vulvar Cancer - Update 2023

BACKGROUND

As part of its mission to improve the quality of care for women with gynecological cancers across Europe, the European Society of Gynaecological Oncology (ESGO) first published in 2017 evidence-based guidelines for the management of patients with vulvar cancer.

OBJECTIVE

To update the ESGO guidelines based on the new evidence addressing the management of vulvar cancer and to cover new topics in order to provide comprehensive guidelines on all relevant issues of diagnosis and treatment of vulvar cancer.

METHODS

The ESGO Council nominated an international development group comprised of practicing clinicians who provide care to vulvar cancer patients and have demonstrated leadership through their expertize in clinical care and research, national and international engagement and profile as well as dedication to the topics addressed to serve on the expert panel (18 experts across Europe). To ensure that the statements were evidence-based, new data identified from a systematic search were reviewed and critically appraised. In the absence of any clear scientific evidence, judgment was based on the professional experience and consensus of the international development group. Prior to publication, the guidelines were reviewed by 206 international practitioners in cancer care delivery and patient representatives.

RESULTS

The updated guidelines cover comprehensively diagnosis and referral, staging, pathology, pre-operative investigations, surgical management (local treatment, groin treatment, sentinel lymph node procedure, reconstructive surgery), (chemo)radiotherapy, systemic treatment, treatment of recurrent disease (vulvar, inguinal, pelvic, and distant recurrences), and follow-up. Management algorithms are also defined.

ESGO/ESTRO/ESP Guidelines for the management of patients with cervical cancer - Update 2023

In 2018, the European Society of Gynecological Oncology (ESGO) jointly with the European Society for Radiotherapy and Oncology (ESTRO) and the European Society of Pathology (ESP) published evidence-based guidelines for the management of patients with cervical cancer. Given the large body of new evidence addressing the management of cervical cancer, the three sister societies jointly decided to update these evidence-based guidelines. The update includes new topics to provide comprehensive guidelines on all relevant issues of diagnosis and treatment in cervical cancer. To serve on the expert panel (27 experts across Europe) ESGO/ESTRO/ESP nominated practicing clinicians who are involved in managing patients with cervical cancer and have demonstrated leadership through their expertise in clinical care and research, national and international engagement, profile, and dedication to the topics addressed. To ensure the statements were evidence based, new data identified from a systematic search was reviewed and critically appraised. In the absence of any clear scientific evidence, judgment was based on the professional experience and consensus of the international development group. Before publication, the guidelines were reviewed by 155 independent international practitioners in cancer care delivery and patient representatives. These updated guidelines are comprehensive and cover staging, management, follow-up, long-term survivorship, quality of life and palliative care. Management includes fertility sparing treatment, early and locally advanced cervical cancer, invasive cervical cancer diagnosed on a simple hysterectomy specimen, cervical cancer in pregnancy, rare tumors, recurrent and metastatic diseases. The management algorithms and the principles of radiotherapy and pathological evaluation are also defined.

ESGO/ESTRO/ESP Guidelines for the management of patients with cervical cancer - Update 2023

In 2018, the European Society of Gynecological Oncology (ESGO) jointly with the European Society for Radiotherapy and Oncology (ESTRO) and the European Society of Pathology (ESP) published evidence-based guidelines for the management of patients with cervical cancer. Given the large body of new evidence addressing the management of cervical cancer, the three sister societies jointly decided to update these evidence-based guidelines. The update includes new topics to provide comprehensive guidelines on all relevant issues of diagnosis and treatment in cervical cancer.To serve on the expert panel (27 experts across Europe) ESGO/ESTRO/ESP nominated practicing clinicians who are involved in managing patients with cervical cancer and have demonstrated leadership through their expertise in clinical care and research, national and international engagement, profile, and dedication to the topics addressed. To ensure the statements were evidence based, new data identified from a systematic search was reviewed and critically appraised. In the absence of any clear scientific evidence, judgment was based on the professional experience and consensus of the international development group. Before publication, the guidelines were reviewed by 155 independent international practitioners in cancer care delivery and patient representatives.These updated guidelines are comprehensive and cover staging, management, follow-up, long-term survivorship, quality of life and palliative care. Management includes fertility sparing treatment, early and locally advanced cervical cancer, invasive cervical cancer diagnosed on a simple hysterectomy specimen, cervical cancer in pregnancy, rare tumors, recurrent and metastatic diseases. The management algorithms and the principles of radiotherapy and pathological evaluation are also defined.

ESGO/ESTRO/ESP Guidelines for the management of patients with cervical cancer - Update 2023

In 2018, the European Society of Gynecological Oncology (ESGO) jointly with the European Society for Radiotherapy and Oncology (ESTRO) and the European Society of Pathology (ESP) published evidence-based guidelines for the management of patients with cervical cancer. Given the large body of new evidence addressing the management of cervical cancer, the three sister societies jointly decided to update these evidence-based guidelines. The update includes new topics to provide comprehensive guidelines on all relevant issues of diagnosis and treatment in cervical cancer.To serve on the expert panel (27 experts across Europe) ESGO/ESTRO/ESP nominated practicing clinicians who are involved in managing patients with cervical cancer and have demonstrated leadership through their expertise in clinical care and research, national and international engagement, profile, and dedication to the topics addressed. To ensure the statements were evidence based, new data identified from a systematic search was reviewed and critically appraised. In the absence of any clear scientific evidence, judgment was based on the professional experience and consensus of the international development group. Before publication, the guidelines were reviewed by 155 independent international practitioners in cancer care delivery and patient representatives.These updated guidelines are comprehensive and cover staging, management, follow-up, long-term survivorship, quality of life and palliative care. Management includes fertility sparing treatment, early and locally advanced cervical cancer, invasive cervical cancer diagnosed on a simple hysterectomy specimen, cervical cancer in pregnancy, rare tumors, recurrent and metastatic diseases. The management algorithms and the principles of radiotherapy and pathological evaluation are also defined.

CERVANTES: an international randomized trial of radical surgery followed by adjuvant (chemo) radiation versus no further treatment in patients with early-stage, intermediate-risk cervical cancer (CEEGOG-CX-05; ENGOT-CX16)

BACKGROUND

The role of adjuvant treatment in the intermediate-risk group of patients with early-stage cervical cancer is controversial and is supported by a single randomized Gynecologic Oncology Group (GOG) 92 study performed more than 20 years ago. Recent retrospective studies have shown excellent local control in this group of patients after radical surgery with no additional adjuvant treatment.

PRIMARY OBJECTIVE

To evaluate if adjuvant (chemo)radiation is associated with a survival benefit after radical surgery in patients with intermediate-risk cervical cancer.

STUDY HYPOTHESIS

Radical surgery alone is non-inferior to the combined treatment of radical surgery followed by adjuvant (chemo)radiation in disease-free survival in patients with intermediate-risk cervical cancer.

TRIAL DESIGN

This is a phase III, international, multicenter, randomized, non-inferiority trial in which patients with intermediate-risk cervical cancer will be randomized 1:1 into arm A, with no additional treatment after radical surgery, and arm B, receiving adjuvant external beam radiotherapy±brachytherapy ± concomitant chemotherapy. Patient data will be collected over 3 years post-randomization of the last enrolled patient for primary endpoint analysis or for 6 years for the overall survival analysis.

MAJOR INCLUSION/EXCLUSION CRITERIA

Patients with intermediate-risk early-stage cervical cancer (IB1-IIA), defined as lymph node-negative patients with a combination of negative prognostic factors (tumor size >4 cm; tumor size >2 cm and lymphovascular space invasion; deep stromal invasion >2/3; or tumor-free distance <3 mm) with squamous cell carcinoma or human papillomavirus (HPV)-related adenocarcinoma, are eligible for the trial.

PRIMARY ENDPOINT

Disease-free survival defined as time from randomization to recurrence diagnosis.

SAMPLE SIZE

514 patients from up to 90 sites will be randomized.

ESTIMATED DATES FOR COMPLETING ACCRUAL AND PRESENTING RESULTS

It is estimated that the accrual will be completed by 2027 (with 3 additional years of follow-up) and primary endpoint results will be published by 2031. Estimated trial completion is by 2034.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

NCT04989647.

Quality of life after extended pelvic exenterations

BACKGROUND

The aim of the study was to compare health-related quality of life (QoL) and oncological outcome between gynaecological cancer patients undergoing pelvic exenteration (PE) and extended pelvic exenteration (EPE). EPEs were defined as extensive procedures including, in addition to standard PE extent, the resection of internal, external, or common iliac vessels; pelvic side-wall muscles; large pelvic nerves (sciatic or femoral); and/or pelvic bones.

METHODS

Data from 74 patients who underwent PE (42) or EPE (32) between 2004 and 2019 at a single tertiary gynae-oncology centre in Prague were analysed. QoL assessment was performed using EORTC QLQ-C30, EORTC CX-24, and QOLPEX questionnaires specifically developed for patients after (E)PE.

