Mutational landscape of cervical cancer identified by prospective clinical sequencing in a nationwide cancer network

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Background: Tumor genomic profiling is a critical component of precision oncology allowing the detection of genomic alterations (GA) that have the potential to be targeted therapeutically. We present an analysis of comprehensive genomic profiling (CGP) of a large series of cervical cancer (CC) patients assayed in a nationwide cancer network. Methods: 118 Pts with advanced CC underwent CGP with hybrid capture of up to 406 cancer-related genes on tumor tissue or for 62 genes on circulating tumor DNA ordered during clinical care for treatment decision-making between 01-2013 to 05-2018. Clinically relevant genomic alterations (CRGA) were defined as associated with targeted therapies or mechanism-driven clinical trials. The treatment histories for these patients were obtained with IRB-approved retrospective review. Results: Median age was 47 years (range, 27-71), 69% were Caucasian. GA were identified in 88% (104/118) of CC, of which 87 (74%) had a clinically relevant genomic alteration (CRGA). PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway ( PIK3CA, AKT1/2/3, PIK3R1, PTEN, MTOR, STK11, FBXW7) CRGA were most commonpresent in 73.5% (64/87) of CC. CRGA in other targetable pathways were identified: 24.1% (21/87) in MEK ( KRAS, NRAS, HRAS, BRAF, RAF1, GNAS, NF1, NF2), 9.1% (8/87) in HRD (BRCA1/2, ATM, PALB2, BRIP1) and 24.1% (21/87) in ERBB ( ERBB2, ERBB3, ERBB4, EGFR). One patient was MSI-high and one patient was TMB-high. 29.8% (26/87) of CC patients were ordered a genomically-matched treatment, and 24 pts received treatment; 61.5% (16/26) were agents that were FDA approved in a different tumor type, and 34.6% (9/26) through referral to a matched mechanism driven clinical trial. With access to the clinical trial TAPUR, the frequency of matched treatment through clinical trials increased over time from 2013 to 2018. The PFS for non study related patients was 7 weeks and OS was 19 weeks. Conclusions: In a large series of Cervical Cancer patients assayed with CGP, 27.5% (24/87) of pts received matched treatment, which was predominantly targeted therapy. The comprehensive sensitive and unbiased nature of CGP, coupled with a multidisciplinary molecular tumor board and staff dedicated to genomic interpretation, assisted in achieving a high frequency of patients’ participation in clinical trials and gene-directed treatment.

Mutational landscape of endometrial cancer identified by prospective clinical sequencing in a nationwide cancer network

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Background: Tumor genomic profiling is a critical component of precision oncology allowing the detection of genomic alterations (GA) that have the potential to be targeted therapeutically. We present an analysis of comprehensive genomic profiling (CGP) of a large series of endometrial cancer (EC) patients assayed in a nationwide cancer network. Methods: 278 Pts with advanced EC underwent CGP with hybrid capture of up to 406 cancer-related genes on tumor tissue or for 62 genes on circulating tumor DNA ordered during clinical care for treatment decision-making between 01-2013 to 05-2018. Clinically relevant genomic alterations (CRGA) were defined as associated with targeted therapies or mechanism-driven clinical trials. The treatment histories for these patients were obtained with IRB-approved retrospective review. Results: Median age was 59 years (range, 37-85), 58% were Caucasian. GA were identified in 97% (271/278) of EC, of which 218 (80%) had a clinically relevant genomic alteration (CRGA). PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway ( PIK3CA, AKT1/2/3, PIK3R1, PTEN, MTOR, STK11, FBXW7) CRGA were most common, present in 63.8% of EC. CRGA in other targetable pathways were identified: 28.4% in MEK ( KRAS, NRAS, HRAS, BRAF, RAF1, GNAS, NF1, NF2) , 12.5% in HRD (BRCA1/2, ATM, PALB2, BRIP1 ) and 9.9% in ERBB ( ERBB2, ERBB3, ERBB4, EGFR). 26 patients are MSI-high 9.5% (26/271) and 21 patients are TMB-high 7.7% (21/271). 29.8% (65/218) of EC patients were ordered a genomically-matched treatment, and 61 of these patients received the treatment. 69.2% (45/65) were agents that were FDA approved in a different tumor type, and 24.6% (16/65) through referral to a matched mechanism driven clinical trial. With access to the clinical trial TAPUR, the frequency of matched treatment through clinical trials increased over time from 2013 to 2018. The median PFS for non-clinical trial study patients was 9 weeks, and the median OS was 27 weeks. Conclusions: In a large series of Endometrial and Uterine cancer patients assayed with CGP, 27.9% (61/218) of pts received matched treatment, which was predominantly targeted therapy. The comprehensive sensitive and unbiased nature of CGP, coupled with a multidisciplinary molecular tumor board and staff dedicated to genomic interpretation, assisted in achieving a high frequency of patients’ participation in clinical trials and gene-directed treatment.

Mutational landscape of ovarian cancers (OC) identified by prospective clinical sequencing in a nationwide cancer network

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Background: Tumor genomic profiling is a critical component of precision oncology allowing the detection of genomic alterations (GA) that have the potential to be targeted therapeutically. We present an analysis of comprehensive genomic profiling (CGP) of a large series of OC assayed in a nationwide cancer network. Methods: 449 Pts with advanced OC underwent CGP with hybrid capture of up to 406 cancer-related genes on tumor tissue or for 62 genes on circulating tumor DNA ordered during clinical care for treatment decision-making between 01-2013 to 05-2018. Clinically relevant (CR) GA were defined as associated with targeted therapies or mechanism-driven clinical trials. Treatment histories for the 449 patients were obtained with IRB-approved retrospective review. Results: Median age was 56 years (range, 23-83), 71% were Caucasian. GA were identified in 94% (420/449) of OC, of which 283 (63%) had a clinically relevant genomic alteration (CRGA). 24.0% in HRD ( BRCA1/2, ATM, PALB2, BRIP1). CRGA in other potentially targetable pathways were identified: 48.0% MEK pathway ( KRAS, NRAS, HRAS, BRAF, RAF1, GNAS, NF1, NF2) CRGA, 33.5% PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway ( PIK3CA, AKT1/2/3, PIK3R1, PTEN, MTOR, STK11, FBXW7), and 10.6% in ERBB ( ERBB2, ERBB3, ERBB4, EGFR). All OC tested were microsatellite stable and only one patient had a tumor mutational burden > 20 muts/Mb. 21% (59/283) of OC patients were ordered a genomically-matched treatment, 58% (37/64) were agents that were FDA approved in a different tumor type, and 17% (11/64) through referral to a matched mechanism driven clinical trial. With access to the clinical trial TAPUR, the frequency of matched treatment through clinical trials increased over time from 2013 to 2018. For the off label non-study population the median PFS was 19 weeks, and the median OS was 34 weeks. Conclusions: In a large series of OC assayed with CGP, 21% of pts received matched treatment, which was predominantly targeted therapy. The comprehensive sensitive and unbiased nature of CGP, coupled with a multidisciplinary molecular tumor board and staff dedicated to genomic interpretation, assisted in achieving a high frequency of patients’ participation in clinical trials and gene-directed treatment.

