Surgery of the vulva in vulvar cancer

Reconstruction of the labia majora using a neurovascular pedicled pudendal thigh flap after extensive vulvectomy for primary extramammary Paget's disease: A case report

Key Clinical Message

A neurovascular pedicled pudendal thigh flap was used to reconstruct labial defect after extensive vulvectomy for primary extramammary Paget's disease. The flap was reliable for the superior skin and ideal for large labial defect reconstruction.

Abstract

Extramammary Paget's disease (EMPD), a rare type of intraepidermal carcinoma, predominantly affects the genitalia. Generally, the treatment for primary EMPD is wide surgical excision; however, large tissue defects after resection necessitate customized reconstruction. Previously, several reconstruction techniques have been outlined, such as local skin flaps (V-Y flaps), skin grafts, pedicled flaps, and free flaps. However, the complexity of EMPD management is due to the multiple flaps and techniques. In this case report, we applied a neurovascular pedicled pudendal thigh flap to reconstruct a labial defect in a 68-year-old woman using the technique of elevation and particularly the insetting of the flap. This pedicled flap was robust and reliable, producing a labium that was natural in appearance with good-quality skin cover and a protective sensation. The patient was satisfied with both the cosmetic appearance and normal sensation of the reconstructed labia. Additionally, the linear scar at the donor site was located along the inguinal fold, and the flap was accepted by the patient as an ideal tissue for reconstruction of the large labial defect.

Management of Early-Stage Vulvar Cancer

Simple Summary

Vulvar cancer is a rare gynecological malignancy that affects mainly postmenopausal women. Recently, however, an alarming increase in the rates among young women has been observed due to human papillomavirus infection. The standard treatment for vulvar cancer is surgery with or without radiotherapy as adjuvant treatment. In recent decades, sentinel lymph node biopsy has been included as part of the surgical treatment. Thus, our objective was to review and discuss the advances found in the literature about early-stage vulvar cancer. For this, we searched PubMed for publications in the English language. Relevant articles, such as the GROINS-V studies, and the GOG protocols, are presented in this review exhibiting the evolution of early-stage vulvar cancer treatment and the decrease in surgical morbidity rates.

Abstract

Vulvar cancer is a rare gynecological malignancy since it represents 4% of all cancers of the female genital tract. The most common histological type is squamous cell carcinoma (90%). This type can be classified into two clinicopathological subtypes according to the etiology. The first subtype is associated with persistent human papillomavirus infection and is usually diagnosed in younger women. The second subtype is associated with lichen sclerosus condition, and in most cases is diagnosed in postmenopausal women. Currently, an increase in first subtype cases has been observed, which raised the concern about associated mortality and treatment morbidity among young women. Vulvar cancer treatment depends on histopathology grade and staging, but surgery with or without radiotherapy as adjuvant treatment is considered the gold standard. In recent decades, sentinel lymph node biopsy has been incorporated as part of the treatment. Therefore, we sought to review and discuss the advances documented in the literature about vulvar cancer focusing on the treatment of early-stage disease. Relevant articles, such as the GROINS-V studies and the GOG protocols, are presented in this review. Additionally, we discuss key points such as the evolution of treatment from invasive surgery with high morbidity, to more conservative approaches without compromising oncologic safety; the role of sentinel lymph node mapping in the initial staging, since it reduces the complications caused by inguinofemoral lymphadenectomy; the recurrences rates, since local recurrence is common and curable, however, groin-associated, or distant recurrences have a poor prognosis; and, finally, the long-term follow-up that is essential for all patients.

Electroporation and Electrochemotherapy in Gynecological and Breast Cancer Treatment

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.

Adjuvant Radiation in Early Stage Vulvar Cancer: A Review of Indications and Optimal Dose

Vulvar cancer is a relatively rare gynecologic malignancy for which surgery remains the cornerstone of treatment. A wide local excision is the goal for treatment with curative intent in patients with early stage vulvar cancer, given that there are adverse pathologic features shown to increase risk of local recurrence. Specifically, the presence of positive or close margins of < 8 mm or 2 or more positive nodes have been shown to significantly increase the risk of recurrence and have informed guidelines for risk-adapted adjuvant radiation, although the optimal dose for adjuvant radiation is yet to be established. Given the rarity of vulvar cancer, guidelines regarding the indications and dose for adjuvant radiation are based largely on retrospective studies. The purpose of this review is to summarize the evidence underlying the current indications for adjuvant radiation in early stage vulvar cancer as well as to determine the optimal dose for adjuvant radiation.

Perineural Invasion in Vulvar Squamous-Cell Carcinoma Is an Independent Risk Factor for Cancer-Specific Survival, but Not for Locoregional Recurrence: Results from a Single Tertiary Referral Center

Simple Summary

Vulvar squamous cell carcinoma is a rare tumor but represents a serious health issue, especially due to the increasing incidence over the past decades. Many efforts have been made to identify new prognostic and therapeutic factors and, in this context, growing evidence concerning a pivotal role of perineural invasion. With this study, we investigated the role of perineural invasion in a large cohort of FIGO stage Ib-IIIc vulvar squamous cell carcinomas and found that perineural invasion-positive tumors have more aggressive biological behaviors and showed reduced cancer-specific survival as compared to perineural invasion-negative tumors, while this feature does not appear to be related to a greater risk to develop loco-regional recurrence. Further evaluations are warranted to confirm the prognostic role of perineural invasion and its potential use to tailor adjuvant treatment.