RESULTS

No significant differences in survival were observed between the groups (P > 0.999), with median overall and disease-specific survival in the whole cohort of 45 and 49 months, respectively. Thirty-one survivors participated in the QoL surveys (20 PE, 11 EPE). No significant differences were observed in global health status (P = 0.951) or in any of the functional scales. The groups were not differing in therapy satisfaction (P = 0.502), and both expressed similar, high willingness to undergo treatment again if they were to decide again (P = 0.317).

CONCLUSIONS

EPEs had post-treatment QoL and oncological outcome comparable to traditional PE. These procedures offer a potentially curative treatment option for patients with persistent or recurrent pelvic tumour invading into pelvic wall structures without further compromise of patients´ QoL.

Post-recurrence survival in patients with cervical cancer

BACKGROUND

Up to 26% of patients with early-stage cervical cancer experience relapse after primary surgery. However, little is known about which factors influence prognosis following disease recurrence. Therefore, our aims were to determine post-recurrence disease-specific survival (PR-DSS) and to identify respective prognostic factors for PR-DSS.

METHODS

Data from 528 patients with early-stage cervical cancer who relapsed after primary surgery performed between 2007 and 2016 were obtained from the SCANN study (Surveillance in Cervical CANcer). Factors related to the primary disease and recurrence were combined in a multivariable Cox proportional hazards model to predict PR-DSS.

RESULTS

The 5-year PR-DSS was 39.1% (95% confidence interval [CI] 22.7%-44.5%), median disease-free interval between primary surgery and recurrence (DFI1) was 1.5 years, and median survival after recurrence was 2.5 years. Six significant variables were identified in the multivariable analysis and were used to construct the prognostic model. Two were related to primary treatment (largest tumour size and lymphovascular space invasion) and four to recurrence (DFI1, age at recurrence, presence of symptoms, and recurrence type). The C-statistic after 10-fold cross-validation of prognostic model reached 0.701 (95% CI 0.675-0.727). Three risk-groups with significantly differing prognoses were identified, with 5-year PR-DSS rates of 81.8%, 44.6%, and 12.7%.

CONCLUSIONS

We developed the robust model of PR-DSS to stratify patients with relapsed cervical cancer according to risk profiles using six routinely recorded prognostic markers. The model can be utilised in clinical practice to aid decision-making on the strategy of recurrence management, and to better inform the patients.

The role of power morcellation in minimally invasive gynecologic surgery

OBJECTIVE

To summarize recent data and knowledge of laparoscopic power morcellation.

METHODS

Review of articles.

RESULTS

Laparoscopic morcellation has been introduced to gynecologic surgery in 90s. In 2014, Food and Drug Administration announced negative statement about the morcellation use due to the risk of potential spreading of malignant tumor cells. This statement reduced utilization of morcellation, especially in the United States. Since that, many health institutions and organizations started new researches focused on the safety of this surgical technique. After a couple of years, the morcellation is considered as a useful tool if certain rules are followed.

CONCLUSION

Morcellation has a place in laparoscopic operative procedures even in 2022, in condition of correct selection of patients and possible utilization of contained in-bag morcellation.

Challenges in lower limb lymphoedema assessment based on limb volume change: Lessons learnt from the SENTIX prospective multicentre study

BACKGROUND

Lower limb lymphoedema (LLL) is the most disabling adverse effect of surgical staging of pelvic lymph nodes. However, the lack of standardisation of volumetric LLL assessment hinders direct comparison between the studies and makes LLL reporting unreliable. The aim of our study is to report outcomes from a prospective trial that have implications for LLL assessment standardisation.

METHODS

In the prospective international multicentre trial SENTIX, a group of 150 patients with stage IA1-IB2 cervical cancer treated by uterine surgery with bilateral sentinel lymph node biopsy was prospectively evaluated by objective LLL assessment, based on limb volume change (LVC) using circumferrential limb measurements and subjective patient-reported swelling. The assessments were conducted in six-month periods over 24 months post-surgery.

RESULTS

Patient LVC substantially fluctuated in both positive and negative directions, which were comparable in frequency up to ±14% change. Thirty-eight patients experienced persistent LVC increase >10% classified as LLL, with nine months median time to onset. Some 34.2% of cases experienced onset later than one year after the surgery. Thirty-three patients (22%) experienced transient oedema characterised as LVC >10%, which resolved without intervention between two consequent follow-up visits. No significant correlation between LVC >10% and a patient-reported swelling was observed.

CONCLUSIONS

Given that we observed comparable fluctuations of the the lower-limb volumes after surgical treatment of cervical cancer in both positive and negative direction up to ±14%, the diagnostic threshold for LLL diagnosis based on LVC should be increased to >15% LVC. The distinction of transient oedema from persistent LLL requires repeated measurements. Also, as one-third of LLL cases are diagnosed >1-year post-surgery, a sufficient follow-up duration needs to be ensured. Patient-reported swelling correlated poorly with LVC and should only be used as an adjunct to objective LLL assessment.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02494063.

Are we better off using multiple endometriosis classifications in imaging and surgery than settle for one universal less than perfect protocol? Review of staging systems in ultrasound, magnetic resonance and surgery

There are multiple classifications in imaging and surgery of endometriosis and in this article, we offer a review of the main evaluation systems. The International Deep Endometriosis Analysis group consensus is the leading document for ultrasound assessment, while magnetic resonance imaging is guided by the European Society for Urogenital Radiology recommendations on technical protocol. In surgery, the revised American Society for Reproductive Medicine classification is the oldest system, ideally combined with newer classifications, such as Enzian or Endometriosis Fertility Index. Recently, The World Endometriosis Research Foundation Endometriosis Phenome and Biobanking Harmonisation Project introduced detailed proforma for clinical and intraoperative findings. There is still no universal consensus, so the initial emphasis should be on the uniform reporting of the disease extent until research clarifies more the correlations between extent, symptoms and progression in order to develop a reliable staging system.Impact StatementWhat is already known on this subject? There have been several reviews of surgical classifications, comparing their scope and practical use, while in the imaging the attempts for literature review has been scarce.What do the results of this study add? This is the first up to date review offering detailed analysis of the main classification systems across the three main areas involved in endometriosis care - ultrasound, MRI and surgery. The mutual awareness of the radiological classifications for surgeons and vice versa is crucial in an efficient multidisciplinary communication and patient care. On these comparisons we were able to demonstrate the lack of consensus in description of the extent of the disease and even further lack of prognostic features (with the exemption of one surgical system).What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? Future attempts of scientific societies should focus on defining uniform nomenclature for extent description. In the second step the staging classification should encompass prognostic value (risk of disease and symptoms recurrence).

Validation of models to diagnose ovarian cancer in patients managed surgically or conservatively: multicentre cohort study

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the performance of diagnostic prediction models for ovarian malignancy in all patients with an ovarian mass managed surgically or conservatively.

DESIGN

Multicentre cohort study.

SETTING

36 oncology referral centres (tertiary centres with a specific gynaecological oncology unit) or other types of centre.

PARTICIPANTS

Consecutive adult patients presenting with an adnexal mass between January 2012 and March 2015 and managed by surgery or follow-up.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Overall and centre specific discrimination, calibration, and clinical utility of six prediction models for ovarian malignancy (risk of malignancy index (RMI), logistic regression model 2 (LR2), simple rules, simple rules risk model (SRRisk), assessment of different neoplasias in the adnexa (ADNEX) with or without CA125). ADNEX allows the risk of malignancy to be subdivided into risks of a borderline, stage I primary, stage II-IV primary, or secondary metastatic malignancy. The outcome was based on histology if patients underwent surgery, or on results of clinical and ultrasound follow-up at 12 (±2) months. Multiple imputation was used when outcome based on follow-up was uncertain.

RESULTS

The primary analysis included 17 centres that met strict quality criteria for surgical and follow-up data (5717 of all 8519 patients). 812 patients (14%) had a mass that was already in follow-up at study recruitment, therefore 4905 patients were included in the statistical analysis. The outcome was benign in 3441 (70%) patients and malignant in 978 (20%). Uncertain outcomes (486, 10%) were most often explained by limited follow-up information. The overall area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was highest for ADNEX with CA125 (0.94, 95% confidence interval 0.92 to 0.96), ADNEX without CA125 (0.94, 0.91 to 0.95) and SRRisk (0.94, 0.91 to 0.95), and lowest for RMI (0.89, 0.85 to 0.92). Calibration varied among centres for all models, however the ADNEX models and SRRisk were the best calibrated. Calibration of the estimated risks for the tumour subtypes was good for ADNEX irrespective of whether or not CA125 was included as a predictor. Overall clinical utility (net benefit) was highest for the ADNEX models and SRRisk, and lowest for RMI. For patients who received at least one follow-up scan (n=1958), overall area under the receiver operating characteristic curve ranged from 0.76 (95% confidence interval 0.66 to 0.84) for RMI to 0.89 (0.81 to 0.94) for ADNEX with CA125.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study found the ADNEX models and SRRisk are the best models to distinguish between benign and malignant masses in all patients presenting with an adnexal mass, including those managed conservatively.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01698632.

