1
|
Chargari C, Wasserman J, Gabro A, Canlobre G, Spano JP, Uzan C, Maingon P. Vulvar Carcinoma: Standard of Care and Perspectives. J Clin Oncol 2024; 42:961-972. [PMID: 38315939 DOI: 10.1200/jco.23.01187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Revised: 09/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 02/07/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Treatment of vulvar carcinoma (VC) is challenging. The objectives of this review were to describe for clinicians the epidemiologic and clinical aspects of VC, the standard of care in terms of primary local treatment and systemic therapies, and the recent innovations and perspectives emerging from translational research in immuno-oncology. DESIGN We conducted a comprehensive review outlying the clinical aspects and biologic background of vulvar cancer, highlighting modern treatment strategies on the basis of a personalized approach. RESULTS Epidemiologic data showed a recent rise in incidence of VC, attributed to human papillomavirus. Surgery is the mainstay of primary treatment, but multimodal approaches are frequently required in the presence of adverse prognosis histopathologic factors. Chemoradiation is indicated when organ-sparing surgery is not feasible. However, inability to achieve high locoregional control rates in advanced cases and the morbidity associated with local treatments are still key issues. Recent clinical data showed the benefit of individualized strategies combining organ-sparing surgical strategies, less invasive lymph node staging procedures, and refinement in radiotherapy modalities. Among the most important research area, there is a sound rationale for testing modern systemic approaches such as immune checkpoint inhibitors in selected patients with recurrent and/or metastatic tumors. Although no specific data exist for VC, the role of supportive care and post-treatment rehabilitation strategies is also crucial. CONCLUSION There are still insufficient studies dedicated to patients with VC. Public health programs for prevention, screening, and early diagnosis are required, and clinical research should be strengthened to provide high-quality clinical evidence and improve patients' oncologic and functional outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cyrus Chargari
- Service d'oncologie radiothérapie, Hôpital Universitaire Pitié Salpêtrière, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP) Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
- Institut Universitaire de Cancérologie (IUC), Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - Johanna Wasserman
- Institut Universitaire de Cancérologie (IUC), Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
- Service d'oncologie médicale, Hôpital Universitaire Pitié Salpêtrière, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP) Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - Alexandra Gabro
- Service d'oncologie radiothérapie, Hôpital Universitaire Pitié Salpêtrière, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP) Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
- Institut Universitaire de Cancérologie (IUC), Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - Geoffroy Canlobre
- Institut Universitaire de Cancérologie (IUC), Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
- Service de chirurgie et cancérologie gynécologique et mammaire, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP) Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
- INSERM UMR S938, Biologie et Thérapeutique des cancers, Paris, France
| | - Jean-Philippe Spano
- Institut Universitaire de Cancérologie (IUC), Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
- Service d'oncologie médicale, Hôpital Universitaire Pitié Salpêtrière, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP) Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - Catherine Uzan
- Institut Universitaire de Cancérologie (IUC), Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
- Service de chirurgie et cancérologie gynécologique et mammaire, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP) Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
- INSERM UMR S938, Biologie et Thérapeutique des cancers, Paris, France
| | - Philippe Maingon
- Service d'oncologie radiothérapie, Hôpital Universitaire Pitié Salpêtrière, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP) Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
- Institut Universitaire de Cancérologie (IUC), Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Oonk MHM, Planchamp F, Baldwin P, Mahner S, Mirza MR, Fischerová D, Creutzberg CL, Guillot E, Garganese G, Lax S, Redondo A, Sturdza A, Taylor A, Ulrikh E, Vandecaveye V, van der Zee A, Wölber L, Zach D, Zannoni GF, Zapardiel I. European Society of Gynaecological Oncology Guidelines for the Management of Patients with Vulvar Cancer - Update 2023. Int J Gynecol Cancer 2023; 33:1023-1043. [PMID: 37369376 PMCID: PMC10359596 DOI: 10.1136/ijgc-2023-004486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND As part of its mission to improve the quality of care for women with gynecological cancers across Europe, the European Society of Gynaecological Oncology (ESGO) first published in 2017 evidence-based guidelines for the management of patients with vulvar cancer. OBJECTIVE To update the ESGO guidelines based on the new evidence addressing the management of vulvar cancer and to cover new topics in order to provide comprehensive guidelines on all relevant issues of diagnosis and treatment of vulvar cancer. METHODS The ESGO Council nominated an international development group comprised of practicing clinicians who provide care to vulvar cancer patients and have demonstrated leadership through their expertize in clinical care and research, national and international engagement and profile as well as dedication to the topics addressed to serve on the expert panel (18 experts across Europe). To ensure that the statements were evidence-based, new data identified from a systematic search were reviewed and critically appraised. In the absence of any clear scientific evidence, judgment was based on the professional experience and consensus of the international development group. Prior to publication, the guidelines were reviewed by 206 international practitioners in cancer care delivery and patient representatives. RESULTS The updated guidelines cover comprehensively diagnosis and referral, staging, pathology, pre-operative investigations, surgical management (local treatment, groin treatment, sentinel lymph node procedure, reconstructive surgery), (chemo)radiotherapy, systemic treatment, treatment of recurrent disease (vulvar, inguinal, pelvic, and distant recurrences), and follow-up. Management algorithms are also defined.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maaike H M Oonk
- University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | | | | | - Sven Mahner
- University Hospital, Ludwig Maximilians University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | | | - Daniela Fischerová
- Charles University First Faculty of Medicine, Prague, Czech Republic
- General University Hospital in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | | | | | - Giorgia Garganese
- Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Sigurd Lax
- Hospital Graz II, Graz, Austria
- Johannes Kepler Universitat Linz, Linz, Austria
| | | | | | | | - Elena Ulrikh
- Almazov National Medical Research Center, Saint Petersburg, Russian Federation
| | | | - Ate van der Zee
- University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Linn Wölber
- University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Diana Zach
- Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
- Karolinska Institutet Eugeniavägen, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Gian Franco Zannoni
- Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | | |
Collapse
|
3
|
Vivod G, Bosnjak M, Kovacevic N, Sersa G, Merlo S, Cemazar M. Safety and Feasibility of Vulvar Cancer Treatment with Electrochemotherapy. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:3079. [PMID: 37370690 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15123079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 06/04/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Electrochemotherapy is a local ablative therapy used for the treatment of various superficial and deep-seated tumors. Electrochemotherapy involves the application of electric pulses locally to tumors to destabilize cell membranes and facilitate the entry of cytotoxic drugs, thereby enhancing their cytotoxicity locally. The aim of our study is to investigate the safety and feasibility of electrochemotherapy in patients with vulvar cancer recurrence used for nonpalliative purposes. Ten patients with single local vulvar cancer recurrence were treated with intravenous bleomycin, followed by a local application of electric pulses (electrochemotherapy) to the tumor. Adverse events were determined using the National Cancer Institute's Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) version 5.0. The feasibility of treating vulvar cancer with electrochemotherapy was determined by an appropriate selection of electrodes based on the size and location of the tumor with safety margins included. Electrochemotherapy was feasible in all patients. No electrochemotherapy-related or other serious adverse events occurred. Our data suggest that electrochemotherapy is a feasible and safe technique for the treatment of vulvar cancer recurrence for nonpalliative purposes. Based on our results, electrochemotherapy might be a viable therapeutic tool for patients who would otherwise undergo surgery involving a mutilation of the external genitalia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gregor Vivod
