In 2014, 9 topics were selected as major advances in clinical research for gynecologic oncology: 2 each in cervical and corpus cancer, 4 in ovarian cancer, and 1 in breast cancer. For cervical cancer, several therapeutic agents showed viable antitumor clinical response in recurrent and metastatic disease: bevacizumab, cediranib, and immunotherapies including human papillomavirus (HPV)-tumor infiltrating lymphocytes and Z-100. The HPV test received FDA approval as the primary screening tool of cervical cancer in women aged 25 and older, based on the results of the ATHENA trial, which suggested that the HPV test was a more sensitive and efficient strategy for cervical cancer screening than methods based solely on cytology. For corpus cancers, results of a phase III Gynecologic Oncology Group (GOG) 249 study of early-stage endometrial cancer with high-intermediate risk factors are followed by the controversial topic of uterine power morcellation in minimally invasive gynecologic surgery. Promising results of phase II studies regarding the effectiveness of olaparib in various ovarian cancer settings are summarized. After a brief review of results from a phase III study on pazopanib maintenance therapy in advanced ovarian cancer, 2 outstanding 2014 ASCO presentations cover the topic of using molecular subtypes in predicting response to bevacizumab. A review of the use of opportunistic bilateral salpingectomy as an ovarian cancer preventive strategy in the general population is presented. Two remarkable studies that discussed the effectiveness of adjuvant ovarian suppression in premenopausal early breast cancer have been selected as the last topics covered in this review.
Biomedical Research/*trends ; Endometrial Neoplasms/drug therapy/pathology/surgery ; Female ; Genital Neoplasms, Female/diagnosis/*therapy ; Humans ; Ovarian Neoplasms/drug therapy/pathology/surgery ; Uterine Cervical Neoplasms/drug therapy/pathology/surgery

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to assess the efficacy of neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by surgery (NACT+S), and compared the clinical outcome with that of concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) in patients with International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) IB-IIB cervical cancer. METHODS: We reviewed 85 patients with FIGO IB-IIB cervical cancer who received NACT+S between 1989 and 2012, and compared them to 358 control patients who received CCRT. The clinical application of NACT was classified based on the following possible therapeutic benefits: increasing resectability after NACT by reducing tumor size or negative conversion of node metastasis; downstaging adenocarcinoma regarded as relatively radioresistant; and preservation of fertility through limited surgery after NACT. RESULTS: Of 85 patients in the NACT+S group, the pathologic downstaging and complete response rates were 68.2% and 22.6%, respectively. Only two young patients underwent limited surgery for preservation of fertility. Patients of the NACT+S group were younger, less likely to have node metastasis, and demonstrated a higher proportion of FIGO IB cases than those of the CCRT group (p≤0.001). The 5-year locoregional control, progression-free survival, and overall survival rates in the NACT+S group were 89.7%, 75.6%, and 92.1%, respectively, which were not significantly different from the rates of 92.5%, 74%, and 84.9% observed in the CCRT group, respectively (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: NACT+S has no therapeutic advantages over CCRT, the standard treatment. Therefore, NACT+S should be considered only in selected patients through multidisciplinary discussion or clinical trial setting.
Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; *Chemoradiotherapy ; Chemotherapy, Adjuvant ; Female ; Humans ; *Hysterectomy ; Middle Aged ; *Neoadjuvant Therapy ; Neoplasm Staging ; Retrospective Studies ; Treatment Outcome ; Uterine Cervical Neoplasms/diagnosis/mortality/pathology/*therapy

The potential role and determinants of response to a cisplatin-based regimen of neoadju-vant chemotherapy in women with a histologically confirmed first diagnosis of stage IB-III cervical cancer were analyzed. From 1993 to 1996, 92 patients with bulky(designated as more than 3X3 cm2 size) mass were treated with cisplatin 60 mg/m2 and etoposide 100 mg/m2, admi-nistered intravenously at 7 day intervals. Seventy cases of radical hysterectomy with pelvic lymph node dissection and 22 cases of radiation therapy were performed 2 to 3 weeks after chemotherapy. At the end of the cycles, the overall clinical response rate of portio was 83.7 %(34.8 % with a complete response and 48.9 % with a partial response). The older ages, lower stages, and squamous cell types correlated favorably with the clinical response of the portio, but neither with the parametrium nor with the vagina. After the operation, we found the diff-erences in histologic responses, with the following parameters : lymphovascular space invasion, 3 mm below stromal invasion and lymph node metastasis. Theses parameters correlated with the clinical responses, and the down-staging of cases were 70 %. In comparison with radiolog-ical findings of pretreatment and postoperative tissue pathology, we could find a decrease in pelvic LN metastasis. The tumor-free survival rate calculated by the Kaplan-Meier product limit method was 75 % but it was 86.1 % for cases without the occurrence of persistent disease after the completion of the treatments. All patients suffered from nausea and vomiting, but grade 4 toxicity was not detected after the routine use of antiemetics. There were no events that delayed the next step in the treatment or caused difficulty during the operation. The results of this study suggest that the neoadjuvant chemotherapy should be accepted as a routine tool in treating high risk cervical cancer in order to improve the likelihood of favorable outcomes.
Antiemetics ; Cisplatin ; Diagnosis ; Drug Therapy ; Etoposide ; Female ; Humans ; Hysterectomy ; Kaplan-Meier Estimate ; Lymph Node Excision ; Lymph Nodes ; Nausea ; Neoplasm Metastasis ; Pathology ; Survival Rate ; Uterine Cervical Neoplasms* ; Vagina ; Vomiting