Ovarian mesonephric-like adenocarcinoma arising in serous borderline tumor: a case report with complex morphological and molecular analysis

BACKGROUND

Mesonephric-like adenocarcinoma (M-LAC) is a rare, recently described tumor occurring in the uterine corpus and ovary, which shares the same morphological and immunohistochemical features with the more common mesonephric adenocarcinoma (MAC), which mostly arises the uterine cervix. Despite the similarities between these tumors, the histogenesis of M-LAC is still disputable.

CASE PRESENTATION

Sixty-one-year-old woman presented with an advanced tumor of the left ovary with intraabdominal spread and liver metastases. After receiving 5 cycles of neoadjuvant chemotherapy, she underwent a hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, and resection of the liver metastasis, omentum, and appendix. Histologically, the ovarian tumor consisted of two components, whose morphology and immunohistochemical results were typical of either a serous borderline tumor (immunohistochemical positivity for PAX8, WT1, ER and PR) or a mesonephric-like carcinoma (immunohistochemical positivity for PAX8, TTF1 and GATA3). Only the component of the mesonephric-like adenocarcinoma metastasized to the omentum and liver. A molecular analysis with a panel of 271 genes (size 1020 kbp) was performed separately on samples from the borderline tumor, primary ovarian mesonephric-like adenocarcinoma, and liver metastasis. The results showed the clonal origin of all samples, which shared the same KRAS (NM_004985.3:c.34G > T, p.(G12C)) and PIK3CA (NM_006218.2:c.1633G > A, p.(E545K)) somatic mutations. Moreover, in the sample from the primary mesonephric-like carcinoma and its liver metastasis a likely pathogenic somatic MYCN mutation (NM_005378.4:c.131C > T, p.(P44L) was found. In all samples, the deletion of exons 9-10 in the CHEK2 gene was present, which is in concordance with the previously performed genetic testing of the blood specimen which revealed the hereditary CHEK2 mutation in this patient.

CONCLUSIONS

Our result support the theory that at least some mesonephric-like ovarian adenocarcinomas are of Müllerian origin. The serous borderline tumor seems to be a precursor of mesonephric-like adenocarcinoma, which has been proven in our case by both tumors sharing the same mutations, and the presence of cumulative molecular aberrations in the mesonephric-like adenocarcinoma.

Diagnostic pitfalls in ovarian androgen-secreting (Leydig cell) tumours: case series

Leydig cell tumours of the ovary are rare and represent a diagnostic challenge not only due to their sporadic incidence but also due to the seemingly normal imaging. We present three cases of pre- and postmenopausal women who were presented with severe clinical signs of hyperandogenism where modern imaging modalities (including computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and positron-emission tomography combined with computed tomography (PET-CT)) failed to identify the tumour. Two patients underwent non-expert ultrasound, CT and MRI examination with uniform conclusion that ovaries are of normal appearance. One of the two patients even had a PET-CT performed, which was inconclusive. Our case reports show the importance of examination by specialists with established skills in gynaecologic ultrasonography in the diagnosis of the Leydig cell tumours. The most useful diagnostic tool seems to be the combination of age (postmenopause), symptoms (onset of hirsutism and virilisation), high total testosterone plasma values and expert sonography. On ultrasound, these tumours are unilateral, usually small, solid intraovarian nodules of a slightly increased echogenicity in contrast to the surrounding ovarian tissue, delineated by abundant perfusion with an enhanced vascularity. The appropriate setting of the sensitive colour Doppler is crucial for the detection of intraovarian Leydig cell tumour. Impact statement What is already known on this subject? A diagnosis of Leydig cell tumours is based on ultrasound performed by a trained examiner or by MRI. CT or PET/CT are not among the primary methods of choice. According to the results of imaging investigations surgical treatment is planned. Because these tumours are usually benign and have a good prognosis the unilateral salpingo-oophorectomy is a standard procedure. What do the results of this study add? Our case series show how difficult it can be to establish the diagnosis of Leydig cell tumours by imaging, including transvaginal ultrasound, the most frequently recommended diagnostic tool. We demonstrate in three cases how easily a small hyperechogenic tumour can be overseen or interchanged for a different gynaecological pathology if transvaginal scan is not performed by an experienced examiner trained in sonographic features of gynaecologic neoplasms. What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? This case series demonstrate how important it is to see the patient in the whole complexity with their medical history, proper clinical symptoms evaluation, laboratory test and not to rely solely just on sophisticated high-end investigations, such as the PET-CT, a CT and an MRI. It also emphasises the importance of specialists with established skills in gynaecologic ultrasonography. Further effort should be made to define the resources for the appropriate training of such sonographers.

Endometriosis in pregnancy - diagnostics and management

OBJECTIVE

Endometriosis in pregnancy predominantly tends to regress or to stay stable but small part of endometriomas and nodules of deep infiltrating endometriosis may undergo the process of decidualization. Therefore, the foci of endometriosis enlarge their volume and change their structure due to cellular hypertrophy and stromal edema associated with higher vascularization caused by the hormonal changes in pregnant women. Consequently, these totally benign lesions may resemble malignant tumors in ultrasound examination.

DESIGN

Review article.

SETTING

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital in Prague, Prague.

METHODS

A literature review of published data on decidualization of endometriosis.

RESULTS

Majority of decidualized ovarian endometriomas is asymptomatic so it is mostly accidentally found during the routine ultrasound check-ups within the frame of perinatologic screening. The rounded, smooth, highly vascularized solid papillary projections in internal wall of endometroid cysts are the most specific characteristics of decidualization. If ultrasound simple rules are not applicable or show probable malignancy, the pregnant patient should be referred to a tertiary center for expert ultrasound assessment. Magnetic resonance is indicated in cases of uncertain ultrasound findings, because it can clarify the diagnostics due to its high accuracy in detection of products of blood degradation and ability of diffusion-weighted imaging to recognize lower tissue cellularity of benign decidualized endometriomas in comparison to malignant ovarian tumors.

CONCLUSION

If the imaging methods confirm supposed decidualized endometriosis, watch and wait management based on regular ultrasound examinations during the whole pregnancy and after childbed is recommended. The regression of the tumor size and disappearance of the solid portions within endometriomas is expected after delivery. Decidualized endometriosis is rarely a source of gestational or obstetrical complications demanding acute surgical intervention. Elective surgical procedures in pregnant women are indicated only if expert ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging assess the masses as border-line or invasive tumors (carcinomas) and in cases of suspicious changes of the originally presumed benign cysts during the surveillance.

Diagnosis of endometriosis 3rd part - Ultrasound diagnosis of deep endometriosis

OBJECTIVE

To summarise the current knowledge and trends in the diagnosis of deep endometriosis.

DESIGN

Review article.

SETTING

Centre for diagnostics and treatment of endometriosis and Gynecologic Oncology Centre, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital in Prague, Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Burton Hospitals NHS, United Kingdom.

METHODS

Literature review.

RESULTS

Deep endometriosis (DE) in the pelvis is divided into lesions in the anterior and posterior compartment. In the anterior compartment DE infiltrates bladder and ureters, while in the posterior compartment it is mostly uterosacral ligaments, rectum, rectosigmoid and sigmoid colon and rarely rectovaginal septum and posterior fornix. Extrapelvic endometriosis is a rare disease typically located in the proximal bowel segments (jejunum/ileum/appendix), abdominal wall including umbilicus, scars after spontaneus delivery and/or after cesarian section, lungs and diaphragm.

CONCLUSION

Ultrasound diagnosis of pelvic DE has a high accuracy in the hands of an experienced sonographer. Extrapelvic endometriosis is sporadic and imaging of choice depends on the location, such as use of magnetic resonance in retroperitoneal disease (sciatic nerve), computed tomography or endoscopy in thoracic lesions.

