SIRT1 and gynecological malignancies (Review)

Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1), a member of the sirtuin protein family, is a nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD⁺)-dependent type III histone deacetylase and mono-ADP-ribosyltransferase. SIRT1 can deacetylate histones (H1, H3, and H4) and non-histone proteins, and it is widely involved in various physiological and pathological processes in the body, including metabolism, aging, transcription, DNA damage and repair, apoptosis, cell cycle regulation, inflammation and cancer. Research has shown that SIRT1 is involved in tumorigenesis, tumor metastasis and chemotherapy resistance, but it exerts opposing effects and plays different roles in different pathogenic processes. Recent studies have demonstrated that SIRT1 may be implicated in the pathogenesis, development, treatment and prognosis of tumors; however, its role in gynecological tumors remains elusive. The aim of the present review was to summarize the pathogenic roles of SIRT1 in cancer, and to provide what is, to the best of our knowledge, the first review of recent advances involving SIRT1 in cervical cancer, endometrial cancer (EC) and ovarian cancer (OC). In addition, the critical research gaps regarding SIRT1, particularly its potential involvement in the concurrence of EC and cervical cancer and its antagonistic effect against poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitors in OC, were highlighted.

A Prediction Model for Optimal Primary Debulking Surgery Based on Preoperative Computed Tomography Scans and Clinical Factors in Patients With Advanced Ovarian Cancer: A Multicenter Retrospective Cohort Study

OBJECTIVE

This study assessed the predictive value of preoperative computed tomography (CT) scans and clinical factors for optimal debulking surgery (ODS) in patients with advanced ovarian cancer (AOC).

METHODS

Patients with AOC in International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage III-IV who underwent primary debulking surgery (PDS) between 2016 and 2019 from nine tertiary Chinese hospitals were included. Large-volume ascites, diffuse peritoneal thickening, omental cake, retroperitoneal lymph node enlargement (RLNE) below and above the inferior mesenteric artery (IMA), and suspected pelvic bowel, abdominal bowel, liver surface, liver parenchyma and portal, spleen, diaphragm and pleural lesions were evaluated on CT. Preoperative factors included age, platelet count, and albumin and CA125 levels.

RESULTS

Overall, 296 patients were included, and 250 (84.5%) underwent ODS. The prediction model included age >60 years (P=0.016; prediction index value, PIV=1), a CA125 level >800 U/ml (P=0.033, PIV=1), abdominal bowel metastasis (P=0.034, PIV=1), spleen metastasis (P<0.001, PIV=2), diaphragmatic metastasis (P=0.014, PIV=2), and an RLNE above the IMA (P<0.001, PIV=2). This model had superior discrimination (AUC=0.788>0.750), and the Hosmer-Lemeshow test indicated its stable calibration (P=0.600>0.050). With the aim of maximizing the accuracy of prediction and minimizing the rate of inappropriate explorations, a total PIV ≥5 achieved the highest accuracy of 85.47% and identified patients who underwent suboptimal PDS with a specificity of 100%.

CONCLUSIONS

We developed a prediction model based on two preoperative clinical factors and four radiological criteria to predict unsatisfactory debulking surgery in patients with AOC. The accuracy of this prediction model needs to be validated and adjusted in further multicenter prospective studies.

Outcomes and prognostic factors of patients with recurrent and persistent malignant ovarian germ cell tumors

OBJECTIVE

Due to the rarity of recurrent and persistent malignant ovarian germ cell tumors (MOGCTs), there is no standardized protocol for salvage therapy. This study aimed to investigate the outcomes and prognostic factors of patients with recurrent and persistent MOGCTs.

METHODS

Clinical data for 59 patients with recurrent and persistent MOGCTs admitted to Peking Union Medical College Hospital from January 1, 2000, to April 30, 2018, were retrospectively analyzed.

RESULTS

Twenty-one cases (35.6%) were recurrent, and 38 (64.4%) were persistent. Patient age ranged from 1 to 39 years, and disease stage was as follows: 33 stage I, 4 stage II, 21 stage III, and 1 stage IV. There were 19 immature teratomas, 26 yolk sac tumors, 1 dysgerminoma, and 13 mixed germ cell tumors. Regarding the primary surgery, fertility was preserved in 49 patients and not preserved in 10 patients. Among the patients who underwent fertility-preserving primary surgery, 40 had fertility preserved in the second operation, and 9 did not. In the mean follow-up of 52.6 months (range 2-279 months) after recurrence, 19 patients (32.2%) experienced a second relapse, and 16 (27.1%) died. The 5-year survival and progression-free survival rates after relapse were 70.0% and 67.0%, respectively. The optimal salvage surgery and chemotherapy regimen after relapse were independent prognostic factors (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The prognosis of recurrent and persistent MOGCTs was good after salvage therapy. The optimal salvage surgery and adjuvant standardized chemotherapy significantly impact patient prognosis. For young nulliparous patients, secondary fertility-sparing salvage therapy can be considered.