Clinical effect of liver transaminase abnormalities after ablation of ovarian cancer

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Background: At initial presentation, patients with ovarian cancer often have disease involving the upper abdomen and specifically the liver (surface or parenchyma). The object of this study was to 1) see the difference in liver enzyme levels in women getting tumor ablation involving the liver compared to women getting tumor ablation not involving the liver and to 2) see if any differences had a readily noticeable clinical effect. Methods: A series of twenty women with initial diagnosis of ovarian cancer undergoing primary cytoreduction with tumor ablation involving the liver were compared to twenty women with initial diagnosis of ovarian cancer undergoing primary cytoreduction and tumor ablation without involvement of the liver. The data were compared with Fisher’s exact, Chi-square or Mann-Whitney U as appropriate. Results: Women undergoing tumor ablation involving the liver compared with women undergoing tumor ablation not involving the liver had significantly elevated AST and ALT levels the first day after surgery (p = 0.002; 0.002, respectively). There were no significant differences in age, operative blood loss or need for transfusion (p=0.24; 0.065; 0.33, respectively). The mean time for resolution of the elevations of AST and ALT was 2.5 days (95% CI = 1.8-3.2) for AST and 2.8 days (95% CI = 2.0 -3.6) for ALT. Conclusions:Significant elevations in AST and ALT occur when tumor involving the liver is ablated in women undergoing debulking for ovarian cancer. This elevation does not appear to increase operative blood loss or need for transfusion.

Abstract OT3-07-04: A randomized study comparing MoistHer to topical lidocaine for female breast cancer survivors with dyspareunia

BACKGROUND: Problems related to sexual function are known to affect quality of life in female breast cancer survivors (BCS). A leading symptom of sexual dysfunction reported by BCS is dyspareunia, defined as moderate to severe penetrative pain with intercourse that results in reduced frequency of intercourse or abstinence. Dyspareunia in females is most commonly caused by vaginal dryness and primarily treated with estrogen therapy, a contraindication for many BCS. A recent trial found that estrogen-deficient BCS with dyspareunia who applied topical lidocaine to the vulvar vestibule (VV) prior to penetrative intercourse (PI) reported decreased pain during PI and improvement of sexual distress (Goetsch MF, JCO 2015). Identification of additional non-hormonal therapies to target the VV prior to PI may therefore provide treatment options for the improvement of sexual dysfunction in BCS with dyspareunia.

TRIAL DESIGN: This is a double-blind, randomized trial to evaluate the benefits of applying natural lubricant MoistHer (MH) to the VV prior to PI in female BCS with dyspareunia. Subjects must be female ≥18 years BCS without active treatment (except for hormonotherapy), in a stable heterosexual partnership for ≥5 years, and report ≥ 3 months of consistent pain with PI. Patients with a history of pelvic pain, pelvic floor myalgia, vulvar dermatoses, or vaginismus will be excluded. Subjects will be randomized 1:1 to blinded home therapies of either MH or Topical Lidocaine (TL) for application to VV. MH is a commercially available vaginal moisturizer made of emu oil, tocopherol, safflower oil, and aloe extract and will be supplied by manufacturer Dromeo Inc. TL will be a 4% aqueous lidocaine hydrochloride solution prepared by research pharmacist (RP). Both MH and TL will be dispensed by RP in identical unmarked bottles. Subjects will agree to apply study liquid to VV and attempt PI at least twice per week for 4 weeks while maintaining a study diary to record pain scores. Outcomes will be measured via Sexual Function Questionnaire (SFQ), Female Sexual Distress Score-Revised (FSDS-R), and a rating of pain during PI on a scale of zero (no pain) to 10 (worst pain) via Numerical Rating Scale (NRS), to be completed by subjects at baseline, 2 weeks, and 4 weeks.

AIMS: Primary endpoint is pain with PI, to be reported as a score on the NRS. Secondary endpoints are improved quality of sexual life and resumption of PI, to be measured by the SFQ and FSDS-R.

STATS/TARGET ACCRUAL: A total of 50 patients will be recruited and randomized to receive either MH or TL at a 1:1 ratio (25 per group) using the Pocock-Simon dynamic allocation method. This sample size will achieve 94% power to detect at least 1.5 points NRS mean difference between treatments. NRS change will be compared between the two arms using a two-sample t-test (Pooled Standard error or Satterthwaite approximation as appropriate). Secondary outcomes include the SFQ and FSDS-R for which a longitudinal analysis of subscale scores will be conducted using a generalized linear mixed-effects model with fixed effects for treatment group and time. All statistical analyses will be conducted using SAS 9.3 [SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC, USA]. Statistical significance will be defined as p < 0.05.

Citation Format: Bendinger GM, Baptist S, Alvarez Tapias C, McGuire E, Rados K, Nixon D, Randolph K, McNight JE, Pabbathi H, Panicker R, Johnson AT, Geisler JP, Manahan KJ, Lammersfeld C, Avarez RH. A randomized study comparing MoistHer to topical lidocaine for female breast cancer survivors with dyspareunia [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2016 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2016 Dec 6-10; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(4 Suppl):Abstract nr OT3-07-04.

Is the routine use of bevacizumab in the treatment of women with advanced or recurrent cancer of the cervix sustainable?

BACKGROUND

New chemotherapy combinations are being tested for the treatment of women with advanced, persistent or recurrent cervical cancer. We sought to evaluate the cost effectiveness of some newer combination therapies in cervical cancer.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A cost effectiveness decision model was used to analyze Gynecologic Oncology Group 240. All regimens were modeled for seven cycles. The regimens studied are as follows: regimen 1, cisplatin/paclitaxel (CP); regimen 2, CP with bevacizumab (CP+B); regimen 3, paclitaxel/topotecan (PT); and regimen 4, PT with bevacizumab (PT+B). Overall survival, cost, and complications were studied. Sensitivity analyses were performed.

