ESGO/ESHRE/ESGE Guidelines for the fertility-sparing treatment of patients with endometrial carcinoma

Background: The standard surgical treatment of endometrial carcinoma (EC) consisting of total hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy drastically affects the quality of life of patients and creates a challenge for clinicians. Recent evidence-based guidelines of the European Society of Gynaecological Oncology (ESGO), the European SocieTy for Radiotherapy & Oncology (ESTRO) and the European Society of Pathology (ESP) provide comprehensive guidelines on all relevant issues of diagnosis and treatment in EC in a multidisciplinary setting. While also addressing work-up for fertility preservation treatments and the management and follow-up for fertility preservation, it was considered relevant to further extend the guidance on fertility sparing treatment. Objectives: To define recommendations for fertility-sparing treatment of patients with endometrial carcinoma. Materials and Methods: ESGO/ESHRE/ESGE nominated an international multidisciplinary development group consisting of practicing clinicians and researchers who have demonstrated leadership and expertise in the care and research of EC (11 experts across Europe). To ensure that the guidelines are evidence-based, the literature published since 2016, 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 development group. The guidelines are thus based on the best available evidence and expert agreement. Prior to publication, the guidelines were reviewed by 95 independent international practitioners in cancer care delivery and patient representatives. Results: The multidisciplinary development group formulated 48 recommendations for fertility-sparing treatment of patients with endometrial carcinoma in four sections: patient selection, tumour clinicopathological characteristics, treatment and special issues. Conclusions: These recommendations provide guidance to professionals caring for women with endometrial carcinoma, including but not limited to professionals in the field of gynaecological oncology, onco-fertility, reproductive surgery, endoscopy, conservative surgery, and histopathology, and will help towards a holistic and multidisciplinary approach for this challenging clinical scenario. What is new? A collaboration was set up between the ESGO, ESHRE and ESGE, aiming to develop clinically relevant and evidence-based guidelines focusing on key aspects of fertility-sparing treatment in order to improve the quality of care for women with endometrial carcinoma across Europe and worldwide.

ESGO/ESHRE/ESGE Guidelines for the fertility-sparing treatment of patients with endometrial carcinoma

Background

The standard surgical treatment of endometrial carcinoma (EC) consisting of total hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy drastically affects the quality of life of patients and creates a challenge for clinicians. Recent evidence-based guidelines of the European Society of Gynaecological Oncology (ESGO), the European SocieTy for Radiotherapy & Oncology (ESTRO) and the European Society of Pathology (ESP) provide comprehensive guidelines on all relevant issues of diagnosis and treatment in EC in a multidisciplinary setting. While also addressing work-up for fertility preservation treatments and the management and follow-up for fertility preservation, it was considered relevant to further extend the guidance on fertility sparing treatment.

Objectives

To define recommendations for fertility-sparing treatment of patients with endometrial carcinoma.

Materials and Methods

ESGO/ESHRE/ESGE nominated an international multidisciplinary development group consisting of practicing clinicians and researchers who have demonstrated leadership and expertise in the care and research of EC (11 experts across Europe). To ensure that the guidelines are evidence-based, the literature published since 2016, 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 development group. The guidelines are thus based on the best available evidence and expert agreement. Prior to publication, the guidelines were reviewed by 95 independent international practitioners in cancer care delivery and patient representatives.

Results

The multidisciplinary development group formulated 48 recommendations for fertility-sparing treatment of patients with endometrial carcinoma in four sections: patient selection, tumour clinicopathological characteristics, treatment and special issues.

Conclusions

These recommendations provide guidance to professionals caring for women with endometrial carcinoma, including but not limited to professionals in the field of gynaecological oncology, onco-fertility, reproductive surgery, endoscopy, conservative surgery, and histopathology, and will help towards a holistic and multidisciplinary approach for this challenging clinical scenario. What is new? A collaboration was set up between the ESGO, ESHRE and ESGE, aiming to develop clinically relevant and evidence-based guidelines focusing on key aspects of fertility-sparing treatment in order to improve the quality of care for women with endometrial carcinoma across Europe and worldwide.