OBJECTIVETo investigate the clinical and pathological characteristics of primary cervical malignant melanoma, and its prognosis.

METHODSThe clinical and pathological data of four patients with primary malignant melanoma of the cervix were analyzed retrospectively. Nerve tissue protein S-100 and monoclonal antibody to melanoma (HMB-45) were measured in all cases by immunohistochemical method. All four patients received radical hysterectomy. Three of them received chemotherapy preoperation or postoperation, and one of them received biotherapy with interferon-gamma and interleukin-2 at the same time. All the cases were followed up.

RESULTSThe average age of four patients was 45 years. Clinical symptoms presented with irregular vaginal bleeding, postcoital bleeding, or increase of vaginal discharge. Gynecologic examination showed polypus papilla cauliflower-shaped or nodulated black-brown or black-blue mass on the cervix. All the four cases were pathologically diagnosed with cervical malignant melanoma. S-100 and HMB-45 were positive in all patients. Two patients died at 6 and 41 months postoperation, respectively. The other two patients survived for 3.5 and 7 years postoperation, respectively.

CONCLUSIONSS-100 protein and HMB-45 play very important roles in the diagnosis of primary malignant melanoma of cervix. Radical hysterectomy, chemotherapy combined with dimethyl triazemo imidazole carboxamide and biological therapies may improve the prognosis of the primary malignant melanoma of cervix if the disease could be diagnosed in an early stage.

Adult ; Antibodies, Monoclonal ; metabolism ; Chemotherapy, Adjuvant ; Dacarbazine ; therapeutic use ; Diagnosis, Differential ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Hysterectomy ; Interferon-gamma ; therapeutic use ; Melanoma ; immunology ; pathology ; therapy ; Middle Aged ; Prognosis ; Retrospective Studies ; S100 Proteins ; metabolism ; Uterine Cervical Neoplasms ; immunology ; pathology ; therapy

Adenocarcinoma, Clear Cell ; diagnosis ; etiology ; therapy ; Cervix Uteri ; pathology ; Child ; Diethylstilbestrol ; Fatal Outcome ; Female ; Humans ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Pregnancy ; Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects ; Uterine Cervical Neoplasms ; diagnosis ; etiology ; therapy

OBJECTIVETo investigate the clinical application of diffusion weighted imaging (DWI) in uterine cervical cancer and the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) value in diagnosis and predicting treatment response.

METHODSTwenty-eight patients with advanced primary cervical cancer confirmed by pathology and 10 cases of normal uterine cervix as control were recruited in this prospective clinical trial. To analyze the correlation between tumor volume measured in DWI and tumor maximum diameter measured according to the RECIST criteria. To compare the ADC value differences among the uterine cervical cancer, uterine myometrium, and normal uterine cervix. To compare the ADC values in 17 cancer patients before and after treatment.