RESULTS

Mean chemotherapy costs over mean total costs for seven cycles of each follows: CP $571/$32,966; CP+B $61,671/$96,842; PT $9,211/$71,620; and PT+B $70,312/$109,211. Incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) for CP+B was $133,559/quality adjusted life year (QALY). ICER for PT+B was $124,576/QALY. To achieve an incremental ICER for CP+B:CP of <$50,000/QALY gained, the mean overall survival has to increase from 1.1 years with CP to 3.5 years with CP+B. An ICER <$50,000/QALY for the other regimens would take a survival of >10 years for PT and 4.1 years for PT+B. Treating 1,000 women with cervical cancer with CP+B would cost almost double the cost of treating >18,000 women with ovarian cancer annually (carboplatin/paclitaxel).

CONCLUSION

CP is the most cost effective regimen. A 12-month increase in overall survival will not even make the newer combinations cost effective. Currently, the use of bevacizumab is not sustainable at today's costs.

Electrosurgical Settings and Vaginal Cuff Complications

Background and Objectives:

After being encouraged to change the technique for opening the vaginal cuff during robotic surgery, this study was performed to determine the correlation between vaginal cuff complications and electrosurgical techniques.

Methods:

The study group consisted of patients who had their vaginal cuffs opened with a cutting current compared to the group of patients having their vaginal cuff opened with a coagulation current. Data were collected on 150 women who underwent robotic surgery for endometrial cancer. All patients received preoperative antibiotics. Data, including operative time, type of electrosurgery used, estimated blood loss, transfusion rate, and complications, were collected from the patients' records.

Results:

Surgeries in 150 women and the associated complications were studied. The mean age of the patients was not significantly different between the groups (P = .63). The mean body mass index was 38 kg/m² in the coagulation arm and 36 kg/m² in the cutting arm (P = .03). Transfusion was not required. Estimated blood loss and operative time were not significantly different in the coagulation versus the cutting arms (P = .29 and .5; respectively). No patients in the cutting arm and 4 patients (with 5 complications) in the coagulation arm had cuff complications (P = .02).

Conclusions:

Complications involving the vaginal cuff appear to occur more frequently when the vagina is entered by using electrosurgery with coagulation versus cutting in this cohort of patients undergoing robot-assisted surgery for endometrial cancer..

An economic analysis of cisplatin alone versus cisplatin doublets in the treatment of women with advanced or recurrent cervical cancer

PURPOSE OF INVESTIGATION

Randomized trials have demonstrated improvements in overall survival when using platinum doublets com- pared to single agent platinum in the treatment of women with advanced or recurrent cervical cancer. The authors sought to evaluate the cost effectiveness of these regimens.

METHODS

A decision model was developed based on Gynecologic Oncology Group (GOG) protocols 179 and 204. Cisplatin alone was compared to cisplatin/paclitaxel (CP), cisplatin/topotecan (CT), cisplatin/gemcitabine (GC), cisplatin/vinorelbine (CV), and a hypothetical novel agent. Parameters included overall survival (OS), cost, and complications. One way sensitivity analyses were performed. In further sensitivity analysis, a hypothetical agent that added 3.7 months survival to CP's survival was studied.

RESULTS

The chemotherapy drug costs for six cycles of cisplatin was 89 USD while for cisplatin/paclitaxel it was 489 USD. The highest chemotherapy cost was for GC at 18,306 USD. The average total cost of six cycles CP was 13,250 USD while the average cost of cisplatin alone was 14,573 USD. The highest average cost for six cycles was for GC at 33,559 USD. With cisplatin/paclitaxel being the most effective, the cost effectiveness analysis showed that cisplatin, CT, GC, and VC were all dominated by CP. Because of the regimens being dominated, no baseline ICERs compared to CP were calculable. Sensitivity analyses demonstrate that even all of the chemotherapies were given for free, CP would still be the regimen of choice.

CONCLUSIONS

In this model, CP is the most cost effective regimen for the treatment of these patients with an average cost of 13,250 USD. With the fact that GOG 204 also showed statistically significantly improved survival for CP, CP should be considered the regimen of choice.

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and cyclooxygenase 2 (COX 2) immunostaining in ovarian cancer

PURPOSE OF INVESTIGATION

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX 2) are markers of angiogenesis and potential therapeutic targets. Previous studies demonstrate that VEGF is upregulated in some ovarian cancers. The purpose of this study was to determine the correlation of VEGF and COX 2 staining with survival in ovarian cancer patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

One hundred forty-three consecutive patients with ovarian carcinoma underwent primary staging or cytoreduction prior to platinum-based chemotherapy. Their tumors were immunohistochemically stained for expression of VEGF and COX 2. FIGO stage, grade, cytoreduction status, and histology were also analyzed as prognostic factors.

RESULTS

Twenty-seven patients had Stage I tumors, three Stage II, 87 Stage III, and 26 Stage IV. Median follow-up was 74 months (mean 79 months). One hundred nineteen patients (83.2%) had tumors that were positive for VEGF and 110 patients (76.9%) had tumors that were positive for COX 2. Patients with tumors staining positive for both VEGF and COX 2 (68.5%) had a significantly increased risk of dying from their ovarian cancer (Chi-square p = 0.011, Log rank p = 0.037). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed FIGO stage, grade, cytoreduction status, and VEGF/COX 2 expression to be independent prognostic indicators of survival. Conclusion: VEGF and COX 2 staining are frequently positive in ovarian cancer. Patients whose tumors are positive for both VEGF and COX 2 have a decreased survival. These patients may benefit from anti-angiogenesis targeted therapy.

Cyclin E is overexpressed by clear cell carcinomas of the endometrium and is a prognostic indicator of survival

OBJECTIVE

Upregulation of cyclin E and cyclin D1-6 accelerates the transition from G1 to S phase. The objective of this study was to determine if cyclin D1 and E are prognostic indicators in endometrial cancer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Surgically-treated patients with endometrial carcinoma had their tumors stained for nuclear expression of cyclin D1 and E. Quantification of staining and measurement of growth phase fraction were performed using image analysis. FIGO stage, grade, and histology were also analyzed.