Chinese expert consensus on the prevention of abdominal pelvic adhesions after gynecological tumor surgeries

Adhesion is a postoperative complication that has plagued gynecologists for many years, as 60-90% of gynecological patients develop adhesions after abdominopelvic surgeries. Abdominopelvic adhesions could lead to chronic pelvic pain, infertility, intestinal obstruction, and complicated reoperations. Adhesions might also increase the risk of postoperative chemoradiotherapy failure and endanger patients' lives, especially after surgeries for gynecological malignant tumors. The aim of this consensus was to review the pathogenesis and clinical consequences of adhesions and to summarize various surgical procedures and preventive measures that can reduce the occurrence of adhesions after gynecological tumor surgeries based on a discussion among well-known domestic gynecology specialists.

Risk Factors for Recurrence in Patients with Atypical Endometrial Hyperplasia and Endometrioid Adenocarcinoma after Fertility-Sparing Treatments

The aim of this work was to evaluate the risk factors for recurrence in young patients with atypical endometrial hyperplasia and early-stage endometrioid adenocarcinoma after fertility-sparing treatments (FST). A retrospective case-control study was designed. Patients with atypical endometrial hyperplasia and early-stage endometrioid adenocarcinoma who received FSTs from January 2010 to December 2017 were reviewed. All patients who met the inclusion criteria were divided into a recurrence group and a control group. Risk factors for recurrence- and disease-free survival were evaluated by logistic regression analysis and Cox regression analysis. A total of 127 patients were included, 53 patients in the recurrence group and 74 patients in the control group. No deaths occurred during the follow-up time. The rate of successful pregnancy was 62.5% in the control group and 20.5% in the recurrence group after complete remission (CR) of the primary disease. In a multivariate regression model, after adjusting for other factors, menstruation cycle, progestin type, and regular maintenance treatments after CR were the main risk factors for disease recurrence. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist was mainly used to treat obese patients and was associated with longer progression-free survival (PFS) time compared with that in patients who received high-dose oral progestin such as megestrol acetate [risk ratio (RR), 2.158; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.948-4.913]. Regular oral progestin also significantly prolonged the PFS time (RR, 4.726; 95% CI, 2.672-8.359). The progestin type used in treatment and regular maintenance treatment of young patients with atypical endometrial hyperplasia and early-stage endometrioid adenocarcinoma after CR might be correlated with disease recurrence.

Diagnosis and management of growing teratoma syndrome after ovarian immature teratoma: A single center experience

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the diagnostic, surgical, and oncological outcomes of patients with growing teratoma syndrome (GTS).

METHODS

Patients diagnosed with ovarian immature teratoma (IMT) between 1980 and 2018 at Peking Union Medical College Hospital (PUMCH) were evaluated for the development of GTS. Their clinical characteristics, surgical and pathological data, and oncological outcomes were collected.

RESULTS

Between 1980 and 2018, 175 cases of IMT were referred to PUMCH. Thirty-five patients subsequently developed GTS with a crude rate of approximately 20%. The median interval between the initial diagnosis of IMT and the first occurrence of GTS was 18.5 months (range, 6-78 months). Residual disease (P < 0.001) and gliomatosis peritonei (GP) at initial surgery (P = 0.023) were independent risk factors for GTS development. Fertility-sparing surgery for GTS was performed in 27 patients and four patients achieved five singleton pregnancies. The median follow-up time was 73 months (range, 11-401 months). Eleven patients developed at least one recurrence. Residual disease after GTS surgery was associated with GTS recurrence (P = 0.001). By the end of follow-up, 27 patients were alive without disease and the other eight patients were alive with disease.

CONCLUSION

The presence of residual disease and GP at initial surgery are risk factors for GTS. Complete surgical resection is the cornerstone for treatment of GTS. The presence of residual disease after surgery for GTS is a risk factor for GTS recurrence. Fertility-sparing surgery should be performed because spontaneous pregnancy is possible. The overall prognosis of GTS is excellent.

Endometriosis-associated ovarian cancer is not a distinct clinical entity among young patients: A 12-year cohort study

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the clinicopathological features and prognostic value of endometriosis in young patients with ovarian endometrioid carcinoma (OEC) and ovarian clear cell carcinoma (OCCC).

METHODS

The medical files and clinical follow-up data of patients aged 40 years or younger with OEC or OCCC between January 2006 and December 2017 who had undergone complete surgical staging followed by systemic chemotherapy were retrospectively reviewed.