RESULTSThe illustration of tumor boundary in DWI was superior to conventional T2WI and post-enhancement T1WI. The DWI with higher b value (2000 s/mm(2)) had a better signal-to-noise ratio. The tumor volume measured in DWI has good correlation with tumor maximum diameter according to RECIST criteria (r = 0.759, P < 0.01). When b = 800 s/mm(2), the ADC values of the uterine cervical cancer, uterine myometrium, and normal uterine cervix were (9.85 ± 1.55)×10(-3) mm(2)/s, (14.20 ± 2.80)×10(-3) mm(2)/s, and (14.14 ± 0.45) ×10(-3) mm(2)/s. When b = 2000 s/mm(2), the ADC values of the uterine cervical cancer, uterine myometrium and normal uterine cervix were (7.38 ± 0.98)×10(-3) mm(2)/s, (8.52 ± 2.38)×10(-3) mm(2)/s, and (8.60 ± 0.63)×10(-3) mm(2)/s, respectively. There were significant differences between the cervical cancer and normal cervix or uterine myometrium (P < 0.001 for both). When b = 800 s/mm(2), the ADC value was (9.85 ± 1.55)×110(-3) mm(2)/s before and (13.41 ± 2.93)×10(-3) mm(2)/s after treatment (P < 0.001). When b = 2000 s/mm(2), the ADC value was (7.38 ± 0.98)×10(-3) mm(2)/s before and (8.93 ± 1.92)×10(-3) mm(2)/s after treatment (P = 0.008). Univariate logistic regression analysis showed that 25% ADC, 50%ADC, and 75%ADC in the tumor ADC value histogram before treatment were significantly correlated to the treatment outcome of cervical cancer (P < 0.05 for all). Multivariate regression analysis showed that 25%ADC, 50%ADC, and 75%ADC in the tumor ADC value histogram before treatment were not significantly correlated to the treatment outcome of cervical cancer (P > 0.05 for all). The values of ROC curves were 25%ADC = 0.818, 50%ADC = 0.775, and 75%ADC = 0.716 (P > 0.05), however, the 25% ADC showed a relatively stronger statistical power.

CONCLUSIONSDWI helps to confirm the morphology and exact target zone of the tumor for radiotherapy. DWI volume measurement is well correlated with RECIST criteria, particularly in volume measurement of irregular tumors. ADC value has a potential in quantitatively monitoring treatment response and predicting outcome of cervical cancers.

Adenocarcinoma ; diagnosis ; drug therapy ; pathology ; radiotherapy ; Antineoplastic Agents ; therapeutic use ; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell ; diagnosis ; drug therapy ; pathology ; radiotherapy ; Case-Control Studies ; Cervix Uteri ; pathology ; Cisplatin ; therapeutic use ; Diffusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Female ; Humans ; Middle Aged ; Myometrium ; pathology ; Prospective Studies ; ROC Curve ; Radiotherapy, Conformal ; Treatment Outcome ; Tumor Burden ; Uterine Cervical Neoplasms ; diagnosis ; drug therapy ; pathology ; radiotherapy

OBJECTIVE: Concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) is the primary treatment for locally advanced cervical cancer. We studied prognostic factors for patients treated with CCRT. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed records of 85 consecutive patients with cervical cancer who were treated with CCRT between 2002 and 2011, with external beam radiation therapy, intracavitary brachytherapy, and platinum-based chemotherapy. Survival data were analyzed with Kaplan-Meier methods and Cox proportional hazard models. RESULTS: Of the 85 patients, 69 patients (81%) had International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage III/IV disease; 25 patients (29%) had pelvic lymph node enlargement (based on magnetic resonance imaging), and 64 patients (75%) achieved clinical remission following treatment. Median maximum tumor diameter was 5.5 cm. The 3- and 5-year overall survival rates were 60.3% and 55.5%, respectively. Cox regression analysis showed tumor diameter >6 cm (hazard ratio [HR], 2.3; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.2 to 4.6), pelvic lymph node enlargement (HR, 2.2; 95% CI, 1.1 to 4.5), and distant metastasis (HR, 10.0; 95% CI, 3.7 to 27.0) were significantly and independently related to poor outcomes. CONCLUSION: New treatment strategies should be considered for locally advanced cervical cancers with tumors >6 cm and radiologically enlarged pelvic lymph nodes.
Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Brachytherapy/adverse effects/methods ; Chemoradiotherapy/adverse effects/*methods ; Female ; Humans ; Kaplan-Meier Estimate ; Lymphatic Metastasis ; Middle Aged ; Prognosis ; Proportional Hazards Models ; Retrospective Studies ; Treatment Outcome ; Uterine Cervical Neoplasms/diagnosis/pathology/*therapy

OBJECTIVETo analyze the characteristics of cervical minimal deviation adenocarcinoma (MDA) and the methods of diagnosis and treatment.

METHODSA retrospective study was carried out to evaluate the clinical and pathological data of 15 patients with MDA treated from 1992 to 2007.

