1.Niraparib as maintenance therapy in Japan: a retrospective observational study using a Japanese claims database
Takashi MOTOHASHI ; Muneaki SHIMADA ; Hideki TOKUNAGA ; Yuki KUWAHARA ; Hiroyo KUWABARA ; Ai KATO ; Tsutomu TABATA
Journal of Gynecologic Oncology 2025;36(2):e19-
Objective:
Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) is the leading cause of female mortality in gynecologic malignancies, with a rising incidence in Japan. This study aimed to validate the treatment patterns and safety of niraparib as maintenance therapy for EOC following initial chemotherapy in clinical practice in Japan.
Methods:
Leveraging claims data between April 2008 and December 2022, this descriptive study comprised EOC-diagnosed patients receiving initial platinum-based chemotherapy, debulking surgery, and niraparib as maintenance therapy. Patient characteristics, prescription status, transfusion details, and laboratory data were assessed and reported as summary statistics and frequencies.
Results:
Among 291 patients, the median age was 64.0 years and 94.5% received a 200-mg daily dose of niraparib. At week 12, 78.7% (229/291) continued niraparib treatment, 21.3% (62/291) discontinued, and 52.2% (152/291) required treatment interruptions. Of the 62 patients who discontinued treatment, 27 patients initiated subsequent EOC treatment within 12 weeks following niraparib discontinuation. Blood transfusions were needed in 10.3% (30/291), and of 55 patients with available laboratory data, 61.8% (34/55) had decreased platelet count <100,000/µL, 25.5% (14/55) had decreased hemoglobin level <8 g/dL, and 22.7% (5/22) had decreased neutrophil count <1,000/µL, meeting the criteria for treatment interruption. Among those with thrombocytopenia, 88.2% (30/34) were able to either resume or continue treatment.
Conclusion
Niraparib demonstrated favorable tolerability in Japanese patients with advanced EOC, with effective management of thrombocytopenia through dose adjustments and supportive care, supporting its viability as post-chemotherapy maintenance therapy.
2.Japan Society of Gynecologic Oncology 2023 guidelines for treatment of uterine body neoplasm
Tohru MORISADA ; Yoichi KOBAYASHI ; Satoru NAGASE ; Tsukasa BABA ; Hideki TOKUNAGA ; Hidemichi WATARI ; Munetaka TAKEKUMA ; Yasuhisa TERAO ; Yoshito TERAI ; Hiroaki KAJIYAMA ; Mikiko ASAI-SATO ; Kazuhiro TAKEHARA ; Tsutomu TABATA ; Kenichi HARANO ; Yasuyuki HIRASHIMA ; Mayu YUNOKAWA ; Aikou OKAMOTO ; Mikio MIKAMI
Journal of Gynecologic Oncology 2025;36(3):e119-
The Japan Society of Gynecologic Oncology (JSGO) guideline for the treatment of uterine body neoplasm are revised from the 2018 guideline. This guideline aimed to provide standardized care for uterine body neoplasm, indicate appropriate current treatment methods for uterine body neoplasm, minimize variances in treatment methods among institutions, improve disease prognosis and treatment safety, reduce the economic and psychosomatic burden on patients by promoting the performance of appropriate treatment, and enhance mutual understanding between patients and healthcare professionals. The guidelines were prepared through the consensus of the JSGO guideline committee, based on a careful review of evidence from the literature searches and the medical health insurance system and actual clinical practice situations in Japan. The main features of the 2023 revision are as follows: 1) The Guidelines Formulation Committee members were asked to understand Minds' medical guideline development method in advance. 2) The clinical question (CQ) was changed to Patient, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome format as much as possible. 3) Introduced the "body of evidence," which summarizes the results of research reports collected for the CQs by outcome and study design, and the strength of evidence for each body of evidence was rated from levels A to D. 4) Introduction of systematic reviews in some CQs. 5) The strength of evidence, the balance of benefits and harms, value and hope for patients, and clinical applicability were considered while drafting recommendations. Herein, we present the English version of the JSGO guidelines 2023 for the treatment of uterine body neoplasm.