Diagnosis of endometriosis 1st part - Overview of diagnostic approaches

Cíl studie: Shrnutí sou&#269;asných poznatk&#367; a trend&#367; v oblasti diagnostiky endometriózy. Typ studie: Literární p&#345;ehled. Název a sídlo pracovi&#353;t&#283;: Centrum pro komplexní lé&#269;bu endometriózy a Onkogynekologické centrum, Gynekologicko-porodnická klinika, 1. léka&#345;ská fakulta, Univerzita Karlova a V&#353;eobecná fakultní nemocnice Praha; Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Burton Hospitals NHS, UK. Metodika: Systematický p&#345;ehledový &#269;lánek. Výsledky: Diagnóza endometriózy v primární pé&#269;i je stanovena na podklad&#283; anamnézy, fyzikálního vy&#353;et&#345;ení a základního ultrazvukového vy&#353;et&#345;ení, které zobrazí p&#345;ítomnost endometroidních cyst, adenomyózy a nep&#345;ímé známky sr&#367;st&#367;. Pou&#382;ití krevních &#269;i mo&#269;ových biomarker&#367; se nedoporu&#269;uje. Pacientky s podez&#345;ením na p&#345;ítomnost endometriózy by m&#283;ly být odeslány do specializovaného centra lé&#269;by endometriózy, kde jsou k dispozici zku&#353;ení sonografisté anebo radiologové v rámci expertního ultrazvuku anebo magnetické rezonance a specializovaný chirurgický tým. Vysoká diagnostická p&#345;esnost obou zobrazovacích metod nepodporuje rutinní vyu&#382;ití laparoskopie v diagnostice endometriózy, m&#367;&#382;e v&#353;ak být zva&#382;ována k vylou&#269;ení povrchové anebo extrapelvické endometriózy u symptomatických pacientek s negativním nálezem p&#345;i zobrazovacích metodách. Záv&#283;r: B&#283;hem základního ultrazvukového vy&#353;et&#345;ení by o&#353;et&#345;ující gynekolog m&#283;l být schopen zobrazit p&#345;ítomnost endometroidních cyst, adenomyózy a nep&#345;ímé známky adhezí a na základ&#283; ultrazvukového nálezu anebo typických symptom&#367; odeslat pacientku do centra pro lé&#269;bu endometriózy. Expertní ultrazvukové vy&#353;et&#345;ení pánevní endometriózy je obvykle dostupné ve specia-lizovaných centrech lé&#269;by endometriózy. Vzhledem k vysoké diagnostické p&#345;esnosti ultrazvuku, jeho b&#283;&#382;né dostupnosti v gynekologii, ni&#382;&#353;í cen&#283; a absenci kontraindikací ve srovnání s magnetickou rezonancí je ultrazvuk metodou volby v zobrazení rozsáhlé pánevní endometriózy, zatímco magnetická rezonance je vyu&#382;ívána jako metoda druhé volby v obtí&#382;ných p&#345;ípadech.

Diagnosis of endometriosis 2nd part - Ultrasound diagnosis of endometriosis (adenomyosis, endometriomas, adhesions) in the community

OBJECTIVE

To summarise the current knowledge and trends in the basic ultrasound diagnosis of adenomyosis, endometroid cysts and pelvic adhesions.

DESIGN

Review article.

SETTING

Centre for diagnostics and treatment of endometriosis and Gynecologic Oncology Centre, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital in Prague, Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Burton Hospitals NHS, United Kingdom.

METHODS

Literature review.

RESULTS

Endometriosis is a relatively common disease, which often escapes timely diagnosis, although sonographic features of adenomyosis, endometriomas and pelvic adhesions can be easily assessed on the basic ultrasound examination. Endometriomas are ovarian cysts in a premenopausal patient with ground glass echogenicity of the cyst fluid, one to four locules and no papilary projections with detectable blood flow. Adenomyosis is characterised by an asymmetrical thickening of the myometrium due to an ill-defined myometrial lesion with fan-shaped shadowing, non-uniform echogenicity with myometrial cysts, hyperechogenic islands, hyperechogenic subendometrial lines and buds with an irregular or interrupted junctional zone, and translesional vascularity containing vessels crossing the leasion perpendicular to the endometrium. Pelvic adhesions can be detected using dynamic aspect of ultrasound examination demonstrating negative sliding sign of the uterus and/or ovaries against surrounding tissue planes and site-specific tenderness. Distorted pelvic anatomy (the presence of uterine &#8218;question mark sign and/or &#8218;kissing ovaries) is another sign of adhesions.

CONCLUSION

First step in basic transvaginal ultrasound is visualisation of the uterus and ovaries, assessment of their mobility and tenderness during examination. Knowledge of the characteristic ultrasound features of adenomyosis, endometriomas and adhesions enables timely diagnosis of endometriosis by the community gynecologist and prompt referral to the endometriosis centre.

The role of ultrasound in primary workup of cervical cancer staging (ESGO, ESTRO, ESP cervical cancer guidelines)

OBJECTIVE

In 2018 three European societies have joined to create clinically relevant guidelines on the diagnosis and management of cervical cancer. The European Society of Gynaecological Oncology (ESGO), the European Society for Radiotherapy and Oncology (ESTRO), and the European Society of Pathology (ESP) agreed on diagnostic approaches in cervical cancer staging.

DESIGN

Review article.

SETTING

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital in Prague.

METHODS

A literature review of published data on cervical cancer staging.

RESULTS

Physical examination with biopsy still has its place in histological confirmation of malignancy but doesnt offer much information on the extent of the disease. It is historically the first time when transvaginal/transrectal ultrasound (TVS/TRS) is recommended as an alternative to the magnetic resonance (MRI) in a primary workup. Both imaging modalities offer excellent soft tissue contrast resolution, which is crucial in tumour detection and evaluation of local extent of tumour, including the depth of tumour infiltration in the bladder and rectal wall. These new advances in imaging rendered the use of cystoscopy and rectoscopy redundant. Similarly, with the implementation of modern imaging in pretreatment staging, intravenous urography has lost its role in the staging. Apart from the local extent of the disease, it is necessary to accurately evaluate the lymph node status in order to plan optimal treatment. The detection rate of imaging reflects the prevalence of lymph node metastases depending on tumor stage and size of metastasis. In the early stage disease (T1a, T1b1, T2a1) with negative lymph nodes on TVS/TRS or MRI, surgicopathological staging of pelvic lymph nodes is a method of choice for detection of small volume metastases. Both imaging modalities might not detect small metastatic lesions within non-enlarged lymph nodes, but by identifying the characteristic changes of the infiltrated lymph nodes they have very low rate of false positives. In locally advanced cervical cancer (T1b2 and higher, except T2a1) or early stages with positive lymph nodes detected on ultrasound or MRI, computed tomography (CT) or CT in combination with positron emission tomography (PET-CT) are recommended to assess distant spread including paraaortic lymph nodes and chest. PET-CT is the preferred option in cases indicated for primary chemoradiation. Unfortunatelly no imaging method is accurate enough to exclude small volume metastasis in paraaortic nodes. In the cases with negative paraaortic lymph nodes on CT or PET-CT, surgicopathological staging with dissection of the paraaortic lymph nodes may be considered. In order to reduce false positive findings by imaging methods, it is recomended to obtain an ultrasound or CT-guided tru-cut biopsy from any equivocal extrauterine lesion to avoid inappropriate treatment.

CONCLUSION

This review offers scientific evidence that led to the recent changes in the cervical cancer staging.

[Contribution of sentinel lymph-node biopsy to treatment of locally advanced stages of cervical cancers]

OBJECTIVE

Usage of sentinel lymph-node (SLN) concept in locally advanced cervical cancers might help to individualise management. According to SLN status could be patients refered to neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) with subsequent surgery or to primary chemoradiation. The aim of our study was to evaluate sensitivity of SLN detection in locally advanced cervical cancers and to assess the impact of NAC on frequency of their metastatic involvement.

DESIGN

Retrospective clinical study.

SETTING

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, General Faculty Hospital and 1st Medical Faculty, Charles University, Prague.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Included were patients with cervical cancer stages FIGO IB1 (> 3 cm), IB2, IIA2 and selected cases of stages IIB with incipient parametrial involvement. Patients were distributed into two different protocols - patients in group NAC-SLN were refered to radical hysterectomy with SLN biopsy after 3 cycles of NAC, other patients (group SLN) underwent SLN biopsy and NAC was administered only in SLN-negative cases.

RESULTS

Altogether 101 patients were included (group SLN = 62, group NAC-SLN = 39). Detection of SLN in whole cohort reached 90.1% per patient and 68.3% bilaterally. No differences were found between SLN group and NAC-SLN group in frequency of per patient SLN detection (90.3% vs 89.7%) and bilateral detection (69.4% vs 66.7%). Prevalence of macrometastases, micrometastases and ITC in the SLN group was 37.1% (23/62), 11.3% (7/62) and 8.1% (5/62), respectively. In the NAC-SLN group macrometastases in SLN were detected in 17.9% (7/39) patients, in 1 patient was detected micrometastis in SLN and no patient had ITC. Difference in frequency of metastases in SLN was significant (p = 0,013). No patient had progressed during NAC, complete response was seen in 15.1% (11/73) patients and reduction of tumour volume > 30% in 84.9% (62/73) patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Detection of SLN in locally advanced cervical cancers reached comparable results to early stages. NAC did not influence frequency of SLN detection, but it significantly decreased prevalence of metastatic SLN involvement.

