Attitude toward human papillomavirus self-sampling and associated factors among Thai women undergoing colposcopy

Objective

To compare attitudes toward self-sampling for human papillomavirus (HPV) testing before and after specimen collection in women undergoing colposcopy. The factors associated with the pre-sampling attitude were also studied.

Methods

This prospective study enrolled women with abnormal cervical cytology and/or positive high-risk HPV who attended colposcopy clinics at 10 cancer centers in Thailand between October 2021 and May 2022. Prior to colposcopy, the attitudes of the women toward self-sampling were surveyed through a questionnaire. Written and verbal instructions for self-sampling were provided before the process and subsequent colposcopy. The attitudes toward self-sampling were reassessed after the actual self-sampling. Factors associated with the attitudes were analyzed.

Results

A total of 499 women were included in this study. The mean age was 39.28±11.36 years. A total of 85.3% were premenopausal, and 98.8% had sexual experience. With the full score of 45, the attitude score after self-sampling was significantly higher than the attitude score before self-sampling (39.69±5.16 vs. 37.76±5.71; P<0.001). On univariate analysis, the factors associated with attitude before HPV self-sampling were age, menopause, sexual activity, education level, income, knowledge regarding HPV, and prior HSIL histology. The remaining significant factor on multivariate analysis was sexual activity within the past year (B=0.105, 95% CI, 0.014-2.870; P=0.048).

Conclusion

Attitudes toward self-sampling improved after the actual self-sampling process, as evidenced by higher attitude scores. Sexual activity was the only independent factor related to the attitude before self-sampling.

The fluorescence imaging for laparoscopic and laparotomic endometrial sentinel lymph node biopsy (FILLES) trial: Siriraj gynecologic sentinel node of endometrial cancer (SiGN-En) study

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

The objective of this study is to establish the detection rate of sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsies and to determine the sensitivity and false-negative rate of SLN biopsies compared with those of systematic pelvic and para-aortic lymphadenectomies in endometrial cancer.

METHODS

This prospective cohort study enrolled patients with endometrial cancer who were scheduled for surgical staging. Patients with a history of chemotherapy or radiotherapy, an abnormal liver function test, or an allergy to indocyanine green (ICG) were excluded. All patients underwent surgical staging with an ICG injection at the cervix. SLNs were identified by a near-infrared fluorescent camera. All SLNs were sent to a pathologist for ultrastaging.

RESULTS

From November 2019 to June 2023, 142 patients underwent SLN mapping and surgical staging. SLNs were not detected bilaterally in 8 patients. The detection rate of the SLN biopsies in this study was 91.2%. Thus, the accuracy of the SLN biopsies was 97.6%. The sensitivity for finding metastatic SLNs was 84.2%, with a negative predictive value of 97.22%.

CONCLUSIONS

A SLN biopsy in endometrial cancer has a high detection rate and high accuracy. However, surgical expertise and a learning curve are required.

High-risk human papillomavirus genotyping in women with atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance

We conducted a prospective study to evaluate the prevalence of high-risk human papillomavirus (hr-HPV) positivity in women with atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASC-US). Additionally, we assessed the association of hr-HPV positivity with the pathology of high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions or worse (HSIL⁺) and the risk of subsequent detection of squamous intraepithelial lesions. A total of 376 women were included, with 242 (64.4%) exhibiting hr-HPV positivity. The predominant HPV genotypes were 16, 52 and 58. Factors associated with the immediate detection of HSIL⁺ pathology included a colposcopic impression of high-grade lesions, hr-HPV positivity, HPV 16 positivity, HPV 18 positivity, HPV 58 positivity, age less than 40 years, and biopsy of two or more pieces. However, only the first three factors were statistically significant in multivariate analysis. Among the 291 women who continued surveillance for 6 months or more, the median follow-up period was 41.8 months (interquartile range [IQR] 26.5-54.0). The prevalence of subsequent HSIL in women with hr-HPV positivity versus negativity was 3.6% versus 0.98%, respectively. The median time to the subsequent detection of SIL was 28.7 months (IQR 14.9-41.7). In conclusion, women with ASC-US in our study had a high proportion of hr-HPV positivity. Type-specific HPV testing could play a pivotal role in the development of specific management protocols for women with ASC-US.Clinical trial registration: https://thaiclinicaltrials.org , TCTR20161017002.