RESULTS

A total of 94 women were included in this study. Univariate analysis revealed that the progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) rates of patients with endometriosis-associated ovarian carcinoma (EAOC) did not improve compared with those of patients without EAOC (5-year PFS: 80.0% vs. 75.9% and 5-year OS: 85.0% vs. 86.0%, respectively). Multivariate analyses confirmed that FIGO stage (II-IV), cytology-positive ascites or peritoneal washes and residual disease > 1 cm were independent predictors of PFS and that residual disease > 1 cm was the only predictor of OS.

CONCLUSIONS

Endometriosis is not independently associated with the prognosis of OEC and OCCC among young patients. The intrinsic relationship between endometriosis and ovarian cancer warrants further investigation.

Low-Grade Endometrial Stromal Sarcoma and Uterine Adenosarcoma: A Comparison of Clinical Manifestations and Outcomes

Objective: Our study aimed to assess factors associated with progression free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) in low grade endometrial stromal sarcoma (LG-ESS) and uterine adenosarcoma, and to determine the differences in clinical manifestations and outcomes between the two diseases. Methods: A total of 132 patients were enrolled in this retrospective study at Peking Union Medical College Hospital from 1998 to 2016. The associations of clinical and pathological factors with PFS and OS were evaluated. Results: Of the 132 included patients, 104 had LG-ESS and 28 had uterine adenosarcoma. All patients were followed up for at least 1.5 years. There were significant differences between LG-ESS and uterine adenosarcoma in terms of age distribution (41.05±10.5 vs 46.11±14.96 years, P=0.042), delivery time (nulliparity=0: 18.27% vs 35.71%, P=0.046), history of the uterine leiomyoma (65.38% vs 39.29%, P=0.012), and polypoid tumor growth (14.42% vs 60.71%, P=0.007). According to the pathological findings, the proportion of uterine adenosarcoma patients with uterine leiomyoma (60.71%) was significantly higher than that for the LG-ESS patients (32.69%) (P=0.007). Uterine adenosarcoma seemed to be associated with longer PFS and OS than LG-ESS (PFS: 42.69±29.94 vs 50.50±40.50 months; OS: 58.72±37.29 vs 69.46±47.58 months), but the differences were not statistically significant. Multivariate Cox regression showed that age, menopause, history of uterine leiomyoma, stage, and hormone therapy were independent risk factors with respect to PFS, whereas age and stage were risk factors affecting OS in LG-ESS patient. Peritoneal lavage cytology and radiotherapy were risk factors affecting PFS and peritoneal lavage cytology for OS in patients with uterine adenosarcoma. Conclusion: The patients with advanced LG-ESS had poor prognosis. Age and history of uterine leiomyoma were associated with poor PFS, while menopause and hormone therapy were protective factors associated with improved PFS in patients with LG-ESS. Peritoneal lavage cytology and radiotherapy did not improve prognosis of uterine adenosarcoma.

Pregnancy and oncologic outcomes of early stage low grade epithelial ovarian cancer after fertility sparing surgery: a retrospective study in one tertiary hospital of China

Objective

To detected both pregnancy and oncologic outcomes early stage low grade epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) in one tertiary hospital of China.

Methods

Medical records of 40 EOC patients between January 2000 and December 2016 in Peking Union Medical College Hospital (PUMCH) were retrospectively reviewed.

Results

All patients were IA/IC low grade EOC patients. Mean age was 28 years (ranged from 18 to 44 years). Among them, 47.5% had mucinous carcinoma, 22.5% clear cell carcinoma, 20% endometriod carcinoma, 10% serous carcinoma. 40% of patients were operated under laparoscopy. 67.5% of patients received chemo-therapy after surgery. The median follow up time was 54 months (ranged from 25 to 201 months). The 2 year and 5 year of disease free survival were respectively 95 and 87.5%. No death occurred. 27 patients (67.5%) were single or contraceptive. 13 patients (32.5%) tried to be pregnant, and 8 patients (61.5%) have successfully conceived spontaneously, including 1 fetus loss, 1 fetus death in uterus, 1 fetal anomaly and 5 live births (2 premature births and 3 term births). There was no tumor recurrence happened during pregnancy.

Conclusions

Fertility sparing surgery was safe and pregnancy was encouraged to stage IA/IC low grade EOC patients.

Novel mutation in FTHL17 gene in pedigree with 46,XY pure gonadal dysgenesis

OBJECTIVE

To identify the genetic cause of a pedigree with four patients with 46,XY pure gonadal dysgenesis (PGD).

DESIGN

Genetic mutation study.

SETTING

Academic medical center.

PATIENT(S)

Four first cousins, from three households of a Chinese pedigree, affected by 46,XY PGD.

INTERVENTION(S)

None.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

The patients were studied from clinical and genetic perspectives. Whole-genome sequencing was conducted in family members.