[Recommended guidelines of diagnosis for women with an ovarian cyst or tumour]

Transvaginal ultrasonography is the first-line and best imaging technique for characterising adnexal masses preoperatively. The optimal approach is the subjective assessment of ultrasound images by experts. An alternative evidence-based approach to the pre-surgical diagnosis of adnexal tumours is to use simple ultrasound rules or logistic regression model LR2 developed by the International Ovarian Tumor Analysis (IOTA) group. Their test performance matches subjective assessment by experienced examiners and should be adopted as the principal test to characterize masses as benign or malignant. Measurements of serum CA 125 are not necessary for characterization of ovarian pathology in premenopausal women and are unlikely to improve the performance of experienced ultrasound examiners, even in the postmenopausal group. However, in postmenopausal patients, serum CA 125 may play a role as a second-stage test, especially in centers with less-experienced ultrasound examiners.

[Ultrasound staging of endometrial cancer - recommended methodology of examination]

The extent of the staging surgery in cases of histologically proven endometrial cancer depends on whether the tumor is of high risk or low risk for extrauterine spread and recurrence. There are several significant prognostic factors - histological subtype and grade of dediferentiation from preoperative biopsy and local stage of uterine involvement based on imaging methods. The depth of myometrial invasion and presence of cervical stromal infiltration (local staging) can be assessed by ultrasound with the overall accuracy comparable to that of magnetic resonance. Transvaginal ultrasound enables to vizualize detailed pelvic anatomy and that is why it is considered to be a suitable tool for assessment of local stage of endometrial cancer. It is advisable to use the standardized terminology defined by International Endometrial Tumor Analysis group (IETA) to describe ultrasound findings. The standardized methodology of ultrasound preoperative staging examination based on prearranged protocols is recommended.

[The optimal imaging in gynecological oncology]

In this review we discuss in detail the advantages and the limitations of the modern imaging techniques to assess the tumour spread in pelvis, abdomen and extraabdominally in patients with newly diagnosed or recurrent gynecological cancer. Transvaginal ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging yield similar levels of accuracy when utilised for the diagnosis of gynecological cancer and the detection of pelvic spread. Ultrasound is, however, a commonly available, non-invasive, and inexpensive imaging method that can be carried out without any risk or discomfort to the patient. Although increasing evidence shows that transabdominal ultrasound is an accurate technique for the detection of intra- and retroperitoneal tumour spread, it requires experience, adequate equipment and suitable acoustic conditions. Contrast-enhanced computed abdominopelvic tomography remains the most commonly used preoperative imaging modality to assess abdominal cavity and retroperitoneum for extrapelvic tumour spread. Alternatively magnetic resonance imaging can be used in cases of contra-indication of computed tomography. If there is suspicion of extraabdominal tumour spread, contrast-enhanced computed tomography of thorax or positron emission tomography combined with computed tomography is used. Positron emission tomography combined with computed tomography detects more distant metastases than computed tomography alone. Positron emission tomography with computed tomography is, therefore, the optimal imaging technique for suspected recurrence, particularly if there is suspicion of recurrence but conventional imaging methods have yilded negative results or if salvage surgery is planned.

[Ultrasonic staging cervical cancer -a proposal for the standard procedure]

OBJECTIVE

To develop guidelines for the ultrasound examination of cervical cancer, including a unified ultrasound terminology.

SUBJECT

Original paper.

SETTING

Gynecological Oncology Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Masaryk University and General Faculty Hospital Brno, and Gynecological Oncology Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Charles University in Prague - First Faculty of Medicine and General Faculty Hospital Prague.

SUBJECT AND METHOD

The standard diagnostic algo-rithm for examination of cervical cancer in oncogynecology centers in the Czech Republic is based on published studies, own experience (Oncogynecological Center, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics,1st Medical Faculty, Charles University) and the experiences of a group of ultrasonographers involved in the grant project IGA MZ ČR NT13070 focused on the implementation of an oncogynecological ultrasound into clinical practice. Standard ultrasound examination includes two-dimensional real-time ultrasound examination (sagittal and transverse views). Transrectal or transvaginal ultrasound examination is combined with transabdominal ultrasound. Prerequisites are quality ultrasound equipment, a high frequency microconvex linear probe and abdominal convex and linear probe. The examination is performed by an experienced sonographer (level 2 or 3 according to the recommendations of the Ultrasound division of the Czech Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology and the Czech Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology). Intravenous administration of contrast material or three-dimensional ultrasound examination do not influence accuracy of the examination and is not a prerequisite.

CONCLUSION

Based on the consensus of experienced sonographers and a review of the literature, guidelines were created for ultrasound staging of cervical cancer.

[Cervical cancer staging - preoperative assessment of tumor extent (a review of the most recent ultrasound studies)]

For treatment planning of cervical cancer it is necessary preoperatively to determine the presence and size of residual tumour after the biopsy, the tumour topography within the cervix and the parametrial and lymph node status. According to current data, ultrasound is comparably accurate with magnetic resonance imaging in view of tumour presence and local extent assessment. Ultrasound, if compared with the magnetic resonance imaging, does not have known contraindications and it is a broadly available diagnostic test. Currently no advanced imaging technique exists that can reliably detect infiltrated lymph nodes in the clinically early stage of the disease, as it often manifests as micrometastatic involvement in non-enlarged lymph nodes. The sensitivity of lymph node detection using ultrasound in the early stage is around 40%, but the specificity is high (96%). For daily practice, this means that a negative ultrasound finding should be always verified by surgical staging based on systematic lymphadenectomy, while positive ultrasound finding usually changes the treatment strategy.

[Endometrial cancer - preoperative identification of low and high risk endometrial cancer (a review of the most recent ultrasound studies)]

Despite the high resolution of ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging and modern bioptic approaches, diagnostic error of preoperative staging is around 20%. The preoperative staging is focused to differentiate low risk (< 50% myometrial invasion, histological grade 1 and 2, endometrioid cancer, no cervical invasion) or high risk endometrial cancer (all others). Preoperative biopsy tends to underestimate the tumour histotype and grading in 20% of cases. Therefore, the sonomorphological and Doppler pattern have been identified that can preoperatively alert us to the presence of low or high risk endometrial cancer. With discrepancy between preoperative ultrasound tumour characteristics and results of endometrial biopsy a supplementary intraoperative frozen section of uterus is recommended. Ultrasound examination performed by an experienced sonographer is accurate in most cases but tends to overestimate myometrial invasion and underestimate cervical stromal invasion. Based on the identification of factors that significantly affected the accuracy of ultrasound, it was recommended to restrict evaluation to sonomorphological tumour parameters within the preoperative tumour staging. This is in response to the tendency of ultrasound experts with knowledge of the clinical data of patients, and prognostic parameters of the disease who have encountered adverse tumour characteristics through ultrasound (e.g. inhomogeneous, hypo- or isoechogenous tumor with high tumour perfusion) to 'intuitively overestimate the stage of the disease and conversely. The attempts to restrict the assessment of tumour invasion to those parameters that are easily and objectively evaluated has not so far proved effective. A promising objective parameter seems to be the minimum distance between the tumour and uterine serosa. When this parameter was included in the new objective model, the high-risk endometrial cancer was predicted with an accuracy similar to subjective assessment of tumour invasion by an expert. The preoperative work-up for high-risk endometrial cancer prediction was designed and externally validated in order to triage the patients for adequate staging surgery. This approach was based on the combination of the results of preoperative endometrial biopsy and transvaginal ultrasound and reached the similar accuracy as a more complicated approach using a combination of magnetic resonance imaging and hysteroscopic-directed biopsies. Both approaches can identify eight of 10 women with high-risk of lymph node metastases and spare eight of 10 low-risk women extended surgery.

[Diagnostic algorithm in pregnancies of uncertain viability or unknown location - a review of the latest recommendations]

Based on current knowledge the criteria for diagnosing nonviability in early intrauterine pregnancy and diagnostic algorithm in pregnancies of unknown location have changed. For either an intrauterine pregnancy of uncertain viability or a pregnancy of unknown location, the consequences of false positive diagnosis of nonviability or false negative diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy may be dire: harming of a potentially normal intrauterine pregnancy or a life-threatening rupture from tubal pregnancy. This review aims to present the most important results of current studies on this topic with their recommendations and to improve patient care reducing the risk of inadvertent harm to potentially normal pregnancies.

Ovarian metastasis of clear cell renal cell carcinoma: A case report

We report on a 61-year-old woman with a history of right-sided nephrectomy for clear cell renal cell carcinoma (RCC) occurring 21 years ago; she currently presented with a bilateral ovarian tumour. Histologically, the tumour of both ovaries was clear cell carcinoma. Immunohistochemically, the tumour cells were positive for vimentin, RCC marker, epithelial membrane antigen, cytokeratin AE1/3 and CD10. Cytokeratin 7, CA125, HMWCK, estrogen and progesterone receptors were all negative. Based on the morphology and immunophenotype of the tumour, we established a diagnosis of late metastasis of RCC in the ovaries. A postoperative abdominal computed tomography scan, however, revealed a tumour mass solely in the left kidney, which had not been visible in the preoperative ultrasound. The patient underwent nephron-sparing surgery and a biopsy showed the tumour to be clear cell RCC. Metastasis of RCC to the ovaries is rare, and to the best of our knowledge, only 24 cases have been reported to date. However, due to the different treatments and prognosis, the distinction between a primary ovarian tumour and metastasis of RCC is important.