Combined analysis of clinical features, human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) value, and hCG ratios for early prediction of postmolar gestational trophoblastic neoplasia

PURPOSE

To investigate factors predicting postmolar gestational trophoblastic neoplasia (GTN) by combined analysis of clinical features, human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) value, and hCG ratios.

METHODS

This retrospective study enrolled patients with histopathologically proven molar pregnancy. Patients lost to follow-up before remission or developing postmolar GTN were excluded. Demographic and clinical characteristics and hCG data obtained before and after molar evacuation were collected. Area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) analysis was used to identify the hCG and hCG ratio cutoff values that predict postmolar GTN. Multivariate analysis was employed to identify independent predictors of GTN.

RESULTS

There were 113 complete moles, 11 partial moles, and 52 unspecified moles included in the final analysis. Of the 176 cases, 90 achieved remission and 86 developed post-molar GTN. The incidence of postmolar GTN was 48.9%, with a median time to GTN development of 5 weeks. Univariate analysis showed age, molar evacuation performed elsewhere, pre-evacuation hCG, hCG at 2nd week post-evacuation, and ratio of hCG at 2nd week post-evacuation to post-evacuation hCG significantly predict GTN. Multivariate analysis revealed an hCG value ≥ 1400 IU/L at 2nd week post-evacuation (AUC: 0.92, aOR: 6.51, 95% CI 1.28-33.16; p = 0.024) and a ratio of hCG at 2nd week post-evacuation to post-evacuation hCG of ≥ 0.02 (AUC: 0.88, aOR: 12.27, 95% CI 2.15-70.13; p = 0.005) to independently predict GTN.

CONCLUSIONS

An hCG value ≥ 1400 IU/L at 2nd week post-evacuation and a ratio of hCG at 2nd week post-evacuation to post-evacuation hCG of ≥ 0.02 independently and reliably predict postmolar GTN.

EMACO for treatment of gestational trophoblastic neoplasia: A multinational multicenter study

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the efficacy and toxicity of etoposide, methotrexate, actinomycin D alternating with cyclophosphamide, and vincristine (EMACO) for treatment of gestational trophoblastic neoplasia, and for factors independently associated with EMACO resistance and disease-specific death in an international cohort.

METHODS

Medical records of GTN patients who received EMACO during 1986-2019 from gestational trophoblastic disease centers from four countries including the USA, Thailand, Hungary, and Brazil, were retrospectively reviewed. Among 335 GTN patients, 266 patients who received EMACO as primary chemotherapy were included in the primary treatment group, and 69 patients who received EMACO after relapse/resistance to single-agent chemotherapy were included in the prior treatment group.

RESULTS

Three-quarters (76.1%) of all patients achieved remission, and the survival rate was 89%. The prior treatment group had better outcomes than the primary treatment group relative to remission rate (87.0% vs. 73.3%, p = 0.014) and number of EMACO cycles to achieve remission (3 vs. 6 cycles, p < 0.001). Sustained remission increased to 87.2% in EMACO-resistant patients treated with later-line chemotherapy. Number of metastatic organs ≥2 (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 2.33, p = 0.049) was the only independent predictor of EMACO resistance among overall patients. Interval from index pregnancy ≥7 months (aOR: 4.34, p = 0.001), and pretreatment hCG >100,000 IU/L (aOR: 2.85, p = 0.028) were independent predictors of EMACO resistance in the high-risk subgroup. The only factor independently associated with disease-specific death was EMACO resistance (aOR: 176.04, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

EMACO is an effective treatment for GTN. Number of metastatic organs and EMACO resistance were the independent predictors of EMACO resistance and disease-specific death, respectively.