3.Prognostic impact of peritoneal cytology on treating endometrial cancer using data from the Japan Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology cancer registry
Kensuke SAKAI ; Wataru YAMAGAMI ; Fumiaki TAKAHASHI ; Hideki TOKUNAGA ; Eiko YAMAMOTO ; Yoshihito YOKOYAMA ; Kiyoshi YOSHINO ; Kei KAWANA ; Satoru NAGASE
Journal of Gynecologic Oncology 2025;36(3):e41-
Objective:
The prognostic value and clinical usage of peritoneal cytology in endometrial cancer are uncertain. This study aimed to determine whether positive cytology is associated with the prognosis for endometrial cancer.
Methods:
A Japanese nationwide retrospective registry study was conducted between 2012 and 2019. Clinicopathological data were analyzed for patients who were registered in the Japan Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology (JSOG) gynecological tumor registry and underwent initial treatment for endometrial cancer.
Results:
In total, 83,027 patients who met the inclusion criteria were identified. Data on peritoneal cytology status and overall survival (OS) were available for 74,984 and 36,995 patients, respectively. Positive peritoneal cytology was found in 11,536 (15.4%) patients. A higher proportion of patients who had positive peritoneal cytology were related to advanced stages, high-grade histology, deep myometrial invasion, lymph node (LN) metastasis, and poor risk of recurrence. After controlling for age, stage, myometrial invasion, LN metastasis, distant metastasis, and risk of recurrence, positive peritoneal cytology was associated with poor prognosis (p<0.001). Multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed that clinicopathological factors (i.e., age, International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics stage, histological type, myometrial invasion, LN metastasis, distant metastasis, and peritoneal cytology), including positive peritoneal cytology, were also significant prognostic factors for OS.
Conclusion
Positive peritoneal cytology was a prognostic factor for endometrial cancer for the JSOG gynecological tumor registry.
4.Diagnostic accuracy and prognostic factors of uterine serous carcinoma in Japanese women: a multi-center study
Shin NISHIO ; Kimio USHIJIMA ; Mitsuya ISHIKAWA ; Hideki TOKUNAGA ; Koji HORIE ; Satoshi YAMAGUCHI ; Shiro SUZUKI ; Hideaki YAHATA ; Hitoshi TSUDA ; Toyomi SATOH ;
Journal of Gynecologic Oncology 2025;36(6):e93-
Objective:
This multi-center retrospective study aimed to clarify the characteristics, diagnostic accuracy, treatment outcomes, and prognostic factors of uterine serous carcinoma (USC) in Japanese women.
Methods:
The medical records of 193 patients who were treated between 2006 and 2008 at 24 participating institutions in the Japanese Clinical Oncology Group were examined, and pathological slides of 188 patients were re-checked through central pathology review (CPR), hematoxylin-eosin staining, and immunohistochemistry.
Results:
USC was confirmed in 144 of the 188 (76.6%) patients using CPR, and only 50% were correctly diagnosed preoperatively. Forty-three patients were diagnosed with non-serous carcinoma, whereas one patient had metastasis from another organ. The average age was 65.7 years, and 19% of patients had a history of other cancers. The incidence of stage III–IV disease was 52.8%, and lymph node metastasis was found in 28.5% of patients. Extrauterine spread and distant metastasis occurred in 39% and 14% of patients, respectively. The 2-year overall survival and progression-free survival (PFS) rates were 56% and 42%, respectively. The PFS of patients with stage I and II who underwent complete staging surgery was 92.3%, and that of those without lymph node dissection or omentectomy was 33.3%. Patients with USC had a significantly worse prognosis than 43 patients with non-serous carcinoma.
Conclusion
USC in Japanese women has characteristics different from those of endometrioid carcinoma, worse prognosis, and is difficult to diagnose preoperatively. Complete surgical staging is necessary even for early-stage disease. Additionally, new adjuvant treatment strategies, including molecular targeted therapy, should be explored.