RESULTS

Cyclin D1 and E expression was unrelated to DNA index (p = 0.93). While cyclin D1 expression did not correlate with S+G2M phase fraction (p = 0.69), increased cyclin E expression was directly correlated with increased S+G2M phase fraction (p = 0.002). Cyclin E expression was highest in clear cell carcinomas (p = 0.042) while cyclin D1 expression was highest in adenosquamous carcinomas (p = 0.028). Patients dying from cancer had significantly higher expression of cyclin D1 (p = 0.042) and E (p = 0.02) as compared to patients surviving their disease. Multivariate logistic regression revealed FIGO stage, grade, and lack of cyclin E overexpression to be independent prognostic indicators of survival.

CONCLUSION

Cyclin E expression is related to increased growth fraction, clear cell histology, and decreased survival in patients with endometrial cancer.

5-millimeter trocar-site bowel herniation following laparoscopic surgery

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

This is a case report of a 5-mm trocar-site large bowel herniation following laparoscopic tubal sterilization. During laparoscopic sterilization, the 5-mm port site was closed initially. Large bowel herniation was recognized at the end of the case and managed immediately by laparoscopically reducing the hernia and closing the port site without any short- or long-term complications. Trocar-site bowel hernia is a rare complication after laparoscopic surgery. It is usually associated with trocar size > 10 mm. We describe a case of bowel herniation through a 5-mm trocar site, which was managed after laparoscopic surgery.

CASE REPORT

A 36-year-old multigravid patient underwent a laparoscopic tubal fulguration. Two 5-mm ports were used for the procedure. At the end of the procedure, the lateral trocar site was found to have fat protrusion that looked like appendices epiploicae. A laparoscopic camera was reintroduced into the abdominal cavity that showed a large bowel herniation through the 5-mm lateral port site. The hernia was reduced laparoscopically, and the fascial defect was repaired.

CONCLUSION

Bowel herniation can occur through a 5-mm port. All port sites should be closed to avoid such complications.

Treatment of advanced or recurrent cervical cancer with Cisplatin or Cisplatin containing regimens: a cost effective analysis

Background: Trials have demonstrated improvements in survival with adding paclitaxel (P) or topotecan (T) to cisplatin (C) for the treatment of advanced cervical cancer. We sought to evaluate the cost effectiveness of these regimens.

Methods: A decision model was developed based on Gynecologic Oncology Group (GOG) protocols 169 and 179. Arm 1 is 6 cycles of cisplatin. Arm 2 is 6 cycles of CP while arm 3 is 6 cycles of CT. Parameters include overall survival (OS), cost and complications. Sensitivity analyses were performed.

Results: The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) for C versus CP is $13,654/quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) gained. For CT compared to C, the ICER is $152,327/QALY. When compared simultaneously, CT is dominated. At a willingness to pay (WTP) threshold of $50,000/QALY, C is the preferred option but CP is acceptable. Sensitivity analyses suggest that CT would become the preferred option if it was to improve OS to 24 months (compared to 9.4 months).

Conclusions: In this model, CP is an acceptable alternative to cisplatin for the treatment of these patients with an increase in cost of only $13,654/QALY. The addition of topotecan did not increase survival enough to justify the increased cost.

Robotically-assisted laparoscopic radical parametrectomy and radical vaginectomy

BACKGROUND

Radical parametrectomy is a technically challenging operation used for women found to have occult cervix cancer after a hysterectomy for benign reasons. A similar operation, radical vaginectomy, is rarely performed because of the its technical difficulty in getting adequate margins without an attached uterus.

CASE REPORTS

A 41-year-old woman was found to have a presumed surgical Stage IB1 squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix at time of surgery for uterine prolapse. The patient was offered multiple options of surgery and chemoradiation. A second case, a 55-year-old woman, was found to have 1 cm vaginal cancer nine years after a total vaginal hysterectomy for carcinoma in situ of the cervix. She was also offered chemoradiation versus surgery. For the robotically-assisted laparoscopic radical parametrectomy operating time was 186 minutes with an estimated blood loss of 250 ml. For the robotically-assisted laparoscopic radical vaginectomy operating time was 154 minutes with an estimated blood loss of 150 ml. Neither patient had a hospitalization over 24 hours. There were no intraoperative or postoperative complications.

CONCLUSIONS

Robotically-assisted laparoscopic radical paremetrectomy and vaginectomy are both technically feasible procedures.

Total colectomy in primary ovarian cytoreduction

OBJECTIVE

To review the indications, procedure, and complications associated with total colectomy with ileorectal anastamosis in women undergoing primary debulking of ovarian cancer.

METHODS

Charts were reviewed to determine all patients undergoing total colectomy with ileorectal anastamosis during primary debulking of ovarian, peritoneal, or fallopian tube cancer. Charts were also reviewed for perioperative morbidity and mortality, as well as rates of fecal incontinence.

RESULTS

Nine patients underwent the above procedures during primary debulking of ovarian cancer. The mean age was 61 years with a mean BMI of 31 kg/m2. The average postoperative hospital stay was 11 days with an average estimated blood loss of 700 ml. There was no perioperative mortality. Although all patients had greatly increased frequency of stools, no patients had incontinence of stool after eight weeks.

CONCLUSIONS

Radical surgery, including total colectomy, can be performed in select patients with primary ovarian cancer. Acceptable morbidity, mortality, and rectal continence can be obtained.

Robotically assisted total laparoscopic radical trachelectomy for fertility sparing in stage IB1 adenosarcoma of the cervix

Adenosarcomas are rare cervical tumors with unknown optimal treatment, which often affects young women. A 23-year-old woman was found to have a stage IB1 adenosarcoma of the cervix. She underwent a robotically assisted total laparoscopic radical trachelectomy with the placement of abdominal cerclage for the sparing of fertility.

Imiquimod in vulvar Paget's disease: a case report

BACKGROUND

Vulvar Paget's disease is a relatively rare gynecologic neoplasm that is problematic because of its propensity to recur.

CASE

An 80-year-old woman was found to have recurrent Paget's disease of the vulva. She was initially diagnosed 12 years previously and had had multiple resections for the disease. She was found to have histologically proven Paget's disease and underwent a course of topical immune modulator therapy with imiquimod. Biopsy proved histologic regression of the disease progress. The patient remained without recurrence 12 months after therapy.