Factors Associated with Cervical Cancer Screening Overuse and Underuse, and Attitude towards Human Papillomavirus Self-sampling among Hospital Staffs

Objective: To investigate the rates of and factors associated with cervical cancer screening overuse and underuse, and the attitude towards human papillomavirus (HPV) self-sampling among hospital staffs. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study included female hospital staff undergoing an annual health check-up. A questionnaire was used to collect sociodemographic characteristics, indication for cervical cancer screening, reasons for screening decision, and attitude toward HPV self-sampling. Screening overuse was defined as having cervical cancer screening without indication while screening underuse was having indication for screening but not receiving it. Results: Among the 600 included participants, 220 and 380 women decided to screen and not to screen for cervical cancer, respectively. The prevalence of screening overuse and underuse was 11.8% and 33.0%, respectively. Multivariate analysis revealed age was associated with screening underuse (aOR: 1.06, 95% CI: 1.04-1.09; p<0.001), whereas married status was associated with screening overuse (aOR: 3.73, 95% CI: 2.05-6.79; p<0.001). The common reasons for screening were “add-on to annual health check-up” (93.2%), “fear of cancer” (84.1%), and “family/organizational support” (54.5%). The common reasons for not screening were “feeling healthy” (73.7%), “fear of pain” (58.7%), and “embarrassment” (57.1%). Most women (65.1%) expressed interest in screening via HPV self-sampling. Conclusion: Overuse and underuse of cervical cancer screening were common. An accurate information regarding screening indication should be provided and indication restriction should be implemented to a health system to avoid screening overuse. In addition, an encouragement should be enhanced to the target population to attend the screening program.

Predictive factors associated with resistance to initial methotrexate treatment in women with low-risk gestational trophoblastic neoplasia

AIM

To compare clinical characteristics and identify factors predictive of resistance to initial treatment with methotrexate-folinic acid (MTX-FA) in women with low-risk gestational trophoblastic neoplasia (GTN).

METHODS

Retrospective chart reviews were conducted in patients diagnosed with low-risk GTN who were treated with MTX-FA at Siriraj Hospital between 2002 and 2018. Demographic data, disease characteristics, treatment response, toxicity, and data of the subsequent pregnancy were collected and analyzed. Groups of patients who were responsive or resistant to treatment were compared. Stepwise logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors predictive of resistance to methotrexate chemotherapy.

RESULTS

Totally, 113 patients were eligible for analysis. The primary remission rate was 55.8% with first-line MTX-FA. All other patients achieved remission by subsequent treatment with actinomycin D or multiple-agent chemotherapy. Relapse of disease occurred in 4.4% and the overall survival rate was 99.1%. Univariate analysis showed that pretreatment serum hCG, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio at baseline, and serum hCG ratio of the first three consecutive cycles (C) were significantly associated with resistance to MTX-FA. Independent factors that predict failure to respond to first-line MTX-FA were pretreatment serum hCG ≥15,000 IU/L, a less than 4.8-fold reduction of serum hCG between cycle 1 and cycle 2 (C1/C2), and a less than seven-fold reduction of serum hCG from cycle 2 to cycle 3 (C2/C3).

CONCLUSIONS

First-line MTX-FA treatment is effective in 55.8% of patients. Pretreatment serum hCG, and serum hCG ratio between consecutive treatment cycles can predict initial treatment failure.

A comparison of high-risk human papillomavirus DNA detection between urine and cervical sample testing in women with abnormal Pap smears

AIMS

To compare the clinical performance of high-risk human papillomavirus (hrHPV) DNA detection between urine and cervical samples collected from the same patient for the detection of CIN2+ lesions (high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions or cervical cancer lesions). The secondary objectives were to evaluate agreement among hrHPV genotypes and to compare patient satisfaction between urine and cervical sample collection.

METHODS

This prospective cross-sectional study enrolled 96 women with abnormal cervical cytology who attended the colposcopy clinic at Siriraj Hospital (Bangkok, Thailand) between July 2016 and January 2017. Self-collected random-voiding and first stream urine samples were collected into a universal sterile urine container and immediately mixing with preservative before the pelvic examination. Cervical tissue sampling was performed according to standard treatment guidelines. Both specimens were sent for extraction and detection of hrHPV by Anyplex II HPV high-risk testing. Study patients were surveyed to compare patient satisfaction between urine and cervical sample collection.