RESULT(S)

Four first cousins in the third generation were affected by 46,XY PGD. A specific familial characteristic was the prevalence of as high as 100% of gonadal tumors in patients. Whole-genome sequencing identified a new ferritin heavy chain-like 17 (FTHL17) mutation, c.GA442_443TT (p.E148L), which has the potential to interfere with protein function and cause 46,XY PGD. Moreover, the location (Xp21.2) of the FTHL17 gene proves that the family is X-linked recessive. In vitro functional study revealed that the perturbation of FTHL17 caused the decrease of protein expression and cell proliferation.

CONCLUSION(S)

We describe the first 46,XY PGD pedigree that may be attributed to mutations of the FTHL17 gene. We speculated that the FTHL17 gene is involved in the testis-determining pathway and tumorigenesis.

Clinicopathologic features and outcomes of primary vaginal adenosis as a dermatologic and gynecologic burden: A retrospective study

In the recent 20 years, primary vaginal adenosis is extremely rare and the data of clinical presentations, management, and outcome have not been studied systematically.In this retrospective study, women with vaginal adenosis between January 1997 and June 2017 were identified from the hospital's medical records. Data on patient age, history, symptoms, mass location, size, diagnosis, complications, treatment, and recurrence were analyzed by SPSS 20.0.Twenty women were histopathologically diagnosed as having vaginal adenosis (mean age, 37.9 ± 10.6 years). All patients denied utero exposure. The most common symptom was vaginal pain or abnormal bleeding. For all patients, the local vaginal lesions were surgically excised. Seven patients had complications with endometriosis. 15 patients lived without recurrence, and 1 patient underwent postoperative local recurrence after 81 months. Primary vaginal squamous cell carcinoma in another patient was confirmed to arise from adenosis; she survived with disease. The remaining 3 patients developed carcinoma of different types in varied periods of a disease-free state (5 months, 30 months, and 23 years, respectively); 1 patient died of progressive disease, and 2 patients survived with disease.Primary vaginal adenosis is a spontaneous lesion with a propensity for late canceration. Local lesion resection is the primary treatment.

Splenectomy during cytoreductive surgery in epithelial ovarian cancer

Background

The aim of the study was to analyze the underlying causes and application of splenectomy in patients with epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) and assess its effect on the surgical satisfaction and prognosis of these patients.

Materials and methods

Clinical data of patients with ovarian epithelial cancer treated with cytoreductive surgery were collected from 2000 to 2015 at Peking Union Medical College Hospital.

Results

A total of 2,882 patients underwent ovarian cancer cytoreductive surgery at Peking Union Medical College Hospital between 2000 and 2015, of whom 38 (1.3%) also underwent spleen resections. Of these 38 patients, one underwent splenectomy due to intraoperative trauma, whereas the remaining 37 patients underwent splenectomy due to splenic metastasis. Among these 37 patients, 27 underwent resection due to direct tumor spread in the spleen and 10 underwent resection due to hematogenous metastasis. For subsequent first-line chemotherapy, 22 patients were platinum sensitive and 15 were platinum resistant. Overall median survival and the postsplenectomy median survival time were 106 and 75 months, respectively. The overall median survival in secondary cytoreduction was 101 months compared with 20.3–56 months in literature reviews. Univariate analysis revealed that platinum resistance to first-line chemotherapy, suboptimal surgery, and hematogenous metastasis influenced survival. Chemosensitivity and residual disease were identified as independent risk factors by multivariate analysis. We also report a literature review concerning the efficacy and safety of splenectomy during cytoreductive surgery in EOC.

Conclusion

Approximately 1.3% of patients with EOC underwent spleen resection during initial cytoreductive surgery and more often during recytoreductive surgery. Tumor involvement was the most common indication for splenectomy, and rare patients underwent splenectomy due to intraoperative trauma. Most patients achieved optimal surgery, and thus their overall survival and postsplenectomy survival rates were longer. The prognosis of patients was closely related to chemosensitivity and presence of residual tumors. Splenectomy should be attempted in all patients with splenic involvement in whom optimal cytoreductive surgery was achievable, no matter in primary or secondary cytoreduction.

The Effect of CA125 Nadir Level on Survival of Advanced-Stage Epithelial Ovarian Carcinoma after Interval Debulking Surgery

Purpose. The study aims at investigating the most reliable CA125-related factors in terms of predicting survival outcomes in advanced-stage epithelial ovarian carcinoma (EOC) patients received neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC).

Methods. The EOC patients treated with NAC at Peking Union Medical College Hospital by a single gynecological oncology team were enrolled for the retrospective study. The CA125-related variables were categorized into four groups: normalizations, nadirs, half-life and percentage reductions. Associations of these variables with progress-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were evaluated.

Results. Of the 101 patients included, 81 patients (80.2%) had progressed, and 51 patients (50.5%) had died of the disease progression. Univariate analysis showed that the CA125 nadir, reduction after the first, second and third postoperative chemotherapy cycles, and time to normalization were significantly (P<0.05) associated with PFS. The CA125 nadir, reduction after the first, second and third postoperative chemotherapy cycles were significantly (P<0.05) associated with OS. In the multivariate analysis, the CA125 nadir value was the most significant factor for PFS and OS, using the CA125 median level 13 U/ml as a cutoff value.