CONCLUSION

In select patients imiquimod may be used to treat or facilitate treatment of vulvar Paget's disease.

Primary carcinoma of the fallopian tube and epithelial ovarian carcinoma: a case-control analysis

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether differences exist in clinicopathologic variables or survival between women with primary carcinoma of the fallopian tube (PCFT) and with epithelial ovarian carcinoma (EOC).

STUDY DESIGN

University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics (UIHC) tumor board records were analyzed from January 1, 1991, to April 30, 2001. No cases were knowingly excluded. Each case of PCFT was matched with 2 cases of EOC. Controls were the next 2 cases of EOC diagnosed at UIHC after each case of PFTC, with priority given to stage of disease, then histologic grade, followed by histology, with 1 year the limit for obtaining the closest match.

RESULTS

Twenty-eight cases of PCFT were found. These were matched with 56 cases of EOC. The mean age at diagnosis was significantly older for women with PCFT (67 years) vs. women with EOC (60 years) (p = 0.005). The was no difference in prediagnosis hormonal contraceptive use (p=0.38), body mass index (p = 0.5) or rate of positive nodes (p = 0.19). Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed no difference in survival between PCFT and EOC (p = 0.5).

CONCLUSION

There is no significant difference in clinical parameters or survival between patients with PCFT or EOC when matched for stage, grade and histology.

Recombinant factor VIIa to treat late radiation-induced hemorrhagic cystitis: a case report

BACKGROUND

Late radiation cystitis is one of the most difficult complications of radiation therapy for pelvic malignancies.

CASE

A 29-year-old woman with a history of cervical cancer presented with radiation-induced hemorrhagic cystitis. The patient received multiple units of packed red blood cells while undergoing several intravesical treatments, including continuous bladder irrigation, 4% formalin, 0.15% AgNO3 and Mg(OH)2 with Al(OH)3. The bleeding finally was stopped by the use of intravenous recombinant factor VIIa.

CONCLUSION

When hemorrhagic cystitis related to late radiation complications is refractory to conventional management, intravenous recombinant factor VIIa may be of benefit.

Estrogen receptor alpha and beta expression in a case matched series of serous and endometrioid adenocarcinomas of the ovary

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to analyze estrogen receptor alpha and beta (ERalpha, ERbeta) expression in a stage and grade matched cohort of patients with serous and endometrioid adenocarcinoma of the ovary.

METHODS

Forty-two patients from 1991 to the present were found to have the diagnosis of endometrioid adenocarcinoma of the ovary and have tissue available for analysis. Of these 42, ten were selected for analysis. These were stage and grade matched with ten patients having serous adenocarcinoma of the ovary during the same time period. ERalpha and ERbeta mRNA was detected by a multiplex RT-PCR and amplification of random hexamer generated cDNA using a housekeeping gene (G3PD) as a control for mRNA quality and quantity. Methylation specific PCR (MS-PCR) was used to correlate methylation of the ERalpha and ERbeta CpG islands with mRNA expression status.

RESULTS

ERalpha expression was present in ten of ten endometrioid adenocarcinomas but in only five of ten serous carcinomas (chi2, p = 0.01). ERbeta expression was present in six of ten endometrioid adenocarcinomas and in four of ten serous caricinomas (chi2, p = 0.65). Methylation of the ERalpha and ERbeta CpG islands was found in tumors without mRNA expression but not in the tumors with mRNA expression (p = 0.005).

CONCLUSIONS

ERalpha expression, but not ERbeta expression, is significantly more common in endometrioid than serous adenocarcinomas of the ovary when controlled for stage and grade. The role of methylation in ER silencing may lead to potential therapeutic interventions.

Tunneled central venous catheters in a gynecologic oncology service: operative and short-term complications

PURPOSE

To determine the difference in the immediate complication rate between placement of long-term central venous catheters (LTCVCs) by the percutaneous versus jugular venous cutdown method.

METHOD

Case lists were examined to determine the number of LTCVCs placed during the designated time period. Medical records, operative reports, and chest roentgenograms were examined to extract pertinent information. Immediate complications included complications occurring in the operating room until 30 days postoperatively. Complications included misplacement of the catheter requiring an adjustment or a repeat procedure, pneumothorax, hydrothorax, or hemothorax, operative site or tunnel infection, and line migration requiring removal.

RESULTS

Five hundred and one patients had LTCVCs placed during the period of this study. This included 399 totally implantable venous access devices (TIVADs) and 102 free access venous access devices (FAVADs) with 163 placed percutaneously into subclavian veins and 338 placed by cutdown into jugular veins. There was a significant increased risk in the overall immediate complication rate for the percutaneous placement compared to venous cutdown (p < 0.001). Also, pneumothorax was more common with the percutaneous approach compared to the venous cutdown approach (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Immediate complications, especially pneumothorax, were more common when placing catheters by the percutaneous approach as compared to the venous cutdown approach.

Vascular endothelial growth factor staining and elevated INR in advanced epithelial ovarian carcinoma

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to determine whether vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression in tumors correlates with the incidence of an elevated prothrombin time (PT), specifically an international normalized ratio (INR) > or = 1.4, in patients undergoing primary surgical cytoreduction for ovarian cancer.

METHODS

INRs were obtained on all patients perioperatively. VEGF expression was determined by immunostaining of tumor specimens using published protocols.

RESULTS

One hundred patients underwent surgical cytoreduction. Sixty-seven percent of patients had postoperative INR of 1.4 or greater. INRs of greater than or equal to 1.8 were found in 5% of patients. INR elevation was independent of mean estimated blood loss (EBL) with the EBL in the patients with INRs > or = 1.4 not significantly different than the EBL in the patients with INRs < 1.4 (660 ml vs. 530 ml, P = 0.09). There was a significant correlation between elevated INR and tumor VEGF immunostaining (P < 0.005). All but one patient with an elevated INR had positive VEGF staining.

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, development of an elevated INR (INR > or = 1.4) is common in patients undergoing primary surgical cytoreduction. Positive tumor VEGF staining is very common in patients having a postoperative coagulopathy.

Extreme drug resistance is common after prior exposure to paclitaxel

OBJECTIVE

The platinum-free interval (PFI) is an important entity in the treatment of women with epithelial ovarian cancer. The purpose of this study was to determine on clinical samples whether a taxane-free interval (TFI), as defined by in vitro extreme drug resistance assay, existed in women previously exposed to platinum and taxane chemotherapy.