RESULTS

Carcinogenic hrHPV positive rate was 73% in urine samples and 81% in cervical samples. The sensitivity for HPV in the detection CIN2+ was high in both the urine and cervical groups at 86.2% and 94.8%, respectively. Agreement between the urine and cervical groups for HPV 16 or 18 detection was high, with kappa values of 0.86 for subtypes 16/18. Urine specimen collection had significantly higher satisfaction and acceptability than cervical specimen collection.

CONCLUSION

Urine hrHPV testing by real-time polymerase chain reaction demonstrated high sensitivity and accuracy for the detection of CIN2+ lesions, with very good agreement when compared with cervical sample testing.

Comparison of surgical and oncologic outcomes in patients with clear cell ovarian carcinoma associated with and without endometriosis

PURPOSE

To compare clinical characteristics, surgical and oncologic outcomes of clear cell ovarian cancer among patients with cancer arising from endometriosis, cancer coexisting with endometriosis, and cancer without endometriosis.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review of patients diagnosed with clear cell ovarian cancer during January 1998-March 2013 was performed. All histopathology specimens were reviewed by a gynecologic pathologist and classified into one of the three following endometriosis status groups: arising group, coexisting group, or without group. The primary outcome was disease-specific survival (DSS). The secondary outcomes were progression-free survival, surgical morbidities, response rate, recurrence rate, and cancer-specific death.

RESULTS

Finally, 249 patients were included. There were 82, 96, and 71 patients in the arising, coexisting, and without groups, respectively. Regarding baseline characteristics among groups, the without group was significantly older and had more advanced diseases. There was a significant difference in progression-free survival between the arising group and the without group (p = 0.003). Five-year progression-free survival rates were 62.8% in the arising group, 50.2% in the coexisting group, and 38.3% in the without group. DSS was not significantly different among groups. Multivariate analysis revealed ovarian surface invasion (HR = 2.76) and pelvic lymphadenectomy (HR = 0.39) to be independent prognostic factors for progression-free survival, whereas no remission after primary treatment (HR = 8.03) and pelvic lymphadenectomy (HR = 0.21) were prognostic factors for DSS. Intraoperative blood loss and residual tumor were significantly higher in the without group.

CONCLUSIONS

Endometriosis status was found not to significantly influence surgical and oncologic outcomes in patients with clear cell ovarian cancer.

ASCCP Risk-Based Colposcopy Recommendations Applied in Thai Women With Atypical Squamous Cells of Undetermined Significance or Low-Grade Squamous Intraepithelial Lesion Cytology

OBJECTIVE

To compare the proportion of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) 2 or worse pathology among different risk strata according to the ASCCP when applied in women who had atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASC-US) or low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (LSIL) cervical cytology; to assess performance of colposcopy; and to assess the independent predictors for detected CIN 2 or worse pathology.

METHODS

This is a secondary analysis of a previous prospective study, which included Thai women with ASC-US or LSIL cytology who underwent high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) testing and subsequent colposcopy with directed biopsy. Patients were classified as lowest-risk, intermediate-risk, or highest-risk based on cervical cytology, high-risk HPV testing, and colposcopic impression. The proportion of CIN 2 or worse pathology and associated prognostic factors were analyzed.

RESULTS

Of 697 women, 103 (14.8%), 573 (82.2%) and 21 (3%) were classified into lowest-risk, intermediate-risk, and highest-risk groups, respectively. The proportion of CIN 2 or worse pathology was 1%, 11.2%, and 61.9% in those same groups, respectively (P<.001). Colposcopy to detect CIN 2 or worse pathology had a sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of 98.7%, 18%, 13.2%, and 99.1%, respectively. Independent predictors for detecting CIN 2 or worse pathology were positive high-risk HPV, HPV 16/18 positivity, and high-grade colposcopic impression.