Conclusions. Our study suggests that the CA125 nadir value is the most reliable prognostic factor to predict PFS and OS in advanced EOC patients treated with NAC. This information is important in patient counseling and creating individualized follow-up plans.

Oncofertility in patients with stage I epithelial ovarian cancer: fertility-sparing surgery in young women of reproductive age

BACKGROUND

Fertility-sparing surgery is indicated for patients with stage I epithelial ovarian cancers. We sought to evaluate the clinical outcomes and oncofertility in a cohort of patients of reproductive age with stage I epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC).

METHODS

Overall, 108 patients of reproductive age (≤ 40 years) diagnosed with stage I EOC who were treated at Peking Union Medical College Hospital between 1999 and 2013 were included in the study. The Kaplan-Meier model and Cox regression analyses were used for the survival analysis.

RESULTS

The type of surgery included fertility-sparing surgery (FSS) (48.1%) and radical surgery (RS) (51.9%). After a median follow-up of 83 months, we observed that grade 3 or clear-cell carcinoma was the only independent risk factor for disease-free survival and tumor-specific survival in the multivariate analysis. Patients with grade 3 or clear-cell carcinoma tended to be older than 30 years, have endometriosis, and undergo RS (p < 0.05). Fertility-sparing surgery did not affect disease-free survival or tumor-specific survival among patients of reproductive age with stage I EOC and among high-risk patients with stage IC2-3, grade 3, or clear-cell carcinoma. Thirty-four out of 52 (65.4%) FSS patients attempted to get pregnant. Twenty-eight (82.4%) achieved a successful pregnancy with a full-term delivery.

CONCLUSIONS

Grade 3 or clear-cell carcinoma was the only independent risk factor for survival of patients of reproductive age with stage I EOC. FSS can be safely performed on patients of reproductive age with grade 1-2, stage I EOC. The safety of FSS for grade 3 and clear-cell carcinoma warrants further investigation.

Safety and efficacy of bleomycin/pingyangmycin-containing chemotherapy regimens for malignant germ cell tumor patients in the female genital system

OBJECTIVES

To comprehensively evaluate the safety and effectiveness of bleomycin/pingyangmycin-containing chemotherapy for female patients with malignant germ cell tumors in their genital system; to assess the diagnostic value of pulmonary function tests for bleomycin-induced pulmonary toxicity.

METHODS

Data from a cohort of 120 patients, collected across 25 years, was reviewed. Chemotherapy-related adverse events were routinely monitored. Pulmonary toxicity was diagnosed and graded according to serial pulmonary function testing results, and potential impact factors were explored. Short-term remission probability and long-term prognosis were evaluated.

RESULTS

Overall, 49.2% of the patients had pulmonary dysfunction, and the majority manifested as diffusion function impairment. A moderate reduction of carbon monoxide diffusion capacity was detected in 45.0% of all patients, and was severe in 3 patients. Thrombocytopenia, renal dysfunction, and accumulating dose of bleomycin/pingyangmycin significantly increased the risk of lung injury (P<0.05). Thorough surgical removal of tumors enhanced both remission and survival rate. Full-dose delivery of bleomycin/pingyangmycin and patients' sensitivity to chemotherapy also improved long-term survival (P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

BPT could be sensitively detected and elaborately graded by PFTs, but the appropriate cut-off value for diagnosis needs further investigations. Timely recognition and control of renal dysfunction and thrombocytopenia could avail the patients of the opportunity to complete curative antineopalstic treatment. Prescriptive bleomycin/pingyangmycin-containing chemotherapy after optimal surgical resection could benefit MGCT patients maximally by improving both remission and survival rate.

[Clinical analysis of hypersensitivity reaction of platinum in ovarian cancer and cervical cancer patients]