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Masa Bosnjak
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Nina Kovacevic
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Faculty of Health Care Angela Boskin, 4270 Jesenice, Slovenia
| | - Gregor Sersa
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Sebastjan Merlo
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Maribor, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia
| | - Maja Cemazar
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Primorska, 6000 Izola, Slovenia
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Vivod G, Jesenko T, Gasljevic G, Kovacevic N, Bosnjak M, Sersa G, Merlo S, Cemazar M. Treatment of vulvar cancer recurrences with electrochemotherapy - a detailed analysis of possible causes for unsuccessful treatment. Radiol Oncol 2023; 57:121-126. [PMID: 36795008 PMCID: PMC10039473 DOI: 10.2478/raon-2023-0010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Electrochemotherapy has good local effectiveness in the treatment of vulvar cancer. Most studies have reported the safety and effectiveness of electrochemotherapy for palliative treatment of gynecological cancers and mostly vulvar squamous cell carcinoma. Some tumors, however, fail to respond to electrochemotherapy. The biological features/determinants for the nonresponsiveness are not determined yet. PATIENT AND METHODS A recurrence of vulvar squamous cell carcinoma was treated by electrochemotherapy using intravenous administration of bleomycin. The treatment was performed by hexagonal electrodes according to standard operating procedures. We analyzed the factors that could determine nonresponsiveness to electrochemotherapy. RESULTS Based on the presented case of nonresponsive vulvar recurrence to electrochemotherapy, we hypothesize that the vasculature of the tumors prior to treatment may predict the response to electrochemotherapy. The histological analysis showed minimal presence of blood vessels in the tumor. Thus, low perfusion may reduce drug delivery and lead to a lower response rate because of the minor antitumor effectiveness of vascular disruption. In this case, no immune response in the tumor was elicited by electrochemotherapy. CONCLUSIONS In this case, of nonresponsive vulvar recurrence treated by electrochemotherapy, we analyzed possible factors that could predict treatment failure. Based on histological analysis, low vascularization of the tumor was observed, which hampered drug delivery and distribution and resulted in no vascular disrupting action of electro-chemotherapy. All these factors could contribute to ineffective treatment with electrochemotherapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gregor Vivod
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Medical Faculty Ljubljana, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Tanja Jesenko
- Medical Faculty Ljubljana, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Gorana Gasljevic
- Department Pathology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Nina Kovacevic
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Medical Faculty Ljubljana, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Faculty of Health Care Angela Boškin, Jesenice, Slovenia
| | - Masa Bosnjak
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Gregor Sersa
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Sebastjan Merlo
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Medical Faculty Ljubljana, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Medical Faculty, University of Maribor, Maribor, Slovenia
| | - Maja Cemazar
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Primorska, Izola, Slovenia
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Perrone AM, Corrado G, Coada CA, Garganese G, Fragomeni SM, Tagliaferri L, Di Costanzo S, De Crescenzo E, Morganti AG, Ferioli M, De Terlizzi F, Scambia G, De Iaco P. Electrochemotherapy with intravenous bleomycin for heavily pre-treated vulvar cancer patients. Int J Gynecol Cancer 2023; 33:473-481. [PMID: 36787933 DOI: 10.1136/ijgc-2022-004127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The management of vulvar cancer recurrences is complicated by patients' advanced age and comorbidities. Bleomycin-based electrochemotherapy is a potential treatment option in this setting. However, no data on long-term outcomes are available. Therefore, a multicenter observational study was designed to evaluate the 5-year results in these patients. METHODS Data about patients and tumor characteristics, electrochemotherapy cycles, clinical response, and follow-up were recorded. Treatment procedures were performed according to the European Standard Operating Procedures of Electrochemotherapy (ESOPE) guidelines. Response was evaluated according to the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) criteria. RESULTS Fifty-one patients (mean age 82.31±7.28 years) with squamous cell vulvar cancer underwent electrochemotherapy (median number of sessions 1; range 1-4). 20 patients had complete response and 32% of these were disease-free after 2 years (median progression-free survival 16.8 months). In 13 patients with partial response the median progression-free survival was 15.36 months, while patients with stable or progressive disease showed tumor relapse after 6.95 and 3.26 months, respectively (p<0.001). Median overall survival was 18.77, 13.07, 6.73, and 11.13 months in patients with complete response, partial response, stable disease, and progressive disease, respectively (p=0.001). CONCLUSION Long-term follow-up of vulvar cancer patients showed reasonable tumor control after electrochemotherapy and improved progression-free survival and overall survival in responder subjects compared with non-responders. Further studies aimed at improving local response after electrochemotherapy are warranted. Thus, this approach represents a potential alternative for these patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna Myriam Perrone
- Division of Oncologic Gynecology, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna Policlinico S Orsola, Bologna, Italy.,Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Giacomo Corrado
- UOC Ginecologia Oncologica, Dipartimento per la salute della Donna e del Bambino e della Salute Pubblica, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Giorgia Garganese
- Gynecology and Breast Care Center, Mater Olbia Hospital, Olbia, Italy.,Dipartimento Universitario Scienze della Vita e Sanità Pubblica, Sezione di Ginecologia ed Ostetricia, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Simona Maria Fragomeni
- UOC Ginecologia Oncologica, Dipartimento per la salute della Donna e del Bambino e della Salute Pubblica, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Luca Tagliaferri
- UOC Radioterapia Oncologica, Dipartimento di Diagnostica per Immagini, Radioterapia Oncologica ed Ematologia, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Stella Di Costanzo
- Division of Oncologic Gynecology, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna Policlinico S Orsola, Bologna, Italy
| | - Eugenia De Crescenzo
- Division of Oncologic Gynecology, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna Policlinico S Orsola, Bologna, Italy.,Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Alessio Giuseppe Morganti
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.,Radiation Oncology, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Martina Ferioli
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.,Radiation Oncology, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | | | - Giovanni Scambia
- UOC Ginecologia Oncologica, Dipartimento per la salute della Donna e del Bambino e della Salute Pubblica, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Pierandrea De Iaco
- Division of Oncologic Gynecology, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna Policlinico S Orsola, Bologna, Italy.,Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Electrochemotherapy for solid tumors: literature review and presentation of a novel endoscopic approach. Radiol Oncol 2022; 56:285-291. [PMID: 35776844 PMCID: PMC9400449 DOI: 10.2478/raon-2022-0022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 04/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Electrochemotherapy (ECT) is a minimally invasive and safe treatment gaining positive and long-lasting antitumoral results that are receiving the attention of the scientific community. It is a local treatment that combines the use of electroporation and the administration of cytotoxic drugs to induce cell death in the target tissue. ECT is largely used for the treatment of cutaneous and subcutaneous lesions, and good results have been reported for the treatment of deep visceral tumors. The latest literature review is provided. Moreover, in line with its development for the treatment of visceral tumors in this article, we describe a novel approach of ECT: endoscopic treatment of colorectal cancer. Endoscopic ECT application was combined with systemic chemotherapy in the treatment of obstructing rectal cancer without prospective surgery. A good response after ECT was described: concentric involvement of the rectum was reduced, and no stenosing lesions were detected. CONCLUSIONS Clinical studies have demonstrated that ECT is a very effective treatment for tumors of different histologic types and localizations. Endoscopic treatment for gastrointestinal cancer is an innovative application of ECT. The combination of systemic treatment and ECT was safe and highly effective in the treatment of colorectal cancer, especially when obstructive, giving the patient a significant gain in quality of life.