CONCLUSION

This study supports a no biopsy with follow-up strategy in the lowest-risk group, inconsistent with ASCCP recommendations, but is in alignment with a strategy of multiple targeted biopsies in the intermediate-risk and highest-risk groups.

Outcomes for relapsed versus resistant low risk gestational trophoblastic neoplasia following single-agent chemotherapy

OBJECTIVE

To compare outcomes for relapsed versus resistant low risk gestational trophoblastic neoplasia (GTN) following single-agent chemotherapy.

METHODS

This was a single center retrospective study of low risk GTN. Cases failing to achieve a normal hCG with first-line therapy were defined as chemotherapy resistance. Cases achieving hCG remission, but recurring, were defined as relapse. Primary endpoints were remission rate with second-line therapy and time to remission. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to define prognostic factors.

RESULTS

Among 877 low risk GTN patients there were 124 (14.8%) chemotherapy resistant and 22 (2.6%) relapse cases. Complete remission rates with second-line therapy were similar between relapse (77.3%) and resistant (76.6%) cases (p = 0.95), but resistance was associated with a longer time to reach complete remission with second-line therapy (median 8.3 vs 4.9 weeks; p = 0.024). In multivariate analysis, the significant prognostic factors for second-line therapy remission and time to second-line therapy remission were use of multi-agent chemotherapy (OR of 9.45; 95%CI, 2.13-41.97; p = 0.003) and primary chemo-resistance (HR of 0.27; 95%CI, 0.12-0.59; p = 0.001), respectively. With additional therapies, sustained remission rates rose to 90% (18/20) for relapse and 99.2% (120/121) for chemo-resistance (p = 0.053).

CONCLUSIONS

Although second-line therapy for resistant or relapsed low risk GTN is able to achieve complete remission in most cases, time to complete remission for relapsed disease was shorter than for resistant disease. Further studies on the biologic differences between resistant and relapsed disease may clarify the optimal treatment for these clinical situations.

EMA vs EMACO in the treatment of gestational trophoblastic neoplasia

OBJECTIVE

To compare experiences with EMA versus EMACO in the treatment of gestational trophoblastic neoplasia.

METHODS

The medical records of women diagnosed with GTN at the New England Trophoblastic Disease Center from 1986 to 2019 were reviewed, and women receiving EMA or EMACO as their first multiagent regimen were eligible. Clinical characteristics, treatment, outcomes, and adverse events were compared between the two groups.

RESULTS

We identified 44 and 39 patients who received EMA and EMACO, respectively. The complete remission rate was significantly higher in the EMA group (97.7%) than in the EMACO group (71.8%) (p = 0.001). However, patients receiving EMACO were more likely to have adverse prognostic factors such as higher median prognostic risk score (8 vs 4, p < 0.001), non-molar antecedent pregnancy (59 vs 27.3%, p = 0.014) and distant metastasis (64.1 vs 47.7%, p = 0.017). Time to complete remission was also similar (p = 0.947) with a median of 12 weeks with EMA and 13.1 weeks with EMACO. There was no significant difference in treatment delays or use of adjuvant surgery. After multivariate analysis, chemotherapy regimen (EMA or EMACO) did not retain prognostic significance for remission. Overall toxicities were more frequent in EMA (60.2 vs 32.7%, p < 0.001), especially neutropenia, but this did not delay treatment and likely resulted from less growth factor support (18.2 vs 48.7%, p = 0.003).

CONCLUSIONS

When controlling for other prognostic factors, outcomes with EMA appear similar to EMACO. It may be worthwhile to investigate whether EMA, a simpler and less costly regimen, may be as effective as EMACO in the treatment of GTN.