RESULTSThe average age of the 15 patients was 42.3 years. The main symptoms were increased discharge and irregular vaginal bleeding. Preoperative Pap smears showed adenocarcinoma in 3 cases (27.3%). The diagnosis of MDA was confirmed in 8 cases by cervical punch biopsies (53.3%) and 2 cases by conization. Several cysts were noted in sections of the endocervix. Microscopic examination showed glands irregular in size and shape. However, the deviation of tumor cells was minimal. Immunohistochemistry revealed positive expression of CEA and alpha-SMA. The mean follow-up time was 51.0 months. The overall 5-year survival rate was 85.7%. Four cases experienced recurrence in the vagina and pelvis at 2 years after operation. Three cases died of the disease relapse with an average survival time of 36.3 months.

CONCLUSIONCervical minimal deviation adenocarcinoma is rare, with minimal deviation of cell shape from the normal cervical cells and difficult in diagnosis. A deep biopsy or conization is necessary when punch biopsy is not sufficient for diagnosis. Immunohistochemistry is helpful to make an accurate diagnosis. Surgery is the first choice for cervical minimal deviation adenocarcinoma. Radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy should be given if needed. The prognosis can be improved if a proper treatment plan is carried out.

Actins ; metabolism ; Adenocarcinoma ; diagnosis ; pathology ; therapy ; Adult ; Aged ; Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols ; therapeutic use ; Carcinoembryonic Antigen ; metabolism ; Cervix Uteri ; pathology ; Chemotherapy, Adjuvant ; Cisplatin ; administration & dosage ; Conization ; Epirubicin ; administration & dosage ; Female ; Fluorouracil ; administration & dosage ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Hysterectomy ; methods ; Middle Aged ; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local ; Neoplasm Staging ; Papanicolaou Test ; Radiotherapy, Adjuvant ; Retrospective Studies ; Survival Rate ; Uterine Cervical Neoplasms ; diagnosis ; pathology ; therapy ; Vaginal Smears

We report a 43-year-old woman who presented with post-coital bleeding. Pelvic examination revealed a uterine cervical mass, which confirmed to be large B cell lymphoma on histopathological examination. Computed tomography showed a primary lesion in the uterine cervix with no lymph node or other extranodal involvement. The patient responded to CHOP (cyclophosphamide, adriamycin, vincristine and prednisolone) chemotherapy regime with no major side effects.
Adult ; Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols ; administration & dosage ; therapeutic use ; Cyclophosphamide ; administration & dosage ; Doxorubicin ; administration & dosage ; Female ; Humans ; Lymphoma, B-Cell ; diagnosis ; drug therapy ; pathology ; Prednisone ; administration & dosage ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed ; Treatment Outcome ; Uterine Cervical Neoplasms ; diagnosis ; drug therapy ; pathology ; Vincristine ; administration & dosage

OBJECTIVE: This is a retrospective study aimed at clarifying the details of recurrence patterns and sites in patients with cervical cancer treated with definitive radiation therapy (RT). METHODS: Data were analyzed from consecutive patients, admitted to the University of Tokyo Hospital (Tokyo, Japan) between 2001 and 2013, who had received definitive RT, with or without chemotherapy, for International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics stages IB-IVA cervical cancer. RESULTS: One hundred and thirty-seven patients formed the patient cohort. The median follow-up period for surviving patients was 57.0 months. A complete response was achieved in 121 patients (88%). Of these, 36 (30%) developed a cancer recurrence during follow-up. The first sites of recurrence were located in intra-RT fields in nine, outside RT fields in 20, and both in seven patients. In the intra-RT field group, all patients showed a local recurrence, while no one experienced an isolated pelvic lymph node (PLN) recurrence. In the outside RT field group, the most frequent site of recurrence was lung (60%), and three-quarters of patients were free from intra-RT field recurrence until the last follow-up. Of the entire cohort, including 48 PLN-positive patients, only seven patients (5.1%) developed PLN persistence or recurrence, all in the common iliac, internal iliac, and/or obturator nodes, and all with another synchronous relapse. CONCLUSION: Local disease was a major type of intra-RT field recurrence, while PLN control was favorable even in initially PLN-positive patients. The predominance of outside RT field recurrence alone highlights issues concerning distant control, including the intensity enhancement of systematic therapy.
Adenocarcinoma/drug therapy/*radiotherapy/secondary ; Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Antineoplastic Agents/therapeutic use ; Brachytherapy ; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell/drug therapy/*radiotherapy/secondary ; Chemoradiotherapy ; Disease-Free Survival ; Dose Fractionation ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Lung Neoplasms/*secondary ; Lymphatic Metastasis ; Middle Aged ; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local/*diagnosis ; Pelvis ; Retrospective Studies ; Survival Rate ; Uterine Cervical Neoplasms/drug therapy/pathology/*radiotherapy