Collapse
|
7
|
Electroporation and Electrochemotherapy in Gynecological and Breast Cancer Treatment. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27082476. [PMID: 35458673 PMCID: PMC9026735 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27082476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2022] [Revised: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 04/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Gynecological carcinomas affect an increasing number of women and are associated with poor prognosis. The gold standard treatment plan is mainly based on surgical resection and subsequent chemotherapy with cisplatin, 5-fluorouracil, anthracyclines, or taxanes. Unfortunately, this treatment is becoming less effective and is associated with many side effects that negatively affect patients’ physical and mental well-being. Electroporation based on tumor exposure to electric pulses enables reduction in cytotoxic drugs dose while increasing their effectiveness. EP-based treatment methods have received more and more interest in recent years and are the subject of a large number of scientific studies. Some of them show promising therapeutic potential without using any cytotoxic drugs or molecules already present in the human body (e.g., calcium electroporation). This literature review aims to present the fundamental mechanisms responsible for the course of EP-based therapies and the current state of knowledge in the field of their application in the treatment of gynecological neoplasms.
Collapse
|
8
|
Perrone AM, Ravegnini G, Miglietta S, Argnani L, Ferioli M, De Crescenzo E, Tesei M, Di Stanislao M, Girolimetti G, Gasparre G, Porcelli AM, De Terlizzi F, Zamagni C, Morganti AG, De Iaco P. Electrochemotherapy in Vulvar Cancer and Cisplatin Combined with Electroporation. Systematic Review and In Vitro Studies. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13091993. [PMID: 33919139 PMCID: PMC8122585 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13091993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2021] [Revised: 04/15/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Electrochemotherapy (ECT) is an emerging treatment for solid tumors and an attracting research field due to its clinical results. ECT in association with bleomycin is an effective and safe treatment option in the vulvar cancer palliative setting. With regard to cisplatin (CSP)-based ECT, considering the clear evidence on its efficacy in gynecological tumors, the possibility to improve local control with CSP-based ECT is intriguing and a well-designed randomized clinical trial should be addressed to this issue. Abstract Electrochemotherapy (ECT) is an emerging treatment for solid tumors and an attractive research field due to its clinical results. This therapy represents an alternative local treatment to the standard ones and is based on the tumor-directed delivery of non-ablative electrical pulses to maximize the action of specific cytotoxic drugs such as cisplatin (CSP) and bleomycin (BLM) and to promote cancer cell death. Nowadays, ECT is mainly recommended as palliative treatment. However, it can be applied to a wide range of superficial cancers, having an impact in preventing or delaying tumor progression and therefore in improving quality of life. In addition, during the natural history of the tumor, early ECT may improve patient outcomes. Our group has extensive clinical and research experience on ECT in vulvar tumors in the palliative setting, with 70% overall response rate. So far, in most studies, ECT was based on BLM. However, the potential of CSP in this setting seems interesting due to some theoretical advantages. The purpose of this report is to: (i) compare the efficacy of CSP and BLM-based ECT through a systematic literature review; (ii) report the results of our studies on CSP-resistant squamous cell tumors cell lines and the possibility to overcome chemoresistance using ECT; (iii) discuss the future ECT role in gynecological tumors and in particular in vulvar carcinoma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna Myriam Perrone
- Division of Oncologic Gynecology, IRCCS—Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (A.M.P.); (E.D.C.); (M.T.); (M.D.S.); (P.D.I.)
- Centro di Studio e Ricerca delle Neoplasie Ginecologiche (CSR), University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (S.M.); (G.G.); (G.G.); (A.M.P.); (C.Z.); (A.G.M.)
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Gloria Ravegnini
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy
- Correspondence:
| | - Stefano Miglietta
- Centro di Studio e Ricerca delle Neoplasie Ginecologiche (CSR), University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (S.M.); (G.G.); (G.G.); (A.M.P.); (C.Z.); (A.G.M.)
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy
- Center for Applied Biomedical Research, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Lisa Argnani
- Institute of Hematology, Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy;
| | - Martina Ferioli
- Radiation Oncology, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy;
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Eugenia De Crescenzo
- Division of Oncologic Gynecology, IRCCS—Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (A.M.P.); (E.D.C.); (M.T.); (M.D.S.); (P.D.I.)
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Marco Tesei
- Division of Oncologic Gynecology, IRCCS—Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (A.M.P.); (E.D.C.); (M.T.); (M.D.S.); (P.D.I.)
- Centro di Studio e Ricerca delle Neoplasie Ginecologiche (CSR), University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (S.M.); (G.G.); (G.G.); (A.M.P.); (C.Z.); (A.G.M.)
| | - Marco Di Stanislao
- Division of Oncologic Gynecology, IRCCS—Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (A.M.P.); (E.D.C.); (M.T.); (M.D.S.); (P.D.I.)
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Giulia Girolimetti
- Centro di Studio e Ricerca delle Neoplasie Ginecologiche (CSR), University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (S.M.); (G.G.); (G.G.); (A.M.P.); (C.Z.); (A.G.M.)
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
- Center for Applied Biomedical Research, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Gasparre
- Centro di Studio e Ricerca delle Neoplasie Ginecologiche (CSR), University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (S.M.); (G.G.); (G.G.); (A.M.P.); (C.Z.); (A.G.M.)
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
- Center for Applied Biomedical Research, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Anna Maria Porcelli
- Centro di Studio e Ricerca delle Neoplasie Ginecologiche (CSR), University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (S.M.); (G.G.); (G.G.); (A.M.P.); (C.Z.); (A.G.M.)
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy
- Center for Applied Biomedical Research, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
- Interdepartmental Center for Industrial Research Life Sciences and Technologies for Health, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, 40064 Ozzano dell’Emilia, Italy
| | | | - Claudio Zamagni
- Centro di Studio e Ricerca delle Neoplasie Ginecologiche (CSR), University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (S.M.); (G.G.); (G.G.); (A.M.P.); (C.Z.); (A.G.M.)
- Oncologia Medica Addarii, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Via Albertoni 15, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Alessio Giuseppe Morganti
- Centro di Studio e Ricerca delle Neoplasie Ginecologiche (CSR), University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (S.M.); (G.G.); (G.G.); (A.M.P.); (C.Z.); (A.G.M.)