5.Quality indicators for endometrial cancer care in Japan
Tamaki KAKUWA ; Yuichi ICHINOSE ; Ryoko RIKITAKE ; Taisuke ISHII ; Satoru NAGASE ; Yoichi KOBAYASHI ; Masanori KANEUCHI ; Hideki TOKUNAGA ; Manabu SEINO ; Hiroaki KAJIYAMA ; Munetaka TAKEKUMA ; Tsutomu TABATA ; Yoshito TERAI ; Yasuhisa TERAO ; Tohru MORISADA ; Hidemichi WATARI ; Yoko YAMAMOTO ; Akira KAWATA ; Takahiro HIGASHI
Journal of Gynecologic Oncology 2025;36(5):e77-
Objective:
The incidence and mortality rates of endometrial cancer are increasing globally, including in Japan. Quality of cancer care is promoted through guideline adherence. This study aimed to establish quality indicators (QIs) for endometrial cancer and explore the factors contributing to treatment nonadherence.
Methods:
QIs and pattern-of-care indicators (PCIs) were developed using the Research and Development/University of California Los Angeles modified Delphi method. QIs reflect desirable healthcare patterns, whereas PCIs address treatment areas with lacking evidence.Data from the Hospital-Based Cancer Registry and Diagnosis Procedure Combination Survey were used. Patients diagnosed or treated between January 1 and December 31, 2020 were included. The reasons for nonadherence were collected. Logistic regression was used to analyze the factors influencing adherence, including age, body mass index, comorbidities, facilities, and recurrence risk.
Results:
Of the 35 proposed QI candidates, 8 QIs and 9 PCIs were selected, predominantly focusing on surgical aspects. Adherence rates varied, with peritoneal lavage cytology being the highest (93.1%), and postoperative hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for patients aged <45 years being the lowest (30.9%), when focusing on process indicators. Reasons for nonadherence included patient preference and medical comorbidities as significant factors. Multivariate analysis highlighted age, clinical stage, and Barthel index as significant contributors to nonadherence.
Conclusion
We developed QIs to comprehensively assess endometrial cancer treatment.Adherence rates are favorable; however, HRT has a low adherence rate. Factors leading to nonadherence include advanced age and incomplete activities of daily living, particularly in advanced stages.
6.Revision of quality indicators for cervical cancer and trend analysis of existing indicators in Japan
Tamaki KAKUWA ; Ryoko RIKITAKE ; Satoru NAGASE ; Mikio MIKAMI ; Tsukasa BABA ; Masanori KANEUCHI ; Hideki TOKUNAGA ; Manabu SEINO ; Toshinari MURAMATSU ; Wataru YAMAGAMI ; Kazuhiro TAKEHARA ; Hitoshi NIIKURA ; Yasuyuki HIRASHIMA ; Kiyoshi YOSHINO ; Yuichi ICHINOSE ; Akira KAWATA ; Takahiro HIGASHI
Journal of Gynecologic Oncology 2025;36(5):e78-
Objective:
Cervical cancer rates in Japan (16.0/100,000) exceed the global average rate (11.3/100,000, according to the High/Very-High Human Development Index in 2020). This necessitates the evaluation of care quality and the quality indicators (QIs) for cervical cancer that were developed in 2013 to serve this purpose. This study updated these indicators using current evidence and consensus while longitudinally examining trends in practice patterns.
Methods:
The revision involved reviewing existing QIs and patterns of care indicators and incorporating new indicators using the modified Delphi method. Adherence to these indicators was assessed using a linked hospital-based cancer registry-based diagnostic procedure combination database covering approximately 70% of patients with cancer in Japan. The longitudinal trends of the existing indicators were evaluated using the linear probability model.
Results:
Seven new indicators were added to the existing twelve. Two of the new indicators mainly focused on early-stage surgical intervention, while one focused on advanced-stage bevacizumab combination therapy, with adherence rates of 81.7%, 0.8%, and 45.9%.Longitudinal analyses revealed significant improvements with the use of cisplatin in concurrent chemoradiotherapy for advanced-stage cervical cancer (+1%/year), oral anticancer agents as maintenance therapy after primary treatment for early-stage cervical cancer (−0.8%/ year), and hysterectomy for adenocarcinoma in situ in patients above 44 years old (−2%/year).
Conclusion
The QIs for cervical cancer in Japan have been revised based on 2022 evidence.The existing and new indicators should be continually evaluated to correspond to the latest knowledge. This will facilitate the standardization and promotion of bottom-up improvements in cervical cancer care.