[The rational preoperative diagnosis of ovarian tumors - imaging techniques and tumor biomarkers (review)]

The majority of patients who suffer from an early-stage or advanced-stage of ovarian cancer complain about symptoms, mainly gastrointestinal ones. The pelvic examination in ovarian cancer detection is limited by the adnexal position in the pelvis and frequent extraovarian spread of disease. Recently, any reliable tumor biomarker (CA 125 and/or HE4), which can be used in differential diagnosis between benign and malignant ovarian tumors, does not exist. According the results of the largest multicenter International Ovarian Trial Analysis (IOTA), ultrasound if performed by an experienced sonologist is an ideal diagnostic method in differential diagnosis between benign and malignant ovarian tumors. The experienced examiner is also able to detect extraovarian tumor spread and to assess tumor operability. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is used only to complement ultrasound in cases when high tissue resolution is needed. Computed tomography (CT) is a useful method for detection of extraovarian spread, especially in cases when an ultrasound examiner experienced in abdominal scanning is not available. Similarly, fusion of positron emission tomography with CT (PET/CT) is a highly accurate method for the detection of abdominal and extraabdominal tumor spread, but its use is limited by cost and the low availability of this method. On the other hand, PET/CT is not recommended for primary ovarian cancer detection because of its lower sensitivity in comparison to ultrasound and its high false positive rates as well.

Myxoid mixed low-grade endometrial stromal sarcoma and smooth muscle tumor of the uterus. Case report

We report the case of a 73-year-old female with myxoid mixed low-grade endometrial stromal sarcoma and smooth muscle tumor of the uterus. Grossly, the tumor sized 130 x 130 x 100 mm involved the uterine corpus almost in its entirety. Histologically, the tumor consisted of two cell types. In some areas, the tumor cells showed typical features of endometrial stromal tumors and resembled stromal cells of proliferative endometrium. In other areas, however, the tumor showed smooth muscle features and consisted of larger mostly epitheloid cells with a moderate amount of cytoplasm. In all areas, myxoid changes and multiple hyalinizing giant rosettes were present. The tumor infiltrated the myometrium in a pattern typical of low-grade endometrial stromal sarcoma. Immunohistochemically, the tumor cells showed expression of vimentin, estrogen and progesterone receptors and variable expression of CD10, α-smooth muscle actin, desmin, h-caldesmon, and cytokeratin AE1/AE3. Other markers examined including CD99, α-inhibin, cytokeratin CAM5.2, S-100 protein, and HMB45 were negative. To the best of our knowledge, mixed low-grade endometrial stromal and smooth muscle tumor with myxoid changes has not been described to date.

A novel approach to predict the likelihood of specific ovarian tumor pathology based on serum CA-125: a multicenter observational study

BACKGROUND

The CA-125 tumor marker has limitations when used to distinguish between benign and malignant ovarian masses. We therefore establish likelihood curves of six subgroups of ovarian pathology based on CA-125 and menopausal status.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study conducted by the International Ovarian Tumor Analysis group involved 3,511 patients presenting with a persistent adnexal mass that underwent surgical intervention. CA-125 distributions for six tumor subgroups (endometriomas and abscesses, other benign tumors, borderline tumors, stage I invasive cancers, stage II-IV invasive cancers, and metastatic tumors) were estimated using kernel density estimation with stratification for menopausal status. Likelihood curves for the tumor subgroups were derived from the distributions.

RESULTS

Endometriomas and abscesses were the only benign pathologies with median CA-125 levels above 20 U/mL (43 and 45, respectively). Borderline and invasive stage I tumors had relatively low median CA-125 levels (29 and 81 U/mL, respectively). The CA-125 distributions of stage II-IV invasive cancers and benign tumors other than endometriomas or abscesses were well separated; the distributions of the other subgroups overlapped substantially. This held for premenopausal and postmenopausal patients. Likelihood curves and reference tables comprehensibly show how subgroup likelihoods change with CA-125 and menopausal status.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPACT

Our results confirm the limited clinical value of CA-125 for preoperative discrimination between benign and malignant ovarian pathology. We have shown that CA-125 may be used in a different way. By using likelihood reference tables, we believe clinicians will be better able to interpret preoperative serum CA-125 results in patients with adnexal masses.

[Transabdominal ultrasound examination in gynecology]

OBJECTIVE

To present structured guidelines to transabdominal ultrasound examination in gynecology.

SUBJECT

Practical guide.

SETTING

Oncogynecological Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Charles University in Prague - First Faculty of Medicine and General Faculty Hospital, Prague.

SUBJECT AND METHOD

After having gone over the now-a-days literature and summarized our experience, we present description of normal and more frequent and common pathological findings on transabdominal ultrasound.

CONCLUSION

Entire examination takes usually a couple of minutes, but gives much more information to distinguish between potential causes of patient's difficulties and allows for focusing an adequate diagnostic and therapeutic management.

[Ultrasound-guided minimally invasive interventions in gynecologic oncology]

OBJECTIVE

To present our experience with ultrasound-guided minimally invasive interventions in gynecologic oncology.

SUBJECT

Original paper.

SETTING

Oncogynecological Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Charles University in Prague - First Faculty of Medicine and General Faculty Hospital, Prague.

SUBJECT AND METHOD

We provide minimally invasive punction interventions under ultrasound guidance using either abdominal or vaginal probe in three indication groups - diagnostics (tru-cut biopsy), therapy (punction drainage of lymphocyst) and palliation (insertion of permanent peritoneal catheter).

CONCLUSION

Ultrasound-guided minimally invasive interventions represent a group of accessible and relatively simple methods useful in many indications, not only in gynecologic oncology. Adoption of these methods allows to broadening the spectrum of interventions offered and decreasing patient's stress.

[Hereditary susceptibility to endometrial cancer]

OBJECTIVE

To present up-to-date knowledge concerning field of hereditary susceptibility to endometrial cancer as a part of hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer (Lynch syndrome).

SUBJECT

Review.

SETTING

Oncogynecological Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Charles University in Prague, First Faculty of Medicine and General Faculty Hospital, Prague.

SUBJECT AND METHOD

After having gone over the now-a-days literature and summarized our experience with management of high risk women of Lynch syndrome families we present up-to-date overview of this field problematics.

CONCLUSION

Although endometrial cancer arising due to germ-line susceptibility account for a small part of these malignancies only, they represent disease with clearly defined and detectable serious risk factor. Management approach for these women is now defined and allows for early detection or lowering the risk. Educated gynecologist, as a field specialist, has good chance to identify women at risk and manage them in an appropriate way.

[Molecular characterization of epithelial ovarian borderline tumors with respect to clinical management and prognosis]

OBJECTIVE

To analyze up-to-data knowledge in the field of molecular characterization of epithelial ovarian borderline tumors with respect to clinical management and prognosis.

DESIGN

Review.

SETTING

Oncogynecological Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Charles University in Prague, First Faculty of Medicine, and General Faculty Hospital, Prague.

METHODS

Based on literature search and own experimental data in the field of molecular biology of ovarian cancer and borderline tumors of ovary, we summarize up-to-date knowledge of molecular differences and specific features of BTO with respect to implementation of these knowledge into the clinical management.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION

We suppose that spectrum of genomic changes (i.e. genetic and epigenetic) causing tumor transformation is limited and these changes take place in stem or progenitor cell. Analysis of genomic changes can help to define certain subtypes of BTO and, correlated to clinical characteristics, to identify subtypes with different biological behavior. Such molecular typing of BTO allows to individualize treatment.

[Ultrasound-guided intervention in the treatment of abdomino-pelvic advanced tumors]

OBJECTIVE

The goal of this study was to evaluate the accuracy and safety of ultrasound-guided tru-cut biopsy in advanced abdomino-pelvic tumors in a sufficiently large cohort.

DESIGN

Prospective study.

SETTING

Oncogynecological Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, General Faculty Hospital of Charles University, Prague.

METHODS

Patients indicated for tru-cut biopsy were those with primarily inoperable tumors, with advanced tumors and compromised performance status preventing a primary surgical procedure, and with recurrent pelvic tumors requiring histological verification. All were referred to the Oncogynecological Center between January 2005 and June 2007. Tru-cut biopsy was taken either from pelvic tumor or from its metastatic sites transvaginally or transabdominally under ultrasound guidance. Sample adequacy was evaluated.