- Radiation Oncology, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy;
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Pierandrea De Iaco
- Division of Oncologic Gynecology, IRCCS—Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (A.M.P.); (E.D.C.); (M.T.); (M.D.S.); (P.D.I.)
- Centro di Studio e Ricerca delle Neoplasie Ginecologiche (CSR), University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (S.M.); (G.G.); (G.G.); (A.M.P.); (C.Z.); (A.G.M.)
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Merlo S, Vivod G, Bebar S, Bošnjak M, Čemažar M, Serša G, Brezar SK, Kovačević N. Literature Review and Our Experience With Bleomycin-Based Electrochemotherapy for Cutaneous Vulvar Metastases From Endometrial Cancer. Technol Cancer Res Treat 2021; 20:15330338211010134. [PMID: 33874805 PMCID: PMC8060746 DOI: 10.1177/15330338211010134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Endometrial carcinoma is the most common gynecological malignancy and the fifth most common malignancy in women. The worldwide incidence is 15.9 new cases per 100,000 women per year, and the incidence in Europe is 22.7 new cases. Minority of cases are diagnosed at an advanced stage of the disease. Cutaneous metastases are very rare with a prevalence of 0.8%. If cutaneous metastases are present, the prognosis is poor with an overall survival of up to 12 months. In this review, we presented clinical data on treatment of gynecological cancers with electrochemotherapy, with focus on treatment of cutaneous vulvar metastases from endometrial cancer. Further, we present our data on the case of a 64-year-old woman with recurrent endometrial adenocarcinoma with vulvar skin metastases. Treatment of endometrial carcinoma metastases is multimodal with surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and hormone treatment. There is still no consensus about the specific treatment of cutaneous metastases from endometrial cancer, in particular in order to release symptoms. Electrochemotherapy may be a treatment option to reduce pain and bleeding and a safe option to treat multiple skin metastases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sebastjan Merlo
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, 68196Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia.,Medical Faculty Ljubljana, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Gregor Vivod
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, 68196Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia.,Medical Faculty Ljubljana, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Sonja Bebar
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, 68196Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Maša Bošnjak
- Department for Experimental Oncology, 68196Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia.,Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Maja Čemažar
- Department for Experimental Oncology, 68196Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia.,Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Primorska, Izola, Slovenia
| | - Gregor Serša
- Department for Experimental Oncology, 68196Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia.,Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ljubljana, Zdravstvena, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Simona Kranjc Brezar
- Medical Faculty Ljubljana, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia.,Department for Experimental Oncology, 68196Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Nina Kovačević
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, 68196Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia.,Medical Faculty Ljubljana, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Quality of Life with Vulvar Carcinoma Treated with Palliative Electrochemotherapy: The ELECHTRA (ELEctroCHemoTherapy vulvaR cAncer) Study. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13071622. [PMID: 33915692 PMCID: PMC8036723 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13071622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2021] [Revised: 03/23/2021] [Accepted: 03/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary A multicenter prospective observational study was conducted on patients with vulvar cancer (VC) refractory or not amenable to standard therapies undergoing palliative electrochemotherapy (ECT) as per clinical practice. Electrochemotherapy with bleomycin improves quality of life in patients with recurrent vulvar cancer. The assessment was performed with a visual analog pain scale (VAS), EuroQol 5-Dimension 5-Level (EQ-5D-L5) and Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy—Vulva cancer (FACT—V). To our knowledge, this is the first study reporting the impact of palliative ECT on QoL of VC patients, with a detailed evaluation of potential correlations between tumor characteristics and severity of and response to symptoms. This improvement is higher in patients with clinical response and for smaller and anterior lesions. Based on these results, ECT in VC should be considered as an effective option based on the favorable outcomes both in terms of response and QoL. Abstract The ELECHTRA (ELEctroChemoTherapy vulvaR cAncer) project was conceived to collect data on palliative electrochemotherapy (ECT) in vulvar cancer (VC) assessing patients’ outcomes (response and survival) and impact on quality of life (QoL). After reporting outcome data in 2019, here, we present the results on QoL. A multicenter prospective observational study was conducted on patients with VC refractory or not amenable to standard therapies undergoing palliative ECT as per clinical practice. The following questionnaires were administered before and after ECT (two and four months later, early and late follow-up): visual analog pain scale (VAS), EuroQol 5-Dimension 5-Level (EQ-5D-L5) and Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy—Vulva cancer (FACT—V). Analyses were conducted on both the whole study population and by subgroups (clinical response after ECT and site, number and size of lesions). Questionnaires from 55 patients were evaluated. Compared to the baseline (6.1 ± 2.1), the VAS was significantly reduced at early (4.3 ± 2.5) and late follow-up (4.6 ± 2.8) (p < 0.0001). The FACT—V score improved significantly at early (9.6 ± 4.0) (p < 0.0001) and late follow-up (8.9 ± 4.1) (p < 0.0054) as compared to the baseline (7.1 ± 3.6). No EQ-5D-5L statistically significant changes were observed. Subgroup analyses showed worse QoL in patients with stable or progressive disease, posterior site and multiple or larger than 3 cm nodules. This is the first study reporting improved QoL in VC patients after palliative ECT. Based on these results, ECT in VC should be considered an effective option based on the favorable outcomes both in terms of response and QoL.