120 Genicular Nerve Radio-Frequency Ablation in The Treatment of Anterior Knee Pain in Patients with Osteoarthritis of The Knee Joint: Systematic Review

Anterior knee pain is one of the main symptoms in osteoarthritis, resulting from the rich sensory innervation of its capsule. Pain control can be difficult to achieve, with non-responders to conservative and medical therapy often requiring a total knee replacement. Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a novel technique that could be beneficial in managing anterior knee pain by targeting the genicular nerves around the knee; however, its routine use is not included in current guidelines.

A literature search identified fifty-two results, which underwent screening using a study protocol and the final literature sources, of varying levels of evidence, underwent critical appraisal and analysis. The primary outcome included the significant improvement of pain scores from baseline, against their respective control treatments.

The ten studies included in the final analysis consisted of seven comparative studies and three non-comparative studies. Literature showed significant improvement in their mean pain scores, all meeting the primary outcome measure. Most studies also showed significant improvement from the control treatments used.

Current literature shows evidence that genicular nerve RFA is an effective and safe treatment modality in the management of anterior knee pain secondary to osteoarthritis. However, the literature available is limited and further comparative studies are required.

Prior Treatment for Non-small Cell Lung Cancer Is Associated With Improved Survival in Patients who Undergo Definitive Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy for a Subsequent Lung Malignancy: A Retrospective Multivariate and Matched Pair Analysis

BACKGROUND

Despite occurring commonly, the prognoses of second early-stage non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLC) are not well known.

METHODS

The authors retrospectively reviewed the charts of inoperable patients who underwent thoracic stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) from February 2007 to April 2019. Those with previous small cell lung cancers or SBRT treatments for tumors other than NSCLC were excluded. Multivariate Cox regression and a matched pair cohort analyses evaluated the prognoses of patients undergoing definitive SBRT for a new second primary.

RESULTS

Of 438 patients who underwent definitive SBRT for NSCLC, 84 had previously treated NSCLC. Univariate log-rank tests identified gender, Karnofksy performance status (KPS), prior lung cancer, anticoagulation use, and history of heart disease to correlate with overall survival (OS) (P<0.05). These factors were incorporated into a multivariate Cox regression model that demonstrated female sex (P=0.004, hazard ratio [HR]=0.68), KPS (P<0.001, HR=2.0), and prior lung cancer (P=0.049, HR=0.7) to be significantly associated with OS. A similar approach found only gender (P=0.017, HR=0.64) and tumor stage (P=0.02, HR=1.7) to correlate with relapse-free survival. To support the Cox regression analysis, propensity score matching was performed using gender, age, KPS, tumor stage, history of heart disease, and anticoagulation use. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis within the matched pairs found prior lung cancer to be associated with improved OS (P=0.011), but not relapse-free survival (P=0.44).

CONCLUSIONS

Compared with initial lung cancer SBRT inoperable cases, ablative radiotherapy for new primaries was associated with improved OS. Physicians should not be dissuaded from offering SBRT to such patients.

The randomised uterine septum transsection trial (TRUST): design and protocol

BACKGROUND

A septate uterus is a uterine anomaly that may affect reproductive outcome, and is associated with an increased risk for miscarriage, subfertility and preterm birth. Resection of the septum is subject of debate. There is no convincing evidence concerning its effectiveness and safety. This study aims to assess whether hysteroscopic septum resection improves reproductive outcome in women with a septate uterus.

METHODS/DESIGN

A multi-centre randomised controlled trial comparing hysteroscopic septum resection and expectant management in women with recurrent miscarriage or subfertility and diagnosed with a septate uterus. The primary outcome is live birth, defined as the birth of a living foetus beyond 24 weeks of gestational age. Secondary outcomes are ongoing pregnancy, clinical pregnancy, miscarriage and complications following hysteroscopic septum resection. The analysis will be performed according to the intention to treat principle. Kaplan-Meier curves will be constructed, estimating the cumulative probability of conception leading to live birth rate over time. Based on retrospective studies, we anticipate an improvement of the live birth rate from 35% without surgery to 70% with surgery. To demonstrate this difference, 68 women need to be randomised.