RESULTS

Altogether, 119 patients were referred for tru-cut biopsy during a study period. Only 4 cases were found unsuitable for tru-cut biopsy and the patients were referred for laparoscopy instead. Samples were obtained transvaginally in 67 patients (58.3%) and transabdominally in 48 patients (41.7%). The biopsy was taken from pelvic tumor in 59 patients (51.3%), omental cake in 14 patients (12.2%), from peritoneal visceral or parietal carcinomatosis in 37 patients (32.2%) and from other localities in 5 patients (4.3 %). The diagnostic adequacy of ultrasound-guided tru-cut biopsy reached 94.8% (95% CI, 94.17-99.40%). There were only two tru-cut biopsy-related complications: The first case involved bleeding from tumor in a patient with mild thrombocytopenia that required laparotomy; in the second case, diagnostic laparoscopy was indicated after a minor bleeding occurred in the biopsy site on ultrasound, however, no significant pelvic bleeding was confirmed by the procedure.

CONCLUSION

Ultrasound-guided tru-cut biopsy is a safe, reliable, fast, and cost-effective diagnostic method for histological verification of both advanced primary and recurrent abdomino-pelvic tumors. It can be performed in an outpatient setting without the need for general anesthesia, causing a minimal discomfort to the patient in comparison with laparoscopy or laparotomy. The risk of complications is low and the main advantage is the acquirement of a sample adequate for further immunohistochemical examination, which is a necessary requirement for the choice of optimal oncological treatment.

[Use of transrectal ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging in the staging of early-stage cervical cancer]

OBJECTIVE

The goal of this study was to compare the accuracy of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)--a standard method--and transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) in the staging and determination of significant prognostic parameters in early-stage cervical cancer. The following prognostic parameters were evaluated: identification of residual tumor in the cervix after cone-biopsy, tumor volume, and early parametrial infiltration.

DESIGN

Prospective study.

SETTING

Oncogynecological Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, General Faculty Hospital of Charles University, Prague.

METHODS

Patients referred to Oncogynecological Center from January 2004 to February 2006, in whom early-stage cervical cancer (T1a1-T2a) was diagnosed by clinical examination, were prospectivelly enrolled in the study. Only those patients who were examined by both MRI and TRUS with following surgical treatment were included. Imaging results were compared with pathology findings.

RESULTS

Data from 95 patients were evaluated. The accuracy of tumor detection in 95 patients was 93.7% for TRUS and 83.2% for MRI (P < or = 0.006). In small tumors (< or = 1 cm3), the accuracy of tumor detection by TRUS was 90.5% and 81.1% by MRI (P < or = 0.049). The accuracy of parametrial infiltration detection by TRUS and MRI was 98.9% and 94.7%, respectively (P < or = 0.219). The accuracy was not influenced by body mass index values.

CONCLUSION

Our results show TRUS achieving comparable or even higher accuracy than the more commonly used MRI in staging of early-stage cervical cancer.

[Inactivation of BRCA1, BRCA2 and p53 genes in sporadic ovarian cancer]

OBJECTIVE

To analyze loss of heterozygosity (LOH), loss of expression and somatic mutations of BRCA1, BRCA2 and p53 genes in sporadic epithelial ovarian cancer samples.

DESIGN

Original paper.

SETTING

Oncogynecologic center, Clinic of Obstetrics and gynecology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University in Prague and General Teaching Hospital, Prague.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We used genomic DNA and total RNA from peripheral blood and fresh frozen tumor as a template for LOH, loss-of-expression and mutation analyses.

RESULTS

LOH in at least one region was found in 60% of tumors. Majority of these alterations occurred not solely, but in conjunction with other region deletions.

CONCLUSION

Our study confirms high frequency of somatic alteration of BRCA1, BRCA2 and p53 genes in sporadic epithelial ovarian cancer.

[Detection of HPV DNA in lymph nodes in early stages cervical cancers]

OBJECTIVE

Review recent knowledge concerning significance of detection of DNA HPV in regional lymph nodes in cervical cancer patients.

TYPE OF THE STUDY

Literature review.

SETTING

Department of Obstetrics and Gyneacology, 1st Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General Teaching Hospital, Prague.

RESULTS

Metastatic involvement of pelvic lymph nodes is the most important prognostic parameter in early stages cervical cancer. Still, almost 20% of patients with negative pelvic nodes experience recurrence. Detection of HPV DNA in lymph nodes might be a marker of occult metastatic involvement. However, published data are limited, mostly due to inconsistent methodology. Only 3 prospective studies evaluating HPV from fresh or frozen tissue were published till now, all other retrospective studies extracted HPV DNA from paraffin embedded samples. A few papers showed correlation between HPV DNA and metastatic involvement of pelvic lymph nodes. DNA HPV identification in histopatology-negative nodes was considered as a risk factor for recurrence. Presence of DNA HPV 18 in histopathology-negative pelvic nodes was described as a poor prognostic factor; however prognostic significance of individual genotype is still unclear.

CONCLUSION

Detection of high risk HPV DNA in regional lymph nodes is a good candidate for prognostic parameter in early stages cervical cancers. The group of women with both absence of metastatic involvement and negative HPV DNA evaluation of regional lymph node should represent a cohort of patients with particularly good prognosis.

Primary pure large-cell neuroendocrine carcinoma of the ovary

We report a case of a 73-year-old female with a rare simultaneous occurrence of three tumors: ovarian carcinoma, endometrial carcinoma, and breast carcinoma. The ovarian tumor was a primary pure large-cell neuroendocrine carcinoma. Grossly, the left ovary was enlarged by a solid tumor that measured 9 x 7 x 7 cm. Histologically, the tumor consisted of large cells with irregular hyperchromatic nuclei and a moderate amount of eosinophilic cytoplasm. In some areas, the tumor cells were arranged in solid sheets; however, the predominant pattern was cribriform and solid-alveolar, with palisaded tumor cells located peripherally. The tumor cells showed multiple mitotic figures (up to 43 mitoses/10 HPF). Large areas of tumor necrosis were found. Immunohistochemically, the tumor cells were positive for EMA, synaptophysin, chromogranin, CD56, and CEA. Cytokeratin 20 was positive focally. Primary large-cell neuroendocrine carcinoma of the ovary is a rare tumor. To the best of our knowledge, only 4 cases of a pure tumor of this type have been reported to date.

[Ductal approaches in mammary diagnostics]

OBJECTIVE

Information about new possibilities of early diagnostics in mammary lesions.

TYPE OF STUDY

Review.

SETTING

Gynecology-Obstetrics Clinic, 1st Medical Faculty and General Teaching Hospital, Prague.

SUBJECT AND METHODS

Most malignant tumors of the breast originate from ductal epithelium. A direct examination of the ductal system, could significantly improve diagnostics of breast cancer as well as its preinvasive stages (DCIS) and to influence mortality. The concept of ductal approaches includes several techniques and ductal lavage and duscoscopy.

CONCLUSIONS

Ductal approaches represent an attractive area for minimal load upon the patients. Specificity and sensitivity of these methods have some limits, which will be subject to change in relation to understanding of carcinogenesis and in a close relation to the knowledge of biomarkers, genomics and proteomics. Ductoscopy appears to be the ideal method for the future due to possibilities of direct visualization of epithelium in combination with biopsy and ductal lavage. It other advantages include minimal invasiveness, minimal risk and the origin of possible complications for the patient.

[Contribution of neoadjuvant chemotherapy for operability of cancers of the uterine cervix]

OBJECTIVE

To compare per-operative and post-operative morbidity in patients undergoing radical surgery for carcinoma of the uterine cervix after administration of a neoadjuvant chemotherapy, and for primarily small cervical tumour.

TYPE OF THE STUDY

A retrospective case-control study.

SETTING

Department of Obstetrics and Gyneacology, 1st Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General Teaching Hospital, Prague.

METHODS

The study included 24 patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the uterine cervix who underwent radical hysterectomy including systematic pelvic lymphadenectomy after previous administration of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) during the period between 1/2004 and 6/2006. The control group of 24 patients was selected retrospectively from the population of women after radical surgery carried out in the same period, nevertheless, the controls underwent the surgery for primarily small carcinoma of the uterine cervix, stages IA2 or IB1. The tumour size consistent with the reduced tumour after NACT administration was the criterion for selection of the control group. The following parameters were monitored in both groups--duration of the surgery, blood loss objectivised by a difference in pre-operative and post-operative haemoglobin and haematocrit values, the need of blood transfusion, per-operative complications, early post-operative complications (up to 6 weeks after the surgery), duration of hospitalization and retaining the inserted epicystotostomy due to hypotonic bladder after discharge.

RESULTS

A therapeutic response allowing the radical surgery was achieved in 92% patients after NACT. After NACT the original tumour volume was reduced by 70% on the average (58% - 100%). No significant differences between the group of patients treated with NACT and undergoing subsequent radical hysterectomy and the control group were reported in terms of duration of the surgery (165 min. vs. 160 min.), blood loss (the difference in pre-operative and post-operative haemoglobin values 18 g/l vs. 19 g/l, the difference in pre-operative and post-operative haematocrit values 0.056 vs. 0.064), administration of blood transfusion (25% vs. 21%) and duration of hospitalization (9.5 days vs. 9.6 days). A significant difference was reported only in the need to retain the inserted epi-cystostomy after discharge (67% vs. 47%).