Collapse
|
11
|
Perrone AM, Ferioli M, Galuppi A, Coe M, De Terlizzi F, Tesei M, Dondi G, De Palma A, Morganti AG, De Iaco P. Palliative treatment with electrochemotherapy in recurrent or metastatic vaginal cancer. Int J Gynecol Cancer 2020; 30:939-946. [PMID: 32474450 DOI: 10.1136/ijgc-2020-001471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2020] [Revised: 05/11/2020] [Accepted: 05/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Vaginal metastases are very rare events with a poor prognosis. To improve the quality of life, local treatments should be considered. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of electrochemotherapy as palliative treatment in vaginal cancer not amenable to standard treatments due to poor performance status, previous treatments, or advanced disease. METHODS This is a prospective observational study on patients diagnosed with vaginal cancer and treated from January 2017 to December 2018 with palliative electrochemotherapy. We collected data on patients with vaginal cancer treated by electrochemotherapy with the aim of local control. Data regarding electrochemotherapy, hospital stay, adverse events, and patient outcomes were analyzed. Intravenous bleomycin was injected as a bolus in 2-3 min at a dose of 15 000 UI/m2 and electrical pulses started 8 min after chemotherapy. Electrochemotherapy response was defined according to the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors. RESULTS Five patients with vaginal recurrence (two squamous, two melanomas, and one leiomyosarcoma) and one with vaginal metastasis from intestinal adenocarcinoma received one treatment and two patients were re-treated. Imaging reported nodal metastasis (inguinal or pelvic) in two patients, distant metastases in two, and both node and distant metastasis in two patients, respectively. Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors showed a complete response in one patient, partial response in three patients, stable disease in one patient, and progressive disease in one patient, with an overall response rate of 67% and a clinical benefit rate (complete response, partial response, stable disease) of 83%. Two patients were re-treated and had a new response (partial response and stable disease, respectively). At last follow-up, two patients had died of the disease, two were alive with stable disease, one was alive with progressive disease, and one was alive without disease. Median post-electrochemotherapy overall survival was 12.9 months (range 1.6-26.9) and 1-year overall survival was 66.7%. CONCLUSIONS This preliminary experience showed a tumor response or stabilization in 83% of patients requiring palliative management for vaginal cancer. Further studies are needed to evaluate treatment outcome in larger and prospective series.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna Myriam Perrone
- Gynecologic Oncology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Policlinico di Sant'Orsola, Bologna, Italy .,Centro di Studio e Ricerca delle Neoplasie Ginecologiche (CSR), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Martina Ferioli
- Radiation Oncology Center, Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, DIMES Univerisity of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Andrea Galuppi
- Centro di Studio e Ricerca delle Neoplasie Ginecologiche (CSR), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.,Radiation Oncology Center, Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, DIMES Univerisity of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Manuela Coe
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, Unit of Radiology, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Policlinico di Sant'Orsola, Bologna, Italy
| | | | - Marco Tesei
- Gynecologic Oncology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Policlinico di Sant'Orsola, Bologna, Italy.,Centro di Studio e Ricerca delle Neoplasie Ginecologiche (CSR), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Giulia Dondi
- Gynecologic Oncology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Policlinico di Sant'Orsola, Bologna, Italy.,Centro di Studio e Ricerca delle Neoplasie Ginecologiche (CSR), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Alessandra De Palma
- Forensic Medicine and Integrated Risk Management Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Policlinico di Sant'Orsola, Bologna, Italy
| | - Alessio G Morganti
- Centro di Studio e Ricerca delle Neoplasie Ginecologiche (CSR), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.,Radiation Oncology Center, Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, DIMES Univerisity of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Pierandrea De Iaco
- Gynecologic Oncology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Policlinico di Sant'Orsola, Bologna, Italy.,Centro di Studio e Ricerca delle Neoplasie Ginecologiche (CSR), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Reversible Electrochemotherapy (ECT) as a Treatment Option for Local RCC Recurrence in Solitary Kidney. Cardiovasc Intervent Radiol 2020; 43:1091-1094. [PMID: 32415331 DOI: 10.1007/s00270-020-02498-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2020] [Accepted: 04/17/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
A 61-year-old female underwent a right radical nephrectomy and a left nephron sparing surgery in 2014 due to renal cell carcinoma. A renal cell carcinoma local recurrence, 28 mm in size, centrally located in the left kidney was treated using cryoablation in 2016. In November 2018, computed tomography (CT) scan showed three nodules (maximum size 15 × 11 mm) in the left kidney, and CT-guided needle biopsy was performed. For multifocal recurrence and the anatomical site of these three nodules, a simultaneous reversible electrochemotherapy treatment was performed in April 2019. At 6-month CT control, no evidence of residual disease was found. Electrochemotherapy could be used to treat locoregional renal cell carcinoma recurrence when other ablative techniques are not suitable. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 4, Case Report.
Collapse
|
13
|
Corrado G, Cutillo G, Fragomeni SM, Bruno V, Tagliaferri L, Mancini E, Certelli C, Paris I, Vizza E, Scambia G, Garganese G. Palliative electrochemotherapy in primary or recurrent vulvar cancer. Int J Gynecol Cancer 2020; 30:927-931. [PMID: 32371425 DOI: 10.1136/ijgc-2019-001178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2020] [Revised: 02/27/2020] [Accepted: 03/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Since vulvar cancer is such a rare disease, the international experience with electrochemotherapy has been derived from only a few centers. The aim of this study was to evaluate clinical outcome and side effects profile with the use of electrochemotherapy in patients with primary or recurrent vulvar cancer. METHODS Data were retrospectively collected from November 2017 to November 2019 in two major Italian oncologic institutes: Regina Elena Institute and Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS. Electrochemotherapy was offered in a palliative setting to patients with a primary or recurrent vulvar cancer who were not candidates for surgery or any other treatment, because of poor performance status or previous delivered treatments. All patients underwent general anesthesia. Electrical pulses were delivered using a pulse generator. Intravenous bleomycin was administered in conjunction with electrochemotherapy. Follow-up examinations were performed at 1, 3, and 6 months. Primary endpoint was to assess the response rate of electrochemotherapy as palliative treatment in patients with vulvar cancer. RESULTS A total of 15 patients were included in the study. Fourteen patients (93.3%) had a squamous cell carcinoma and one patient had vulvar carcinosarcoma. Ten patients (66.7 %) had a single lesion and 5 patients (33.3%) had multiple lesions. Median number of electrical pulses was 22 (range 3-42) and median operative time was 13 (range 7-20) min. No intra-procedure complications occurred. One patient had pneumonia during their post-operative stay. Overall response rate after 1 month was 80%. At the 3-month follow-up, 3 patients (20%) had disease progression, 3 patients (20%) had died from ongoing disease, 1 patient (6.7%) died for other reasons, whereas the other patients maintained their 1-month clinical response. A total of 8/13 patients (61.5%) were alive at 6-month follow-up, whereas 6/12 patients (50%) were alive at 1-year follow-up. CONCLUSIONS Electrochemotherapy is a feasible, easy to perform, and reproducible procedure in patients with primary or recurrent vulvar cancer who are unable to undergo surgery. Survival after 1 year in this population was 50%. Electrochemotherapy may have a role in the management of vulvar cancer, especially as palliative treatment when other therapies are no longer applicable.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Giacomo Corrado