METHODS

Records were examined from 2003 to 2006 to find all patients with epithelial ovarian cancer who had previous exposure to platinum and taxane therapy. Further examination was done to find all patients who underwent secondary cytoreduction and had their tumor submitted for extreme drug resistance assay.

RESULTS

Thirty-four women meeting the above criteria were found. The mean PFI was 25 months (median 18). The mean TFI was 27 months (median 20). Over 44% of the patients have been exposed to more than just a course of platinum and a course of a taxane. In patients having a PFI of >or=12 months, 38.8% had extreme drug resistance (EDR) to carboplatin and 41.9% EDR to cisplatin. Conversely, in patients having a TFI of >or=12 months, 89.7% had EDR to paclitaxel and 82.8% EDR to docetaxel.

CONCLUSIONS

While only a small percentage have EDR to carboplatin and cisplatin after a PFI of >or=12 months, almost 90% of patients with a TFI>or=12 months showed EDR to paclitaxel in vitro.

Pelvic and para-aortic lymphadenectomy in patients with endometrioid adenocarcinoma of the endometrium

BACKGROUND

The purpose is to determine the rate of lymph node metastases in women with endometrioid adenocarcinoma of the endometrium (EAE) undergoing systematic lymphadenectomy.

METHODS

Patients (349) underwent a complete pelvic and para-aortic lymphadenectomy from caudal to the median circumflex to the level of the renal vessels.

RESULTS

Grade 1 tumors accounted for 32.7% of the tumors and 31.0% of the positive nodes, grade 2 accounted for 47.3% of the tumors (37.9% of positive nodes), and grade 3 accounted for 20.1% of the tumors and 31.0% of the positive nodes (P>0.05). Positive nodes were found in 15.8% of grade 1 tumors, 13.3% of grade 2 tumors and 25.7% of grade 3 tumors (P>0.05). Isolated para-aortic involvement without pelvic nodal involvement occurred in 29% of patients with positive nodes.

CONCLUSIONS

When complete lymphadenectomies are performed in EAE, positive lymph nodes (including isolated para-aortic lymph nodes) are common in all grades.

Nutritional assessment using prealbumin as an objective criterion to determine whom should not undergo primary radical cytoreductive surgery for ovarian cancer

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to determine if serum prealbumin could be used to objectively determine which patients could not safely undergo cytoreductive surgery.

METHODS

Patients with suspected ovarian cancer in a 24-month period underwent nutritional assessment during their preoperative workup and were followed for development of postoperative complications.

RESULTS

One hundred and eight of 114 patients underwent surgical cytoreduction. Of the 108 surgical patients, 88 patients had prealbumin levels <18 mg/dl and 24 patients had prealbumin levels <10 mg/dl. Postoperative complications increased with lower prealbumin levels. All complications occurred in group of patients with prealbumin <18 mg/dl (P=0.013). A significantly increased number of complications occurred in patients with prealbumin <10 mg/dl (61.5% vs. 6.4%, P<0.001, RR 9.6). All postoperative mortality in this series occurred in patients with prealbumin <10 mg/dl (23.1% vs. 0%, P<0.001). Patients whose prealbumin started low but was able to be raised to >10 mg/dl by TPN did not have significantly increased complications or EBL compared to patients whose initial prealbumin was >10 mg/dl (18.2% vs. 4.8%, P=0.95 and 570 vs. 600 ml, P=0.87).

CONCLUSIONS

Significantly more blood loss, morbidity, and mortality occurred in patients with abnormal preoperative prealbumin. This was especially true in patients with a prealbumin <10 mg/dl. With these significantly increased risks, patients with extremely poor nutritional status (prealbumin <10 mg/dl) may be better served by neoadjuvant chemotherapy with interval cytoreductive surgery if nutrition improves.

5-Fluorouracil cardiotoxicity complicating treatment of stage IIB cervical cancer--case report

A 31-year-old female was found to have FIGO Stage IIB squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix. The patient began her prescribed radiation therapy and 5-fluorouracil radio-sensitizing chemotherapy. During the first day of infusion, she began having severe shortness of breath. Cardiac evaluation revealed acute congestive heart failure with a cardiac ejection fraction of 19%. Radiation was continued without chemotherapy. Four years later, the patient is alive and well with an ejection fraction of 53%.

CAG repeat length in exon 1 of the androgen receptor gene is related to age of diagnosis but not germ line BRCA1 mutation status in ovarian cancer

It has been postulated that androgens, through their interaction with androgen receptors (AR), may play an important role in the development of ovarian cancer. Exon 1 of the AR gene contains three highly polymorphic trinucleotide repeats. The length of the (CAG)n repeat segment 1 is inversely correlated with the transactivation function of the AR. Recent studies have shown that BRCA1 may function as an AR coregulator or coactivator and play positive roles in androgen-induced cell death in cancer cells as well as other androgen/AR target organs. We hypothesize that the AR gene, involved in endocrine signaling, may modify BRCA1-associated ovarian cancer risk. To test this hypothesis, potential associations between the (CAG)n repeat length, germ line BRCA1 mutation status, and age of diagnosis for ovarian cancer were investigated. One hundred and eleven ovarian cancer patients (27 hereditary and 84 sporadic) were included. All the cases were allelotyped for CAG repeat length and genotyped for mutations in the BRCA1 gene by direct sequencing. No association between CAG repeat length and BRCA1 mutation status was identified. Furthermore, there were no differences between hereditary and sporadic ovarian cancer in the number of (CAG)n repeats of the short allele (P= 0.336), long allele (P= 0.875), or average allele length (P= 0.550). However, ovarian cancer patients from both groups (hereditary and sporadic) who carried any AR allele of (CAG)n < or = 22 repeats were diagnosed on average 8.17 years (95% confidence interval [1.3, 15.0]) earlier than the patients whose shortest AR allele (CAG)n was >22 (P= 0.020). In conclusion, it is suggested that the CAG repeat length in AR exon 1 may affect the age of diagnosis of ovarian cancer but does so independent of germ line BRCA1 carrier status.

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy in vulvar cancer: Avoiding primary exenteration

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether neoadjuvant cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil chemotherapy can be used to preserve the anal sphincter and/or urethra in patients with advanced vulvar cancer involving these sites.