7.Japan Society of Gynecologic Oncology 2022 guidelines for uterine cervical neoplasm treatment
Manabu SEINO ; Satoru NAGASE ; Hideki TOKUNAGA ; Wataru YAMAGAMI ; Yoichi KOBAYASHI ; Tsutomu TABATA ; Masanori KANEUCHI ; Yasuyuki HIRASHIMA ; Hitoshi NIIKURA ; Kiyoshi YOSHINO ; Kazuhiro TAKEHARA ; Tsukasa BABA ; Hidetaka KATABUCHI ; Mikio MIKAMI
Journal of Gynecologic Oncology 2024;35(1):e15-
The Japan Society of Gynecologic Oncology (JSGO) Guidelines 2022 for the Treatment of Uterine Cervical Cancer are revised from the 2017 guideline. This guideline aimed to provide standard care for cervical cancer, indicate appropriate current treatment methods for cervical cancer, minimize variances in treatment methods among institutions, improve disease prognosis and treatment safety, reduce the economic and psychosomatic burden of patients by promoting the performance of appropriate treatment, and enhance mutual understanding between patients and healthcare professionals. The guidelines were prepared through the consensus of the JSGO Guideline Committee, based on a careful review of evidence gathered through the literature searches and the medical health insurance system and actual clinical practice situations in Japan. The guidelines comprise seven chapters and 5 algorithms.The main features of the 2022 revision are as follows: 1) added discussed points at the final consensus meeting; 2) revised the treatment methods based on the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics 2018 staging system; 3) examined minimally invasive surgery based on Laparoscopic Approach to Cervical Cancer trial; 4) added clinical question (CQ) for treatments of rare histological types, gastric type, and small-cell neuroendocrine carcinoma; 5) added CQ for intensity-modulated radiation therapy; 6) added CQ for cancer genomic profiling test; and 7) added CQ for cancer survivorship. Each recommendation is accompanied by a classification of recommendation categories based on the consensus reached by the Guideline Committee members. Here, we present the English version of the JSGO Guidelines 2022 for the Treatment of Uterine Cervical Cancer.
8.Japan Society of Gynecologic Oncology 2022 guidelines for uterine cervical neoplasm treatment
Manabu SEINO ; Satoru NAGASE ; Hideki TOKUNAGA ; Wataru YAMAGAMI ; Yoichi KOBAYASHI ; Tsutomu TABATA ; Masanori KANEUCHI ; Yasuyuki HIRASHIMA ; Hitoshi NIIKURA ; Kiyoshi YOSHINO ; Kazuhiro TAKEHARA ; Tsukasa BABA ; Hidetaka KATABUCHI ; Mikio MIKAMI
Journal of Gynecologic Oncology 2024;35(1):e15-
The Japan Society of Gynecologic Oncology (JSGO) Guidelines 2022 for the Treatment of Uterine Cervical Cancer are revised from the 2017 guideline. This guideline aimed to provide standard care for cervical cancer, indicate appropriate current treatment methods for cervical cancer, minimize variances in treatment methods among institutions, improve disease prognosis and treatment safety, reduce the economic and psychosomatic burden of patients by promoting the performance of appropriate treatment, and enhance mutual understanding between patients and healthcare professionals. The guidelines were prepared through the consensus of the JSGO Guideline Committee, based on a careful review of evidence gathered through the literature searches and the medical health insurance system and actual clinical practice situations in Japan. The guidelines comprise seven chapters and 5 algorithms.The main features of the 2022 revision are as follows: 1) added discussed points at the final consensus meeting; 2) revised the treatment methods based on the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics 2018 staging system; 3) examined minimally invasive surgery based on Laparoscopic Approach to Cervical Cancer trial; 4) added clinical question (CQ) for treatments of rare histological types, gastric type, and small-cell neuroendocrine carcinoma; 5) added CQ for intensity-modulated radiation therapy; 6) added CQ for cancer genomic profiling test; and 7) added CQ for cancer survivorship. Each recommendation is accompanied by a classification of recommendation categories based on the consensus reached by the Guideline Committee members. Here, we present the English version of the JSGO Guidelines 2022 for the Treatment of Uterine Cervical Cancer.