- Dipartimento Scienze della Salute della Donna, del Bambino, e di Sanità Pubblica, Ginecologia Oncologica, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Cutillo
- Department of Experimental Clinical Oncology, Gynaecologic Oncology Unit, IRCCS "Regina Elena" National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Simona Maria Fragomeni
- Dipartimento Scienze della Salute della Donna, del Bambino, e di Sanità Pubblica, Ginecologia Oncologica, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Valentina Bruno
- Department of Experimental Clinical Oncology, Gynaecologic Oncology Unit, IRCCS "Regina Elena" National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Luca Tagliaferri
- Dipartimento di Diagnostica per immagini, Radioterapia Oncologica ed Ematologia - Gemelli ART (Advanced Radiation Therapy), Interventional Oncology Center (IOC), Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Emanuela Mancini
- Department of Experimental Clinical Oncology, Gynaecologic Oncology Unit, IRCCS "Regina Elena" National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Camilla Certelli
- Department of Experimental Clinical Oncology, Gynaecologic Oncology Unit, IRCCS "Regina Elena" National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Ida Paris
- Dipartimento Scienze della Salute della Donna, del Bambino, e di Sanità Pubblica, Ginecologia Oncologica, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Enrico Vizza
- Department of Experimental Clinical Oncology, Gynaecologic Oncology Unit, IRCCS "Regina Elena" National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanni Scambia
- Dipartimento Scienze della Salute della Donna, del Bambino, e di Sanità Pubblica, Ginecologia Oncologica, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Giorgia Garganese
- Dipartimento Scienze della Salute della Donna, del Bambino, e di Sanità Pubblica, Ginecologia Oncologica, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy.,Gynecology and Breast Care Center, Mater Olbia Hospital, Olbia, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Tranoulis A, Georgiou D, Founta C, Mehra G, Sayasneh A, Nath R. Use of electrochemotherapy in women with vulvar cancer to improve quality-of-life in the palliative setting: a meta-analysis. Int J Gynecol Cancer 2019; 30:107-114. [DOI: 10.1136/ijgc-2019-000868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2019] [Revised: 09/30/2019] [Accepted: 10/03/2019] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
IntroductionElectrochemotherapy involves the use of transient tumor permeabilization via electric pulses in combination with low-dose chemotherapeutic agents. It has recently emerged as an alternative treatment modality in vulvar cancer. The aim of this meta-analysis was to ascertain the effectiveness of electrochemotherapy in the context of palliative care.MethodsThe following databases were searched: MEDLINE, Scopus, and Cochrane Database, to identify all registered articles pertaining to palliative vulvar cancer treatment with electrochemotherapy from inception until August 2019, in line with PRISMA guidelines. A single-proportion meta-analysis was performed for the outcomes of overall response, complete response, partial response, stable disease, and progressive disease raterespectively, using the random-effect model. Sensitivity analysis was performed to address heterogeneity.ResultsFour studies were included totaling 104 women. The studies were of moderate quality. Pooled results from four studies rendered a summary proportion of 78.8% (95% CI 70.4% to 86.1%) for the outcome of overall response. The median age ranged between 68 and 85 years. The sample size per study ranged between eight and 61 women. The tumors’ histological types included: squamous-cell carcinoma (96.2%), Paget’s disease (2.9%), and malignant melanoma (0.9%). A total of 65 patients (62.5%) presented with a single nodule, whilst 39 patients (37.5%) presented with multiple nodules. Eighty-nine women (85.6%) were previously submitted to other treatment modalities. The overall response rate ranged from 73.2% to 80.9%. The pooled proportion for the outcomes of complete and partial response rate was 48.7% (95% CI 30.74% to 61.5%) and 30.2% (95% CI 21.7% to 39.4%), respectively. The follow-up ranged from 1 to 51 months. No severe adverse effects were reported. The safety profile of electrochemotherapy was favorable.ConclusionsElectrochemotherapy is an effective and minimally invasive treatment modality in the palliative care management of patients with vulvar cancer. The effective control of vulvar tumors by electrochemotherapy may contribute to improvement of quality-of-life. In light of the moderate quality of evidence, a multi-center cooperation is warranted to confirm its palliative benefit.
Collapse
|
15
|
Wolff CM, Steuer A, Stoffels I, von Woedtke T, Weltmann KD, Bekeschus S, Kolb JF. Combination of cold plasma and pulsed electric fields – A rationale for cancer patients in palliative care. CLINICAL PLASMA MEDICINE 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cpme.2020.100096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
|
16
|
Perrone AM, Galuppi A, Pirovano C, Borghese G, Covarelli P, De Terlizzi F, Ferioli M, Cara S, Morganti AG, De Iaco P. Palliative Electrochemotherapy in Vulvar Carcinoma: Preliminary Results of the ELECHTRA (Electrochemotherapy Vulvar Cancer) Multicenter Study. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11050657. [PMID: 31083599 PMCID: PMC6562538 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11050657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2019] [Revised: 05/07/2019] [Accepted: 05/09/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Vulvar cancer (VC) is a rare disease of which recurrence poses management problems due to patients' advanced age and comorbidities, and to the localization of the disease. Palliative treatments, allowing local disease control in patients previously treated with multimodal therapies or with comorbidities, are lacking. In this study we tested electrochemotherapy (ECT) on recurrent VC refractory to standard therapies to assess the tumor response and to define the selection criteria for patient's candidate to ECT. This is a multicenter observational study carried out in five Italian centers. Data about patients and tumor characteristics, treatment, toxicity, and clinical response were recorded. In all procedures, intravenous bleomycin was administered according to European Standard Operative Procedure ECT (ESOPE) guidelines. Sixty-one patients, with a median age 79 years (range: 39-85) and mainly affected by squamous cellular carcinoma (91.8%), were treated with ECT. No serious adverse events were reported. Patients were discharged after three days (median, range: 0-8 days). Two months after ECT, the clinical response rate was 83.6% and was not related to age, body mass index, International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage, number of treated nodules, or previous treatments. ECT is a safe procedure with a favorable cost-effectiveness ratio and should be considered as a treatment option for local disease control in patients unsuitable for standard therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna Myriam Perrone
- Oncologic Gynaecology Unit, Department Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), S. Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, University of Bologna, Via Massarenti 13, 40138 Bologna, Italy.
| | - Andrea Galuppi
- Radiation Oncology Centre, Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, University of Bologna, Via Massarenti 13, 40138 Bologna, Italy.
| | - Cecilia Pirovano
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, ASST Lecco Ospedale Manzoni, Via dell'Eremo 9/11, 23900 Lecco, Italy.
| | - Giulia Borghese
- Oncologic Gynaecology Unit, Department Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), S. Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, University of Bologna, Via Massarenti 13, 40138 Bologna, Italy.
| | - Piero Covarelli
- General and Oncologic Surgery Unit, Department of Surgical and Biomedical sciences, Ospedale Santa Maria della Misericordia, University of Perugia, Piazza Menghini, 1, 06129 Perugia, Italy.
| | - Francesca De Terlizzi
- Scientific & Medical Department IGEA S.p.A. Via Parmenide 10/A, 41012 Carpi (Mo), Italy.
| | - Martina Ferioli
- Radiation Oncology Centre, Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, University of Bologna, Via Massarenti 13, 40138 Bologna, Italy.
| | - Silvia Cara
- Oncologic Gynaecology Unit, Department Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), S. Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, University of Bologna, Via Massarenti 13, 40138 Bologna, Italy.
| | - Alessio Giuseppe Morganti
- Radiation Oncology Centre, Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, University of Bologna, Via Massarenti 13, 40138 Bologna, Italy.