DISCUSSION

Hysteroscopic septum resection is worldwide considered as a standard procedure in women with a septate uterus. Solid evidence for this recommendation is lacking and data from randomised trials is urgently needed.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Dutch trial registry ( NTR1676 , 18th of February 2009).

To which countries do European psychiatric trainees want to move to and why?

BACKGROUND

There is a shortage of psychiatrists worldwide. Within Europe, psychiatric trainees can move between countries, which increases the problem in some countries and alleviates it in others. However, little is known about the reasons psychiatric trainees move to another country.

METHODS

Survey of psychiatric trainees in 33 European countries, exploring how frequently psychiatric trainees have migrated or want to migrate, their reasons to stay and leave the country, and the countries where they come from and where they move to. A 61-item self-report questionnaire was developed, covering questions about their demographics, experiences of short-term mobility (from 3 months up to 1 year), experiences of long-term migration (of more than 1 year) and their attitudes towards migration.

RESULTS

A total of 2281 psychiatric trainees in Europe participated in the survey, of which 72.0% have 'ever' considered to move to a different country in their future, 53.5% were considering it 'now', at the time of the survey, and 13.3% had already moved country. For these immigrant trainees, academic was the main reason they gave to move from their country of origin. For all trainees, the overall main reason for which they would leave was financial (34.4%), especially in those with lower (<500€) incomes (58.1%), whereas in those with higher (>2500€) incomes, personal reasons were paramount (44.5%).

CONCLUSIONS

A high number of psychiatric trainees considered moving to another country, and their motivation largely reflects the substantial salary differences. These findings suggest tackling financial conditions and academic opportunities.

Pregnancy is associated with a decrease in pharyngeal but not tracheal or laryngeal cross-sectional area: a pilot study using the acoustic reflection method

BACKGROUND

The risk of difficult upper airway access is increased during pregnancy, especially in labor. Changes in upper airway calibre have been poorly studied during pregnancy. The acoustic reflection method is a non-invasive technique that allows a longitudinal assessment of the cross-sectional area of the upper airway from the mouth to carina. We used this technique to evaluate upper airway calibre during normal pregnancy.

METHODS

We conducted a prospective, single centre, observational study with a clinical and upper airway acoustic reflection method evaluation of healthy women during the first, second and third trimesters of pregnancy, and up to two days and one month after delivery.

RESULTS

Fifty women participated to the study. The mean pharyngeal cross-sectional area decreased between the first and third trimesters (P < 0.001) with no significant change of the minimal and mean tracheal cross-sectional areas. The Mallampati score increased during pregnancy between the first and third trimesters (P< 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Using measurements with the acoustic reflection method, normal pregnancy is associated with a significant reduction in the cross-sectional area of the pharynx and a concomitant increase in the Mallampati score. No change was observed in the minimal and mean tracheal cross-sectional areas.

Bisphosphonate use and osteonecrosis of the jaw: Pharmacovigilance and reporting of this serious adverse event from the Research on Adverse Drug Events and Reports (RADAR) project

6519

Background: Two years after zoledronate, received FDA approval, four dental professionals treated 107 cases of osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ). We review the timeline and source for initial recognition of ONJ and the comprehensiveness of dissemination of information on this adverse drug event. Methods: Data sources included primary case series from dental professionals; published case reports, clinical trials, and cases reported to the manufacturers or the FDA. Exposure adjusted incidence rates estimates were derived from manufacturer sponsored and investigator initiated review of claims data from large cancer centers. Safety notifications were disseminated by the manufacturers, regulatory authorities, and academic investigators. Results: Between 2001 and 2003, 107 patients with ONJ received care from dental professionals. In late 2003, and 2004 peer-reviewed case series were published. By 2006, safety databases maintained by the FDA, the manufacturer, and the RADAR project included information on 2,270, 1,178, and 368 cases of ONJ, respectively. In 2004 and 2005, incidence estimates of 0.8 and 22 ONJ cases per 1,000 person-years of intravenous bisphosphonate therapy were reported by the manufacturer and academic investigators. From 2003 to 2006, safety information from manufacturers, national regulatory authorities, case series, and clinical guidelines were disseminated. Conclusions: Recognition and reporting of ONJ occurred two years after FDA approval of zoledronate, dissemination of safety information occurred in the third year, and publications were disseminated from year three to year five. The life-cycle for identification and information dissemination for this serious adverse drug reaction was short and comprehensive.