Objective: To investigate the incidence, risk factors, management and prognosis of hypersensitivity reaction (HSR) of platinum-based chemotherapy in patients of ovarian cancer and cervical cancer. Methods: Cases from Peking Union Medical College Hospital from Jan. 2013 to Jan. 2016 were checked for patients' data of epithelial ovarian cancer treated with carboplatin/paclitaxel (every 3 weeks) and patients of cervical cancer treated with concurrent radiochemotherapy using cisplatin (every week). General characters, pathological features, treatment and prognosis of patients were analyzed to determine the severity, symptoms, outcomes and risk factors of HSR. Results: (1) Prevalence of HSR: there were 860 cases of ovarian cancer and 580 cases of cervical cancer, among which HSR occurred in 8.8% (76/860) and 5.9% (34/580) patients, respectively. (2) Grading for HSR: most HSR were grade 1 or 2, with 78.9%(60/76) in ovarian cancer and 82.4%(28/34) in cervical cancer patients. In ovarian cancer patients, there were 7 cases of grade 1 HSR and 53 cases of grade 2 HSR, and in cervical cancer patients, there were 11 cases of grade 1 HSR and 17 cases of grade 2 HSR. (3) Symptoms of HSR: most of HSR happened during intravenous infusion of platinum agents, with 98.7% (75/76) in ovarian cancer and 97.1% (33/34) in cervical cancer patients. In ovarian and cervical cancer patients, most common symptom were tight chest and dyspnea, which happened in 92.1% (70/76) and 97.1% (33/34) patients, respectively. Secondary common symptom were skin reactions, which happened in 53.9% (41/76) and 88.2% (30/34) patients respectively. (4) Treatment after HSR: of 76 ovarian cancer cases with HSR, there were no significant difference in the ratio of HSR recurrence among patients of different treatment after HSR (χ²=0.517, P=0.915): 1 of 4 patients applying prior chemotherapy, 4 of 13 cases receiving desensitization, 3 of 11 cases separating medicine, 2 of 11 patients switching to cisplatin. In 34 cervical cancer cases of HSR, there were also no significant difference in the ratio of HSR recurrence among patients of different treatment after HSR (χ²=0.079, P=1.000): 2 of 9 patients applying prior chemotherapy, 3 of 17 cases receiving desensitization. (5) Risk factors of HSR and patients prognosis: in ovarian cancer patients of HSR, risk factors included relapse (P=0.010), courses of chemotherapy reaching seven or nine for patients of primary treatment or reaching six or seven for recurrent patients (all P<0.05). There were no significant risk factors for cervical cancer patients of HSR (all P>0.05). HSR had no impact on the progression- free survival for ovarian cancer (P=0.144) or cervical cancer (P=0.782). Conclusions: In ovarian cancer patients treated with carboplatin and cervical cancer patients treated with concurrent radiochemotherapy using cisplatin, most HSR of platinum are mild and favorable outcomes. Relapse and longer chemotherapy courses are risk factors for HSR of carboplatin for epithelial ovarian cancer.

Reduction of CA125 Levels During Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy Can Predict Cytoreduction to No Visible Residual Disease in Patients with Advanced Epithelial Ovarian Cancer, Primary Carcinoma of Fallopian tube and Peritoneal Carcinoma

Background and aims. To determine whether reduction of CA125 levels is a predictive factor for cytoreduction to no visible residual disease (NVRD) and chemotherapeutic sensitivity in advanced epithelial ovarian carcinoma (EOC), primary carcinoma of fallopian tube and peritoneal carcinoma patients who received neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by interval debulking surgery (NAC-IDS). Methods. This was a single-team-based study of advanced EOC, primary carcinoma of fallopian tube and peritoneal carcinoma patients diagnosed between 1996 and 2015 at Peking Union Medical College Hospital. Patients were treated with NAC-IDS by one gynecologic oncologist. Demographic data, CA125 levels, radiographic data, and chemotherapy and surgical-pathologic information were obtained. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to evaluate variables associated with optimal cytoreduction to NVRD and chemotherapy-sensitivity. Results. One hundred and eighteen patients met the study inclusion criteria. Thirty-seven (31.4%) patients underwent resection to NVRD. The median serum CA125 level at presentation and before IDS was 1814.5 U/ml and 205.9 U/ml, respectively. In the univariate analysis, histology, a preoperative CA125 of ≤200 U/ml and a >80% reduction of CA125 between presentation and IDS were significantly associated with the likelihood of NVRD (P=0.014, 0.000, 0.000, respectively). Multivariate analysis revealed that, of the various CA125 parameters tested, preoperative CA125 ≤200 U/ml was the only independent predictor of NVRD (odds ratio 3.667, 95% confidence interval 1.337-10.057; P=0.012). Preoperative CA125 ≤200 U/ml was also significantly associated with chemotherapy-sensitive disease in the univariate analysis (P=0.037). Conclusions. EOC patients who received NAC-IDS and had a preoperative CA125 level of ≤200 U/ml were highly likely to be cytoreduced to NVRD and to exhibit chemotherapeutic sensitivity.

Oncologic and reproductive outcomes after fertility-sparing management with oral progestin for women with complex endometrial hyperplasia and endometrial cancer

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the oncologic and reproductive outcomes after progestin treatment of complex endometrial hyperplasia (CEH) and grade 1 endometrial carcinoma (EC).

METHODS

In a retrospective study, data were obtained for patients aged 20-42years with CEH or grade 1 EC at presumed stage IA (without myometrial invasion) who wished to preserve fertility and were treated at the Peking Union Medical College Hospital, China, between January 1, 2000, and December 31, 2011. Patients had received oral medroxyprogesterone acetate (250-500mg/day) or megestrol acetate (160-480mg/day) for at least 6months. Response to progestin treatment was assessed histologically.