| | - Pierandrea De Iaco
- Oncologic Gynaecology Unit, Department Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), S. Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, University of Bologna, Via Massarenti 13, 40138 Bologna, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Campana LG, Miklavčič D, Bertino G, Marconato R, Valpione S, Imarisio I, Dieci MV, Granziera E, Cemazar M, Alaibac M, Sersa G. Electrochemotherapy of superficial tumors - Current status:: Basic principles, operating procedures, shared indications, and emerging applications. Semin Oncol 2019; 46:173-191. [PMID: 31122761 DOI: 10.1053/j.seminoncol.2019.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2018] [Revised: 04/19/2019] [Accepted: 04/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Treatment of superficial tumors with electrochemotherapy (ECT) has shown a steep rise over the past decade and indications range from skin cancers to locally advanced or metastatic neoplasms. Based on reversible electroporation, which is a physical method to achieve transient tumor cell membrane permeabilization by means of short electric pulses, ECT increases cellular uptake of bleomycin and cisplatin and their cytotoxicity by 8,000- and 80-fold, respectively. Standard operating procedures were established in 2006 and updated in 2018. Ease of administration, patient tolerability, efficacy across histotypes, and repeatability are peculiar advantages, which make standard ECT (ie, ECT using fixed-geometry electrodes) a reliable option for controlling superficial tumor growth locally and preventing their morbidity. Consolidated indications include superficial metastatic melanoma, breast cancer, head and neck skin tumors, nonmelanoma skin cancers, and Kaposi sarcoma. In well-selected patients with oropharyngeal cancers, ECT ensures appreciable symptom control. Emerging applications include skin metastases from visceral or hematological malignancies, vulvar cancer, and some noncancerous skin lesions (keloids and capillary vascular malformations). Repeatability and integration with other oncologic therapies allow for consolidation of response and sustained tumor control. In this review, we present the basic principles of ECT, recently updated operating procedures, anesthesiological management, and provide a synthesis of the efficacy of standard ECT across histotypes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Luca G Campana
- Department of Surgery Oncology and Gastroenterology (DISCOG), University of Padua, Italy; Surgical Oncology, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, Padua, Italy.
| | - Damijan Miklavčič
- University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Giulia Bertino
- Department of Otolaryngology Head Neck Surgery, University of Pavia, IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | | | | | - Ilaria Imarisio
- Medical Oncology Unit, University of Pavia, IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Maria Vittoria Dieci
- Surgical Oncology, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, Padua, Italy; Medical Oncology-2, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, Padua, Italy
| | - Elisa Granziera
- Anesthesiology Unit, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, Padua, Italy
| | - Maja Cemazar
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Mauro Alaibac
- Dermatology, Department of Medicine, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Gregor Sersa
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Campana LG, Edhemovic I, Soden D, Perrone AM, Scarpa M, Campanacci L, Cemazar M, Valpione S, Miklavčič D, Mocellin S, Sieni E, Sersa G. Electrochemotherapy - Emerging applications technical advances, new indications, combined approaches, and multi-institutional collaboration. Eur J Surg Oncol 2018; 45:92-102. [PMID: 30528893 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejso.2018.11.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 116] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2018] [Accepted: 11/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The treatment of tumors with electrochemotherapy (ECT) has surged over the past decade. Thanks to the transient cell membrane permeabilization induced by the short electric pulses used by ECT, cancer cells are exposed to otherwise poorly permeant chemotherapy agents, with consequent increased cytotoxicity. The codification of the procedure in 2006 led to a broad diffusion of the procedure, mainly in Europe, and since then, the progressive clinical experience, together with the emerging technologies, have extended the range of its application. Herein, we review the key advances in the ECT field since the European Standard Operating Procedures on ECT (ESOPE) 2006 guidelines and discuss the emerging clinical data on the new ECT indications. First, technical developments have improved ECT equipment, with custom electrode probes and dedicated tools supporting individual treatment planning in anatomically challenging tumors. Second, the feasibility and short-term efficacy of ECT has been established in deep-seated tumors, including bone metastases, liver malignancies, and pancreatic and prostate cancers (long-needle variable electrode geometry ECT), and gastrointestinal tumors (endoscopic ECT). Moreover, pioneering studies indicate lung and brain tumors as suitable future targets. A further advance relates to new combination strategies with immunotherapy, gene electro transfer (GET), calcium EP, and radiotherapy. Finally and fourth, cross-institutional collaborative groups have been established to refine procedural guidelines, promote clinical research, and explore new indications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Luca G Campana
- Department of Surgery Oncology and Gastroenterology (DISCOG), University of Padua, Italy; Surgical Oncology, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, Padua, Italy.
| | - Ibrahim Edhemovic
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | | | - Anna M Perrone
- Oncologic Gynecology Unit, Sant'Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, Bologna, Italy
| | - Marco Scarpa
- Surgical Oncology, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, Padua, Italy
| | - Laura Campanacci
- 3rd Orthopaedic and Traumatologic Clinic Prevalently Oncologic, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, Bologna, Italy
| | - Maja Cemazar
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Sara Valpione
- Christie NHS Foundation Trust, CRUK Manchester Institute, The University of Manchester, Manchester, M20 4GJ, UK
| | - Damijan Miklavčič
- University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Simone Mocellin
- Department of Surgery Oncology and Gastroenterology (DISCOG), University of Padua, Italy; Surgical Oncology, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, Padua, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Sieni
- Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Padua, Italy
| | - Gregor Sersa
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Perrone AM, Galuppi A, Borghese G, Corti B, Ferioli M, Della Gatta AN, Bovicelli A, Morganti AG, De Iaco P. Electrochemotherapy pre-treatment in primary squamous vulvar cancer. Our preliminary experience. J Surg Oncol 2018; 117:1813-1817. [DOI: 10.1002/jso.25072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2017] [Accepted: 03/20/2018] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Anna M. Perrone
- Oncologic Gynaecology Unit; Sant'Orsola- Malpighi Hospital; Bologna Italy
| | - Andrea Galuppi
- Radiotherapy Unit; Sant'Orsola- Malpighi Hospital; Bologna Italy
| | - Giulia Borghese
- Oncologic Gynaecology Unit; Sant'Orsola- Malpighi Hospital; Bologna Italy
| | - Barbara Corti
- Pathology Unit; Sant'Orsola- Malpighi Hospital; Bologna Italy
| | - Martina Ferioli
- Radiotherapy Unit; Sant'Orsola- Malpighi Hospital; Bologna Italy
| | | | | | | | - Pierandrea De Iaco
- Oncologic Gynaecology Unit; Sant'Orsola- Malpighi Hospital; Bologna Italy