Gestational Trophoblastic Neoplasia with Gum Metastasis: A Case Study and Literature Review

Gestational trophoblastic neoplasia (GTN) is an uncommon group of pregnancy-related malignancies. Delayed diagnosis is a prognostic factor for worse outcome. GTN is even harder to diagnose if the site of metastasis is uncommon. The reported case is a 27-year-old G₂P₁A₁ woman who presented to our center with acute transient generalized tonic-clonic seizure. She had developed hemoptysis for the 2 preceding weeks, which had been treated as pneumonia. She had then noticed multiple gum lesions and vaginal spotting 1 week before her presentation. Her serum β-human chorionic gonadotropin level was 77,474 IU/L without evidence of pregnancy. She was diagnosed with GTN with lung, brain, and gum metastases. The patient was staged as IV with a World Health Organization prognostic score of 14. Etoposide, methotrexate, actinomycin D alternating with cyclophosphamide, and vincristine weekly (EMACO) were given. The gum lesions disappeared after 2 cycles of the multiagent chemotherapy, and complete remission was achieved after 8 cycles. This case study will increase awareness of uncommon metastatic sites of GTN. Any associated vaginal bleeding should be considered a clue to metastatic GTN.

Spontaneous Regression Rate of Low Grade Cervical Intraepithelial Lesions Diagnosed from Colposcopy

Objective: To evaluate the spontaneous regression rate and its associated factors of low grade intraepithelial lesionsafter colposcopy in Thai women.Material and Methods: A retrospective study of the data of Thai women, not younger than 21 years old with liquidbased cervical cytology of atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASC-US) or low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (LSIL), who had received colposcopic examination with histologically proven cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 1 (CIN1) or human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. All patients underwent cytologic tests as the follow-up method for at least 2 years at the Gynecology Clinic, Siriraj Hospital. Analyzed data included patient characteristics, cervical cytological and pathological results, colposcopic findings and evidence of cytological regression. The correlations between each variable and regression status were then measured.Results: Data of a total of 154 patients who completed 2 years of follow-up were reviewed. One hundred and two patients had cytologic regression, showing a regression rate of 66.2%. There was 31.8% persistent abnormal cytology, and 2.0% progressed to high-grade cervical intraepithelial lesions. All patients with persistence or progression of cervical cytology had no invasive lesion. The only factor significantly related to cytologic regression was the pattern of colposcopic findings (p-value=0.041). The HPV-specific lesion on the colposcopy showed the significant pattern with an odds ratio of 3.5 (95% confidence interval=1.2-10.1, p-value=0.028).Conclusion: Women who had initial cervical cytology of ASC-US or LSIL with colposcopic histological confirmation of CIN1 or HPV infection had spontaneous regression, about two-thirds within 2 years of follow-up time. Thus, conservative management in these patients should be considered.

Comparison of Siriraj liquid-based solution and standard transport media for the detection of high-risk human papillomavirus in cervical specimens

PURPOSE

To evaluate the performance of Siriraj liquid-based solution for human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA testing compared with standard transport media.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study enrolled 217 women aged 30 years or older who attended for cervical cancer screening or had abnormal cervical cytology, or were diagnosed with cervical cancer at the Department of Obstetrics-Gynecology, Siriraj Hospital from March 2015 to January 2016. We excluded patients with a history of any cervical procedures, hysterectomy, or previous treatment with pelvic irradiation or chemotherapy. Two cervical specimens were collected from each participant. The standard Cervi-Collect Specimen Collection Kit was used to preserve the first sample, and Siriraj liquid-based solution was used for the second one. All samples were sent for HPV DNA testing using the same standard high-risk HPV assay. HPV test results were recorded and statistically analyzed.

RESULTS

The results showed agreement between standard transport media and Siriraj liquid-based solution for HPV DNA testing, at a kappa value of 0.935 (P < 0.001). We found no discorrelation for the detection of HPV 16, which accounts for approximately 50% of cervical cancers. The relative sensitivity of Siriraj liquid-based solution and standard transport media in patients with high-grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia or worse (CIN2+) is 98% (50/51). The relative specificity of Siriraj liquid-based solution and standard transport media in patients with non-CIN2+ is 98.1% (102/104).

CONCLUSION

Siriraj liquid-based solution showed almost perfect agreement with the standard transport media for HPV DNA testing. This solution, costing 2 to 3 times less than the commercially available standard media, may be an alternative option for HPV DNA testing.