RESULTS

Among 53 included patients, 39 (74%) achieved complete response after a median period of 6 (3-24) months. Complete response was less frequent among obese than nonobese patients (4/12 [33%] vs 35/41 [85%]; P=0.001). Disease recurrence was recorded in 10 (26%) patients with complete response; the 5-year recurrence-free survival rate was 71%. Among the 33 patients who retained a desire to conceive, 17 (52%) became pregnant.

CONCLUSION

Fertility-sparing management with oral progestin is effective. Obesity is associated with a lower probability of long-term success.

Quantitative proteomic analysis of mitochondria from human ovarian cancer cells and their paclitaxel-resistant sublines

Paclitaxel resistance is a major obstacle for the treatment of ovarian cancer. The chemoresistance mechanisms are partly related to the mitochondria. Identification of the relevant proteins in mitochondria will help in clarifying the possible mechanisms and in selecting effective chemotherapy for patients with paclitaxel resistance. In the present study, mitochondria from two paclitaxel-sensitive human ovarian cancer cell lines (SKOV3 and A2780) and their corresponding resistant cell lines (SKOV3-TR and A2780-TR) were isolated. Guanidine-modified acetyl-stable isotope labeling and liquid chromatography-hybrid linear ion trap Fourier-transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (LC-FTICR MS) were performed to find the expressed differential proteins. Comparative proteomic analysis revealed eight differentially expressed proteins in the ovarian cancer cells and their paclitaxel-resistant sublines. Among them, mimitin and 14-3-3 ζ/δ were selected for further research. The effects of mimitin and 14-3-3 ζ/δ were explored using specific siRNA interference in ovarian cancer cell lines and immunohistochemistry in human tissue specimens. The downregulation of mimitin and 14-3-3 ζ/δ using specific siRNA in paclitaxel-resistant ovarian cancer cells led to an increase in the resistance index to paclitaxel. Multivariate analyses demonstrated that lower expression levels of the mimitin and 14-3-3 ζ/δ proteins were positively associated with shorter progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) in patients with primary ovarian cancer (mimitin: PFS: P = 0.041, OS: P = 0.003; 14-3-3 ζ/δ: PFS: P = 0.031, OS: P = 0.011). Mimitin and 14-3-3 protein ζ/δ are potential markers of paclitaxel resistance and prognostic factors in ovarian cancer.

Prognostic significance of lymphovascular space invasion in epithelial ovarian cancer

Object: To assess the effects of lymphovascular space invasion (LVSI) on cancer recurrence and survival in patients with primary epithelial ovarian cancer.

Methods: A retrospective study was conducted of patients with stage I-IV primary epithelial ovarian cancer who underwent cytoreductive surgery. LVSI is defined as the presence of tumor cells within an endothelium-lined space, and the patients' pathologic slides were reevaluated by gynecological pathologists. Survival analysis was performed to compare risk factors.

Results: A total of 492 patients were included in the analysis. The incidence of LVSI was 58.5% in our cohort (288 cases), and it was significantly associated with advanced stage, high-grade serous histology, high grade, and lymph node metastasis (P<0.001). Kaplan-Meier analysis demonstrated that LVSI was only correlated with decreased PFS (5-year rate, 39% vs. 66%, P<0.001) and OS (5-year rate, 44% vs. 78%, P<0.001) in patients at early stage but not at advanced stage (5-year rate, PFS: 14% vs. 11%, P<0.001; OS: 29% vs. 29%, P=0.141). Multivariate analysis showed that LVSI remained a significant variable with PFS and OS in early-stage ovarian cancer (PFS: HR 2.29, 95% CI 1.45-3.57; OS: HR 2.20, 95% CI 1.59-3.44, both P<0.001).

Conclusion: LVSI is an independent predictor of progression and survival in patients with primary epithelial ovarian cancer at early stage but not at advanced stage.

Sonic hedgehog through Gli2 and Gli3 is required for the proper development of placental labyrinth

Sonic hedgehog (Shh) functions as a conserved morphogen in the development of various organs in metazoans ranging from Drosophila to humans. Here, we have investigated the potential roles and underlying mechanisms of Shh signaling in murine placentation. Immunostaining revealed the abundant expression of the main components of Shh pathway in both the trophectoderm of blastocysts and developing placentas. Disruption of Shh led to impaired vascularogenesis of yolk sac, less branching and malformation of placental labyrinth, thereby leading to a robust decrease in capacity of transplacental passages. Moreover, placenta-specific gene incorporation by lentiviral transduction of mouse blastocysts and blastocyst transplantation robustly knocked down the expression of Gli3 and Gli2 in placenta but not in embryos. Finally, Gli3 knockdown in Shh^−/− placentas partially rescued the defects of both yolk sac and placental labyrinth, and robustly restored the capacity of transplacental passages. Gli2 knockdown in Shh^+/− placentas affected neither the capacity of tranplacental passages nor the vascularogenesis of yolk sac, however, it partially phenocopied the labyrinthine defects of Shh^−/− placentas. Taken together, these results uncover that both Shh/Gli2 and Shh/Gli3 signals are required for proper development of murine placentas and are possibly essential for pregnant maintenance.