CONCLUSION

There were no significant differences in the evaluated parameters of per-operative and postoperative morbidity in patients after NACT and in control patients, except for the necessary duration of artificial urine derivation in patients after NACT due to the fact that their surgery was more radical in the parametria. Administration of NACT regimen involving ifosfamide/cisplatin (IP) improved surgical conditions in the bulky squamous cell carcinoma of the uterine cervix.

[Glandular premalignant lesions of the uterine cervix]

OBJECTIVE

Review of diagnostical and therapeutical methods in glandular premalignant lesions of the uterine cervix.

DESIGN

Review article.

SETTING

Department of Obstetrics and Gyneacology, 1st Medical Faculty, Charles University and General Faculty Hospital, Prague.

RESULTS

The incidence of invasive adenocarcinomas of the uterine cervix is increasing. Incidence ratio between adenocarcinomas and spinocellular carcinomas is approximately 1:5; however ratio of premalignant lesions reaches only about 1:80. Glandular premalignant disease is usually found in the specimen taken for squamous disease. The coincidence of both types of premalignant lesions, so called "mixed lesion", is revealed in about 46-72%. PAP-smear of AGC-NOS/-NEO or adenocarcinoma in situ (AIS) in combination with typical colposcopic appearance raise a suspicion of glandular lesion. Direct biopsy must be always performed to get definite diagnosis. Optimum biopsy technique requires cylindrical excision. A woman can be carefully followed if desires pregnancy and specimen margins are negative. Hysterectomy is indicated if reproductive plans are completed.

CONCLUSION

Diagnosis of glandular premalignat lesion of the uterine cervix is more complicated in comparison to spinocellular one, however it is getting more significant due to increasing incidence. Colposcopy and cytology are less reliable. Any suspicion on glandular premalignat leasion requires more active approach and radical procedure (hysterectomy) if possible.

[Radical parametrectomy in women with invasive cervix cancer after previous simple hysterectomy]

OBJECTIVE

Evaluate technique, indications and limits of surgical procedure in the treatment of cervical cancer diagnosed from uterus specimen from simple hysterectomy.

DESIGN

Retrospective observational study, review of literature.

SETTINGS

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 1st Medical Faculty and General Faculty Hospital, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic.

METHODS

Women following radical parametrectomy with upper vaginectomy and pelvic lymphadenectomy were enrolled to the study. In all patients unexpected invasive cervical cancer was found from the uterus specimen after simple hysterectomy.

RESULTS

Together 10 patients were enrolled to the study. CIN was the indication for primary hysterectomy in all but two patients. There were two operative complications, cystostomy in both cases, treated properly during surgery. In the specimen from radical procedure residual tumor in parametria was found in 2 cases, and metastasis to pelvic nodes in 4 cases. There was no postoperative complication. Adjuvant radiotherapy was recommended in 4 patients due to positive lymph nodes, in one case due to residual tumor in parametria, and in one case for both reasons.

CONCLUSIONS

Radical parametrectomy with upper vaginectomy and pelvic lymphadenectomy should be considered as an alternative solution in patients following simple hysterectomy with unexpected finding of invasive cervical cancer. Morbidity of the procedure is higher in comparison to standard radical hysterectomy, however majority of complications are easy to repair. The most significant criteria for patient's selection for surgical approach is a depth of invasion to cervical stroma. In our group radical procedure obviated the need for radiotherapy in half of the patients.

[Reconstruction procedures following pelvic exenterations]

OBJECTIVE

Review of reconstruction procedures following pelvic exenterations.

DESIGN

Review article.

SETTING

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Urology, 1st Department of Surgery, Faculty Teaching Hospital and 1st Medical Faculty of the Charles University, Prague.

METHODS

Review and critical assessment of published data.

CONCLUSIONS

Reconstruction procedures are important part of pelvic exenterations. The procedures are crucial for following quality of life. Currently the most frequently used techniques for isolated pelvic floor support are omental flaps (carpets), for combined reconstruction of pelvic floor and vagina TRAM (transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneus flap). Reconstructions prolong operation time; however they are accompanied with low morbidity and some techniques decrease total morbidity of exenterative procedure. Total and posterior exenterations require sigmoideostomy in vast majority of cases. Low rectal anastomosis might be used in cases of supralevator procedures. They cause high morbidity especially in patients following radiotherapy. In these patients temporary diverting colostomy is being recommended. A bowel segment is usually used for urinary diversion following total or anterior exenteration. Golden standard remain the incontinent ureteroenterostomies using ileum or colon transversum. Currently continent diversions are considered more often due to encouraging results and good quality of life. Heterotopic diversions, with continent conduit and cutaneous stoma, are frequently used. Risk of serious complications, especially fistulas and stoma stenosis, after all types of diversions is possible to reduce by using appropriate bowel segment not handicapped by previous radiotherapy.

[Possibilities of increased radicality in pelvic exenteration]

OBJECTIVE

Review of advanced radicality in pelvic exenterations.

DESIGN

Review article.

SETTING

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, General Faculty Hospital and Ist Medical Faculty of the Charles University, Prague.

METHODS

Review and critical assessment of published data.

CONCLUSIONS

More extensive radicality in pelvic exenterations make possible to use surgical treatment in some cases of lateral recurrences or central recurrences with the attachment to the pelvic side wall. One possible technique is a combination of en bloc exenteration with pelvic bone resection, most frequently sacrum. Experiences in gynecological tumours are so far limited. Laterally extended resection was described in lateral infrailiac pelvic wall recurrences. The only one presented paper related to laterally extended procedures showed a reasonable overall survival of patients; however follow-up is limited.

[Borderline ovarian tumors--10-year clinical series and literature review]

OBJECTIVE

Analysis of 10-year clinical series of borderline ovarian tumors (BLT) and literature review.

DESIGN

Retrospective clinical study.

SETTING

Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, 1st Medical Faculty, Charles University and General Faculty Hospital, Prague.

METHODS

Analysis of 38 patients from years 1994-2003 regarding age, histological types, tumor duplicities, role of frozen section, Ca125 levels, operation methods, adjuvant treatment, relaps occurrence, follow-up and survival.

RESULTS

Median follow-up was 18.5 months (3-122), median age 51 (16-78).

HISTOLOGY

23 serous, 12 mucinous (1 microinvasion), 2 cystadenofibromas and 1 endosalpingiosis. 26 patients of stage IA, 3 of IB, 6 of IC, 1 of IIA, 1 of IIC and 1 IIIB. 3 cases were underestimated by frozen section. 6 tumor duplicities were revealed. Ca125 marker was elevated in 10/23 (43.5%) cases. 12 patients underwent conservative surgery, 3 of them with complete staging including lymphadenectomy. 26 patients had radical operation, 9 of them with full staging. No one lymphonode was positive. 7 patients had primary laparoscopic approach, 6 had more than one operation. Adjuvant chemotherapy was indicated in 3 cases: PTX-CBDCA (IC and IIC) and CBDCA-CFA (IC). 4 patients were lost of evidence. 2/34 evaluated patients (5.9%) had a frank carcinoma recurrence after 3 and 7 years. Both relapsed patients and all 34 evaluable patients live without evidence of disease at present. Our results as well as literature date generate some controversies. Do we need staging lymphadenectomy in all cases (inclusive T1a)? Which parameters identify high-risk group and which patients will benefit from adjuvant (and which one) therapy? Are there not recurrencies of BLT rather second primary malignancies?

CONCLUSION

In spite of 2 recurrences in a group of 34 evaluated cases all patients live without evidence of disease at present. Some management questions are therefore raised.

[Prophylactic adnexectomy]

OBJECTIVE

Analysis of the issue of prophylactic bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (BSO): a) during pelvic surgery for benign diagnosis; b) in women with hereditary risk of ovarian cancer.

DESIGN

Review article.

SETTING

Department of Obstetric and Gynecology, Charles University.

METHODS

Critical review of published data.

CONCLUSION

During pelvic surgery for benign diagnosis a prophylactic BSO is indicated of the age over 45, in younger women an individual approach is required, considering many aspects, including history of ovarian and breast cancer. Another indication for BSO is an increased risk of familial ovarian cancer. The surgery significantly diminished the risk of epithelial cancer of ovary, fallopian tube, and simultaneously the risk of breast cancer. There is a continuing increased risk of peritoneal cancer following the surgery. Bilateral oophorectomy together with bilateral salpingectomy is recommended. The age limit for surgery is about 35 years after careful consideration of individual risk, reproductive plans, type of mutation and age at malignant disease manifestation in previous generation. Potential alternative for women who do not accept prophylactic surgery is tubal ligation. Screening of risk group or chemoprevention by oral contraceptives are not equivalent alternatives to prophylactic surgery.