METHODS

Fourteen patients with advanced vulvar cancer (1997-2003) involving the anal sphincter and/or urethra were given 3-4 cycles of neoadjuvant chemotherapy to attempt preservation of these pelvic structures rather than undergoing a primary pelvic exenteration. Following 3 cycles, a radical vulvectomy and groin lymph node dissection were planned. All patients had lesion size documented by measurement and photograph prior to and following chemotherapy.

RESULTS

The median age was 63 years (range 39-88). Thirteen patients received a median of 3 cycles (range 2-4) of neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Ten patients received cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil, while three received cisplatin alone. The median time from diagnosis to surgery was 77 days (range 54-143). All patients with cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil chemotherapy underwent surgery except one patient who had a synchronous renal cell carcinoma and died prior to surgery. Patients receiving cisplatin alone showed no measurable response, while all patients receiving cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil demonstrated at least a partial response. Two patients had no residual invasive carcinoma on final pathology. All patients receiving cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil followed by surgery are disease-free, while two of three receiving cisplatin have progressive disease. The anal sphincter and urethra were conserved in all patients receiving cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil.

CONCLUSION

Neoadjuvant cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil in advanced vulvar cancer demonstrated a response rate of 100%. The anal sphincter and urethra were conserved in all patients receiving cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil. Responders are disease-free at this time. This response rate demonstrates superior activity of 5-fluorouracil in vulvar cancer and spares these patients the morbidity of exenteration or radiation.

Chemotherapy for ovarian cancer: an evidence-based approach

Although cytoreductive surgery is the most influential factor in treatment for ovarian cancer, chemotherapy is needed for almost all patients diagnosed with this disease. The mainstay of chemotherapy is platinum. Different platinum compounds are used for different histologies, and different combinations are used for different histologies also. We will present the data so that each reader can understand the knowledge behind chemotherapy decisions.

Sequential Intraperitoneal Topotecan and Oral Etoposide Chemotherapy in Recurrent Platinum-Resistant Ovarian Carcinoma

PURPOSE

The purpose is to investigate the safety and efficacy of i.p. topotecan and oral etoposide as salvage treatment for patients with platinum-resistant ovarian or primary peritoneal cancer.

EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN

Patients were treated with i.p. topotecan initial dose, 1 mg/m2 on days 1 to 5, followed by oral etoposide 100 mg on days 6 to 9 of a 28-day cycle for six cycles. Dose reduction of topotecan was used for severe bone marrow suppression. Peritoneal (topotecan) and plasma (topotecan and etoposide) levels were assessed at multiple time points using high-pressure liquid chromatography.

RESULTS

Twenty-two patients (mean age, 61 years) with a median of 1.5 prior treatments were enrolled. Etoposide peak plasma concentrations ranged from 1.9 to 6.9 microg/mL (mean, 3.6 microg/mL). Topotecan plasma levels rose with increasing peritoneal concentration and were detectable within 1 hour but tended to decrease rapidly to below detectable levels within 24 hours. The peak plasma concentration of topotecan was 12.82 +/- 8.55 microg/mL with a plasma half-life of 6.17 +/- 2.75 hours. A total of 104 cycles was administered; 14 patients (64%) completed all six planned cycles. All patients were evaluable for toxicity, and 21 patients were evaluable for response. The most common grade 4 toxicities were neutropenia and thrombocytopenia in eight and four patients (36 and 18%), respectively. There were no treatment-related deaths. The overall response rate was 38% [complete response, three (14%); partial response, five (24%)]. Seven patients had stable disease and six progressed while on treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

The combination of i.p. topotecan and oral etoposide is an active and well-tolerated regimen in platinum-resistant ovarian carcinoma. Additional studies investigating topotecan in combination with etoposide are warranted.

Late recurrence of juvenile granulosa cell tumor of the ovary

Juvenile granulosa cell tumor (JGCT) of the ovary, if diagnosed at an early stage, has a favorable prognosis. Recurrences are uncommon but typically occur within the first year. The patient presented here was treated with a left oophorectomy after initial presentation. Tumor recurrence in the left adnexa, diagnosed 48 months later, was treated with cytoreductive surgery followed by chemotherapy; she remains disease free 19 months after this recurrence. Late recurrences of JGCT can occur and continued close surveillance is recommended.

Nuclear size, shape, and density in endometrial carcinoma: relationship to survival at over 5 years of follow-up. Does analyzing only cells occupying the G0-G1 peak add useful information?

OBJECTIVE

The authors, using image analysis, previously demonstrated nuclear size and summed optical density to be independent prognostic indicators of recurrence in patients with endometrial carcinoma. The same tumors were analyzed by studying the optical features in the G0-G1 peak to see if this changed the values found as well as their importance as prognostic features at greater than 5 years of follow-up.

METHODS

Tumors from 74 consecutive patients, surgically treated, with endometrial cancer, were evaluated. Survival, depth of invasion, lymphvascular space invasion, FIGO stage, grade, histology were analyzed. DNA index, progesterone receptor status, as well as nuclear size (NUSZ), shape (NUSH), and summed optical density (NUSD) were evaluated. NUSZ, NUSH, and NUSD were quantified using image analysis.

RESULTS

Fifteen patients died from disease during the observation period of the study. Mean follow-up was 82 months with a median of 84 months. Forty-nine patients had stage I cancers, five stage II, 17 stage III, and three stage IV. NUSZ and NUSD were all significantly different between the original (entire cell cycle) and the re-measured (G0G1 only) values (both P < 0.001). Multivariate analysis showed both the original (P = 0.0001) and G0G1-only (P = 0.046) NUSZ and the original (P = 0.0002) and G0G1-only (P = 0.018) NUSD to be independent prognosticators of survival.

CONCLUSION

Image analysis is able to quantify cellular and nuclear parameters not otherwise quantifiable. NUSD and NUSZ correlated with traditional prognostic indicators, were demonstrated independent predictors of survival at over 5 years of follow-up. Although the re-measured NUSZ and NUSD from only the G0-G1 peak were significantly different from the original NUSZ and NUSD, they were not as valuable as prognostic factors. Nuclear size and summed optical density measured from the entire cell cycle are independent prognostic indicators of survival at greater than 5 years of follow-up. Measuring nuclear morphometric features in the G0-G1 peak only does not add any new prognostic information.