9.Detailed report on the clinicopathological factors of patients with endometrial cancer in Japan: a JSOG gynecologic tumor registry-based study
Takeshi MAKABE ; Wataru YAMAGAMI ; Fumiaki TAKAHASHI ; Hideki TOKUNAGA ; Eiko YAMAMOTO ; Yoshihito YOKOYAMA ; Kiyoshi YOSHINO ; Kei KAWANA ; Satoru NAGASE
Journal of Gynecologic Oncology 2024;35(4):e54-
Objective:
In this study, we collected data over 8 years (2012–2019) from the Japan Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology (JSOG) tumor registry to determine the status of endometrial cancer in Japan, and analyzed detailed clinicopathological factors.
Methods:
The JSOG maintains a tumor registry that gathers information on endometrial cancer treated at the JSOG-registered institutions. Data from the patients whose endometrial cancer treatment was initiated from 2012 to 2019 were analyzed retrospectively.
Results:
A total of 82,969 patients with endometrial cancer underwent treatment from 2012 to 2019. Chemotherapy alone or in combination with hormonal therapy is more common among endometrial cancer patients under 40 years compared with those over 40 years. The number of patients with endometrial cancer, treated with laparoscopic or robot-assisted surgery was observed to have increased yearly. Small cell carcinomas and undifferentiated carcinomas were more likely to be diagnosed at an advanced stage. Lymphadenectomy was most commonly performed for stage IIIC2 disease, whereas positive peritoneal washing cytology was most common for stage IVB and serous carcinoma.
Conclusion
Multi-year summary reports provided detailed clinicopathological information regarding endometrial cancer that could not be obtained in a single year. These reports were useful in understanding treatment strategies and trends over time based on age, histology, and stage.
10.Niraparib in Japanese patients with platinum-sensitive recurrent ovarian cancer: final results of a multicenter phase 2 study
Hiroaki ITAMOCHI ; Nobuhiro TAKESHIMA ; Junzo HAMANISHI ; Kosei HASEGAWA ; Motoki MATSUURA ; Kiyonori MIURA ; Shoji NAGAO ; Hidekatsu NAKAI ; Naotake TANAKA ; Hideki TOKUNAGA ; Shin NISHIO ; Hidemichi WATARI ; Yoshihito YOKOYAMA ; Yoichi KASE ; Shuuji SUMINO ; Ai KATO ; Ajit SURI ; Toshiaki YASUOKA ; Kazuhiro TAKEHARA
Journal of Gynecologic Oncology 2024;35(5):e115-
Objective:
This study evaluated the long-term safety and efficacy of niraparib in Japanese patients with platinum-sensitive recurrent ovarian cancer.
Methods:
This was a follow-up analysis of a phase 2, multicenter, open-label, single-arm study in Japanese women with platinum-sensitive, relapsed ovarian cancer. Participants received niraparib (starting dose 300 mg) once daily in continuous 28-day cycles. The primary endpoint was the incidence of Grade 3 or 4 thrombocytopenia-related events (defined as the overall incidence of the MedDRA Preferred Terms “thrombocytopenia” and “platelet count decreased”) occurring in the 30 days after initial administration of niraparib, and secondary endpoints included evaluation of treatment-emergent adverse events and progression-free survival.
Results:
Nineteen patients (median age, 62 years; median body weight, 53.9 kg) were enrolled. As previously reported, the incidence of Grade 3 or 4 thrombocytopenia-related events during the first 30 days of treatment was 31.6%. At data cutoff, median (range) treatment exposure was 504.0 (56–1,054) days and mean ± standard deviation dose intensity was 154.4±77.5 mg/day. The most common treatment-emergent adverse events were nausea (n=14, 73.7%), decreased platelet count (n=12, 63.2%), decreased neutrophil count (n=11, 57.9%), anemia, vomiting, and decreased appetite (all n=9, 47.4%). One patient was diagnosed with treatment-related leukemia, which resulted in death. Median (95% confidence interval) progression-free survival was 18.0 (5.6–26.7) months.
Conclusion
Overall, the safety profile of niraparib was considered manageable in this study population of Japanese patients with platinum-sensitive, relapsed ovarian cancer and was consistent with that observed in studies of non-Japanese patients.

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