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy in locally advanced cervical carcinoma: which is better, intravenous or intra-arterial?

Purpose

The aim of our study is to investigate the differences in therapeutic effects and clinical significance between intravenous systematic chemotherapy and intra-arterial interventional chemotherapy in stage Ib2–IIb cervical carcinomas.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was performed on 93 cases of intravenous and 118 cases of intra-arterial neoadjuvant chemotherapy for stage Ib2–IIb cervical carcinomas treated in Peking Union Medical College Hospital from the year 2001 to 2010.

Results

After neoadjuvant chemotherapy, the overall response rate was 84.9% versus (vs) 88.2% and the operability rate was 77.4% vs 81.4%, for intravenous vs intra-arterial (P>0.05). There were no significant differences in toxicities, surgical duration, perioperative blood loss, and operative complications between these two groups. Postoperative pathological examination revealed a significantly lower parametrial infiltration in the intra-arterial group (12.5% vs 38.1%, P<0.05), while the positive vaginal margin, lymph node metastasis, and intravascular tumor embolus showed no significant differences. The intravenous group and the intra-arterial group had similar recurrence rate (16.0% vs 12.3%), distant metastasis rate (9.1% vs 8.5%), and 5 year survival rate (79.5% vs 84.9%), without significant differences.

Conclusion

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy with cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil are safe and effective for patients with locally advanced cervical carcinomas. The intravenous and the intra-arterial approaches present with similar chemotherapy efficacy and clinical outcome. Since it is more simple and economical, the intravenous systematic approach shows greater value in clinical application.

A survival analysis comparing women with ovarian low-grade serous carcinoma to those with high-grade histology

Ovarian low-grade serous carcinoma (LGSC) and high-grade serous carcinoma have distinct molecular profiles, clinical behaviors, and treatment responses. The survival advantage for patients with low-grade carcinoma compared with patients with high-grade histology remains controversial. We retrospectively reviewed the medical charts of 381 patients with ovarian serous carcinoma at Peking Union Medical College Hospital from 2007 to 2010. Patients were classified into two groups according to MD Anderson two-tier system: 35 (9.2%) cases with LGSC and 346 with high-grade serous carcinoma. Patients with low-grade serous ovarian cancer had a significantly younger age at diagnosis (46 versus 56 years, P=0.046), and their median progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival values were 35.0 and 54.0 months, respectively. A multivariate analysis showed that, for serous ovarian cancer, the histological grade was a significant prognostic factor for PFS but not for overall survival (P=0.022 and P=0.0566, respectively). When stratified by the existence of a residual disease, patients with low-grade disease who underwent cytoreductive surgery without macroscopic residual disease (>1 cm) had a significantly improved median PFS time (36.0 months) compared with that of patients with high-grade carcinoma who received optimal cytoreductive surgery (16.0 months, P=0.017). Conversely, patients with low-grade and high-grade carcinoma who were left with macroscopic residue (>1 cm) experienced a similarly shorter median PFS (10.0 and 13.0 months, respectively, P=0.871). The International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics stage and residual disease were significant prognostic factors of low-grade carcinoma, while positive ascites was associated with a worse PFS value. Our data showed that LGSC is a different entity from high-grade carcinoma and that LGSC was associated with improved PFS after optimal cytoreductive surgery but not suboptimal operation.

The target therapy of ovarian clear cell carcinoma

Clear cell adenocarcinoma (CCC) of the ovary accounts for 10% of epithelial ovarian cancer and is a distinct entity from other epithelial ovarian carcinomas. It arises from the endometriosis. CCC has specific biological and clinical behavior. Compared with other histological types, CCC shows a chemoresistant phenotype, which leads to poorer prognosis. Thus, development of new target-based therapies remains an unmet need for these patients. Mutations in the gene ARID1A have been found to occur in high frequency in CCC. The majority of these mutations lead to a loss of expression of the ARID1A protein, which is a subunit of the SWItch/Sucrose NonFermentable (SWI/SNF) chromatin remodeling complex and considered as a bona fide tumor suppressor. Upregulation of the PIK3/AKT/mTOR pathway, particularly through mutations of PIK3CA and inactivation of PTEN, is involved in tumorigenesis of CCC. Targeting angiogenesis, the Met protooncogene pathway, and HER2 are also discussed in this review.