Gemcitabine associated vasculitis leading to necrotizing enterocolitis and death in women undergoing primary treatment for epithelial ovarian/peritoneal cancer

We present two patients who developed necrotizing enterocolitis following their first cycle of chemotherapy for epithelial ovarian/peritoneal cancer. After optimal cytoreductive surgery, both women received gemcitabine as part of a chemotherapy protocol. One patient developed necrotizing enterocolitis, 1 day after chemotherapy and the other 8 days after chemotherapy. The first patient succumbed to the enterocolitis despite aggressive supportive care. The second patient succumbed despite both aggressive supportive care and surgical intervention. Pathologic review for both patients revealed a drug induced vasculitis causing necrotizing enterocolitis.

Heat shock protein 27 in the placentas of women with and without severe preeclampsia

BACKGROUND

Although not fully understood, heat shock proteins (HSP) are well known stress response proteins. The purpose of this analysis was to determine whether staining for HSP27 was different between placentas from pregnancies complicated by severe pre-eclampsia with intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) as compared to controls.

METHODS

Sterile placental tissue was collected from ten women whose pregnancies were complicated by severe preeclampsia with IUGR and from ten women with uncomplicated by severe pre-eclampsia with IUGR and from ten women with uncomplicated term pregnancies. The tissue was then stained for HSP27.

RESULTS

The median age of the patients was 27 years (mean 27, range 17-37). The median estimated gestational age at delivery was 38 weeks (mean 37, range 29-41). Overall 12 of 20 placentas stained positively for HSP27 (nuclear and/or cytoplasmic). Eight of ten placentas from women with pre-eclampsia and IUGR stained positively for HSP27 (p = 0.046).

CONCLUSION

HSP27 staining of the placenta is twice as common in patients with severe preeclampsia as compared to patients with normal term gestations. These preliminary results warrant the inauguration of a similar but larger study to examine the significance of these findings.

Evaluation of DNA methylation in the human genome: why examine it and what method to use

PURPOSE

Since its discovery 50 years ago, DNA methylation has been found to be an important part of gene regulation. Newer methods of analysis over the last decade have helped further the understanding of this epigenetic phenomenon. The purpose of this article is to describe current methods of analysis and discuss advantages and disadvantages of each and their possible roles in gynecologic malignancies.

RESULTS

The methods for analysis of DNA methylation are divided into two major categories: 1) methods which utilize chemical methods or restriction enzymes to differentially cleave at cytosine versus 5-methylcytosine sites, 2) methods which utilize sodium bisulfite (NaHSO3) to specifically convert unmethylated cytosines to uracil (thymine after PCR). This recently developed method appears to be more sensitive and allows the investigator to specifically delineate the study site(s).

CONCLUSION

DNA methylation is important in the human genome. Its role in tumorigenesis is just beginning to be understood. While relying upon newly designed methods of analysis, further understanding of this epigenetic phenomenon and its role in gene expression and tumorigenesis will be forthcoming.

Nuclear and cytoplasmic c-myc staining in endometrial carcinoma and their relationship to survival

OBJECTIVE

The role of the c-myc proto-oncogene in genomic instability is just becoming more fully understood. However, its role in endometrial cancer is essentially unknown. The objective of this study was to determine the relationship between cytoplasmic and nuclear c-myc staining, DNA index, and survival in patients with endometrial carcinoma.

METHODS

One hundred and twenty-one patients with endometrial carcinoma were studied. Image analysis was used to determine DNA index. In addition to cytoplasmic and nuclear c-myc staining and DNA index, histologic type, stage, grade, depth of invasion, lymphvascular space invasion, and peritoneal cytology were evaluated as prognostic indicators. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed.

RESULTS

One hundred and twenty-one patients were followed for over 5 years. c-myc cytoplasmic staining was present in 75.2% of the patients' tumors, and nuclear staining was present in 66.9% (P = 0.99). DNA index was significantly higher in patients with nuclear c-myc staining and no cytoplasmic staining (DNA index 1.38) as compared to those patients whose tumors displayed cytoplasmic c-myc staining but no nuclear c-myc staining (1.18) (P = 0.016). Patients whose tumors stained positively for nuclear c-myc and negatively for cytoplasmic c-myc had significantly worse survival by Kaplan-Meier analysis (P < 0.0001). Seventeen patients died during the follow-up period of this study. By multivariate analysis, positive cytoplasmic c-myc staining with negative nuclear staining (P = 0.0076), negative cytoplasmic c-myc staining with positive nuclear staining (P = 0.011) and FIGO stage (P < 0.0001) were shown to be independent prognostic indicators predictive of survival.

CONCLUSION

Nuclear and cytoplasmic c-myc staining, as well as FIGO stage, when assessed by multivariate analysis, were demonstrated to be important factors in predicting survival in the 121 patients in this study. While increasing FIGO stage was prognostic of decreased survival, the specific location of c-myc staining was also associated with prognosis. The expression of the c-myc protein is related to survival in patients with adenocarcinoma of the endometrium.

HSP27 in patients with ovarian carcinoma: still an independent prognostic indicator at 60 months follow-up

OBJECTIVE

Heat shock protein 27 (HSP27) is produced in response to pathophysiologic stress in animal cells. The authors have previously shown that HSP27 is an independent prognostic indicator in patients with ovarian carcinoma. The present study was performed to see whether HSP27 remained an independent prognostic indicator with longer follow-up.

METHODS

One hundred and three consecutive patients with epithelial ovarian carcinoma were studied. Slides were prepared from fresh tissue. HPS27 staining was performed as previously described. Patient records were examined for FIGO stage, grade, histology, level of cytoreduction and survival.

RESULTS

One hundred and three patients were followed for a mean of 60 months. Twenty patients had FIGO Stage I disease, four Stage II, 59 Stage III, and 20 Stage IV. Immunohistochemical (IHC) staining for HSP27 was not related to histologic grade, level of cytoreduction or histologic subtype. A statistically significant decrease in HSP27 staining was found to correlate with increased FIGO stage (p = 0.008). Using cox-regression analysis, HSP27 staining (p = 0.025), stage (p = 0.0012), and level of cytoreduction (p < 0.0001) were independent predictors of survival in these patients.

CONCLUSION

Cox-regression analysis found HSP27 to be an independent indicator of prognosis and survival in patients with ovarian carcinoma who had longer follow-up. Decreased HSP27 staining was related to decreased survival. This study confirms the authors' earlier report on the importance of HSP27 as a prognostic indicator in ovarian carcinoma.