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Probst U, Fuhrmann I, Beyer L, Wiggermann P. Electrochemotherapy as a New Modality in Interventional Oncology: A Review. Technol Cancer Res Treat 2018; 17:1533033818785329. [PMID: 29986632 PMCID: PMC6048674 DOI: 10.1177/1533033818785329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2017] [Revised: 03/01/2018] [Accepted: 05/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Electroporation is a well-known phenomenon that occurs at the cell membrane when cells are exposed to high-intensity electric pulses. Depending on electric pulse amplitude and number of pulses, applied electroporation can be reversible with membrane permeability recovery or irreversible. Reversible electroporation is used to introduce drugs or genetic material into the cell without affecting cell viability. Electrochemotherapy refers to a combined treatment: electroporation and drug injection to enhance its cytotoxic effect up to 1000-fold for bleomycin. Since several years, electrochemotherapy is gaining popularity as minimally invasive oncologic treatment. The adoption of electrochemotherapy procedure in interventional oncology poses several unsolved questions, since suitable tumor histology and size as well as therapeutic efficacy still needs to be deepen. Electrochemotherapy is usually applied in palliative settings for the treatment of patients with unresectable tumors to relieve pain and ameliorate quality of life. In most cases, it is used in the treatment of advanced stages of neoplasia when radical surgical treatment is not possible (eg, due to lesion location, size, and/or number). Further, electrochemotherapy allows treating tumor nodules in the proximity of important structures like vessels and nerves as the treatment does not involve tissue heating. Overall, the safety profile of electrochemotherapy is favorable. Most of the observed adverse events are local and transient, moderate local pain, erythema, edema, and muscle contractions during electroporation. The aim of this article is to review the recent published clinical experiences of electrochemotherapy use in deep-seated tumors with particular focus on liver cases. The principle of electrochemotherapy as well as the application to cutaneous metastases is briefly described. A short insight in the treatment of bone metastases, unresectable pancreas cancer, and soft tissue sarcoma will be given. Preclinical and clinical studies on treatment efficacy with electrochemotherapy of hepatic lesions and safety of the procedure adopted are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ute Probst
- Universitätsklinikum Regensburg Institut für Röntgendiagnostik, Regensburg,
Germany
| | - Irene Fuhrmann
- Universitätsklinikum Regensburg Institut für Röntgendiagnostik, Regensburg,
Germany
| | - Lukas Beyer
- Städtisches Klinikum Braunschweig, Institut für Röntgendiagnostik und
Nuklearmedizin, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Philipp Wiggermann
- Universitätsklinikum Regensburg Institut für Röntgendiagnostik, Regensburg,
Germany
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Bizzarri N, Vellone VG, Parodi L, Calanni Fraccono L, Ghirardi V, Costantini S, Menada MV, Sala P. Cutaneous metastasis from vulvar squamous cell carcinoma: a rare occurrence that should not be forgotten. J OBSTET GYNAECOL 2017; 37:975-981. [PMID: 28657384 DOI: 10.1080/01443615.2017.1318269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Vulvar cancer accounts for 5% of the female genital tract cancers. Cutaneous metastases from vulvar cancer are extremely rare and for this reason, it can be difficult to reach a diagnosis with a consequent delay in the treatment. A systematic literature review of articles on this subject was conducted through a MEDLINE-based search for articles published in English or French. To date, 16 cases (including ours unpublished) of cutaneous metastasis from vulvar cancer have been reported. Cutaneous metastasis can occur from any stage of vulvar cancer, even after a short period. Different treatments have been described but none of them seems to be more effective. In all reported cases the prognosis was very poor. Every time a vulvar cancer survivor shows a suspicious cutaneous lesion, this should be biopsied to exclude skin relapse. Impact statement Cutaneous metastases from vulvar cancer are extremely rare and due to its rarity, a standard treatment has not been established yet. Cutaneous metastasis can occur from any stage of vulvar cancer, even after a short period. In all the reported cases, the prognosis was very poor. Every time a vulvar cancer survivor shows a suspect cutaneous lesion, this should be biopsied to exclude skin relapse.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicolò Bizzarri
- a Academic Unit of Obstetrics and Gynecology , IRCCS AOU San Martino - IST , Genoa , Italy.,b Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health (DiNOGMI) , University of Genoa , Genoa , Italy
| | - Valerio Gaetano Vellone
- c Pathology Unit, Department of Surgical Sciences and Integrated Diagnostics (DISC) , University of Genoa , Genoa , Italy
| | - Luca Parodi
- a Academic Unit of Obstetrics and Gynecology , IRCCS AOU San Martino - IST , Genoa , Italy.,b Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health (DiNOGMI) , University of Genoa , Genoa , Italy
| | - Luana Calanni Fraccono
- a Academic Unit of Obstetrics and Gynecology , IRCCS AOU San Martino - IST , Genoa , Italy.,b Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health (DiNOGMI) , University of Genoa , Genoa , Italy
| | - Valentina Ghirardi
- d Northern Gynaecological Oncology Centre (NGOC) , Queen Elizabeth Hospital , Gateshead , UK
| | - Sergio Costantini
- a Academic Unit of Obstetrics and Gynecology , IRCCS AOU San Martino - IST , Genoa , Italy.,b Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health (DiNOGMI) , University of Genoa , Genoa , Italy
| | - Mario Valenzano Menada
- a Academic Unit of Obstetrics and Gynecology , IRCCS AOU San Martino - IST , Genoa , Italy.,b Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health (DiNOGMI) , University of Genoa , Genoa , Italy
| | - Paolo Sala
- a Academic Unit of Obstetrics and Gynecology , IRCCS AOU San Martino - IST , Genoa , Italy
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Pellegrino A, Damiani GR, Mangioni C, Strippoli D, Loverro G, Cappello A, Turoli Scd D, Corso S, Tartagni M, Pezzotta MG. Outcomes of Bleomycin-based electrochemotherapy in patients with repeated loco-regional recurrences of vulvar cancer. Acta Oncol 2016; 55:619-24. [PMID: 26882959 DOI: 10.3109/0284186x.2015.1117134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Objective To evaluate the safety, local tumor efficacy and relief of symptoms of electrochemotherapy (ECT) treatment in patients affected by recurrence of vulvar cancer (VC), unsuitable for standard treatments. Methods Ten patients were recruited with histological diagnosis of recurrence of VC. Intravenous bleomycin was injected, after an accurate mapping of all lesions and ECT was performed. Response to therapy was evaluated and quality of life (QoL) was evaluated via questionnaires. Results Diagnosis stage of primary tumors, according to the FIGO system, was: four patients respectively at stage IB (40%), and at stage II (40%), one patient at stage IIIA (10%), one patient with Paget cancer (10%). Mean age was 76 years (SD ± 7) at time of enrollment. Eight patients (80%) were previously submitted to surgery and/or radio-chemotherapy. Mean treatment time was 20 (range 10-20) min. After a median follow-up of 12 (3-22) months, six patients (60%) were alive. Conclusions Objective responses (ORs) with local control of the tumor were obtained in 80%. After a mean follow-up of 12 (3-22) months six patients (60%) were alive. The favorable outcome of this study, indicates that ECT is a reliable treatment option that may improve their functioning, thus enhancing the care provided in the palliative setting.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Pellegrino
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Alessandro Manzoni Hospital, Lecco, Italy
| | - Gianluca Raffaello Damiani
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Alessandro Manzoni Hospital, Lecco, Italy
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Azienda Ospedaliera Di Lodi, Milan, Italy
- Department of dermatology, Alessandro Manzoni Hospital, Lecco, Italy
- Alessandro Manzoni Hospital, Lecco, Italy
| | - Costantino Mangioni
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Alessandro Manzoni Hospital, Lecco, Italy
| | - Davide Strippoli
- Department of dermatology, Alessandro Manzoni Hospital, Lecco, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Loverro
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Bari, Italy
| | - Antonio Cappello
- Department of Radiology, Alessandro Manzoni Hospital, Lecco, Italy
| | | | - Silvia Corso
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Alessandro Manzoni Hospital, Lecco, Italy
| | - Massimo Tartagni
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Bari, Italy
| | | |
Collapse
|