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Radiotherapy-related axillary artery occlusive disease: percutaneous transluminal angioplasty and stenting. Two case reports and review of the literature

Radiotherapy-related axillary artery occlusive disease is a relatively rare condition. This complication is usually encountered in patients with breast carcinoma treated by radiotherapy and might be frequently concealed by the presence of lymphoedema. We discuss this rare complication of radiotherapy treatment for breast cancer and present two cases and their successful treatment by a modified percutaneous transluminal angioplasty and stenting technique. A review of literature on the subject is also presented.

Non-tuberculous iliopsoas abscess due to perforated diverticulitis presenting with intestinal obstruction and a groin mass

Psoas abscess is an uncommon condition and, contrary to traditional teaching, tends to be of non-tuberculous aetiology in developed countries. Diagnosis can be delayed since presenting features are non-specific and in many instances misleading, necessitating a high degree of clinical suspicion and early resort to cross-sectional imaging using CT or MRI. We present a case of iliopsoas abscess secondary to perforated diverticulitis to illustrate the difficulty encountered in early diagnosis and to show that successful management of secondary psoas abscess necessitates surgical resection of the underlying condition in most cases.

Perforation of the esophagus secondary to insertion of covered wallstent endoprostheses

Perforation of the esophagus is a very rare complication of metallic esophageal stent insertion. Two cases are presented in which esophageal perforations were caused by the sharp ends of metallic stents impinging on the esophageal wall. In retrospect, both perforations might have been prevented by additional stent insertion.

Moyamoya disease

Moyamoya disease is a rare cerebrovascular condition of uncertain aetiology commonly affecting young persons. The disease is mainly seen in Japanese patients. We report two cases of moyamoya disease in Caucasian women and review the postulated aetiological factors and associated conditions as well as the spectrum of invasive and non-invasive imaging modalities useful in the diagnosis and follow-up of the disease, with particular reference to the developing role of magnetic resonance imaging and angiography.

The role of metallic stents in malignant duodenal obstruction

Malignant duodenal obstruction is a common complication of carcinoma of the head of the pancreas. We report successful palliative treatment of malignant duodenal strictures by the peroral placement of metallic endoprostheses in two patients in whom palliative surgery was not possible.

Plastic-covered metallic endoprostheses in the management of oesophageal perforation in patients with oesophageal carcinoma

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the role of plastic-covered self-expanding metallic endoprostheses in patients with oesophageal perforation occurring during endoscopically guided dilatation prior to laser treatment for malignant obstruction.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

Six patients with oesophageal perforation following laser treatment for malignant obstruction were treated. Four patients received the polyurethane-covered Wallstent endoprosthesis (Schneider SA, Bulach, Switzerland) and two patients the barbed polyethylene-covered Gianturco stent (William Cook, Europe).

RESULTS

All patients had successful stent placement under intravenous sedation and fluoroscopic guidance with immediate relief of dysphagia and sealing of the perforation. Following the procedure all patients could eat either a normal diet or soft food and five patients were discharged within 3-4 days. None of the serious sequelae usually associated with oesophageal perforation were observed. Two patients required second overlapping stents to be inserted within 1 week because of minor migration of the initial endoprostheses. In one patient two stents were necessary because the carcinoma extended over 17 cm. Five patients died after stent insertion (mean survival time = 49 days, range 16-80; median survival time = 37 days, range 16-80) due to a general deterioration in their condition, although all could swallow normally until death. The remaining patient was well and tolerating a light diet at 1 month.

CONCLUSION

This technique is quick, safe and cost-effective and is now our preferred method of managing malignant oesophageal obstruction associated with perforation.