Abstract

The aims of this study were to assess the prevalence of perineural invasion (PNI) in vulvar squamous cell carcinoma (VSCC) and its prognostic role in locoregional recurrence (LRR) and cancer-specific survival (CSS). We performed a retrospective analysis of 223 consecutive stage IB–IIIC surgically treated VSCCs at S. Anna Hospital, University of Turin, from 2000 to 2019. We identified 133/223 (59.6%) patients with PNI-positive VSCCs. PNI was associated with aggressive biological features (i.e., advanced FIGO stage, larger tumor diameter, greater depth of invasion, a higher number of metastatic lymph nodes, and lymphovascular invasion) and shorter 5-year CSS (78% vs. 90%, log-rank p = 0.02) compared with PNI-negative VSCCs. Multivariate analysis showed that PNI (HR 2.99 CI 95% 1.17–7.63; p = 0.02) and the presence of tumor cells on pathological surgical margins (HR 3.13 CI 95% 1.37–7.13; p = 0.007) are independent prognostic factors for CSS. PNI does not appear to be related to LRR, but is an independent prognostic factor for worse survival outcomes. Future studies are necessary to explore the possible value of PNI in tailoring the choice of adjuvant treatment.

The giant steps in surgical downsizing toward a personalized treatment of vulvar cancer

The present article aims to highlight the importance of changes of personalized surgical treatment for vulvar cancer. Current international literature regarding surgical treatment of vulvar cancer was evaluated. This included several studies and systematic reviews. Radical surgery approach, such as en bloc resection, was the first therapeutic option and the standard care for many years, even if burdened with a high complication rate and frequently disfiguring. Taussing and Way introduced radical vulvectomy approach with en bloc bilateral inguinal-femoral lymphadenectomy; modified radical vulvectomy was developed, with a wide radical excision of the primary tumor. The role of inguinofemoral lymphadenectomy (mono or bilateral) changed in the years too, particularly with the advent of SLN biopsy as minimally invasive surgical approach for lymph node staging, in patients with unifocal cancer <4 cm, without suspicious groin nodes. More personalized and conservative surgical approach, consisting of wide local or wide radical excisions, is necessary to reduce complications as lymphedema or sexual disfunction. The optimal surgical management of vulvar cancer needs to consider dimensions, staging, depth of invasion, presence of carcinoma at the surgical margins of resection and grading, with the goal of making the treatment as individualized as possible.

Cancer of the vulva: 2021 update

Vulvar cancer is an uncommon gynecological malignancy primarily affecting postmenopausal women. There is no specific screening and the most effective strategy to reduce vulvar cancer incidence is the opportune treatment of predisposing and preneoplastic lesions associated with its development. While vulvar cancer may be asymptomatic, most women present with vulvar pruritus or pain, or have noticed a lump or ulcer. Therefore, any suspicious vulvar lesion should be biopsied to exclude invasion. Once established, the most common subtype is squamous cell carcinoma. Treatment of vulvar cancer depends primarily on histology and surgical staging. Treatment is predominantly surgical, particularly for squamous cell carcinoma, although concurrent chemoradiation is an effective alternative, particularly for advanced tumors. Management should be individualized and carried out by a multidisciplinary team in a cancer center experienced in the treatment of these tumors.

A useful update for trainees and specialists regarding the diagnosis, staging, treatment, and some controversies in the management of vulvar neoplasms.

Is There a Place for Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors in Vulvar Neoplasms? A State of the Art Review

Vulvar cancer (VC) is a rare neoplasm, usually arising in postmenopausal women, although human papilloma virus (HPV)-associated VC usually develop in younger women. Incidences of VCs are rising in many countries. Surgery is the cornerstone of early-stage VC management, whereas therapies for advanced VC are multimodal and not standardized, combining chemotherapy and radiotherapy to avoid exenterative surgery. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are scarce due to the rarity of the disease and prognosis has not improved. Hence, new therapies are needed to improve the outcomes of these patients. In recent years, improved knowledge regarding the crosstalk between neoplastic and tumor cells has allowed researchers to develop a novel therapeutic approach exploiting these molecular interactions. Both the innate and adaptive immune systems play a key role in anti-tumor immunesurveillance. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have demonstrated efficacy in multiple tumor types, improving survival rates and disease outcomes. In some gynecologic cancers (e.g., cervical cancer), many studies are showing promising results and a growing interest is emerging about the potential use of ICIs in VC. The aim of this manuscript is to summarize the latest developments in the field of VC immunoncology, to present the role of state-of-the-art ICIs in VC management and to discuss new potential immunotherapeutic approaches.

The International Society for the Study of Vulvovaginal Disease Surgical Oncological Procedure Definitions Committee "Surgical Terminology for Vulvar Cancer Treatment"

OBJECTIVES

The International Society for the Study of Vulvovaginal Disease (ISSVD) Surgical Oncological Procedure Definitions Committee propose a consistent terminology based on well-defined and reproducible anatomic landmarks that can be used by all who are involved in care of patients with vulvar conditions.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The fundamental principles behind the new terminology contained descriptions of the area extension and depth of the surgical procedure.

RESULTS

Vulvar Surgical Topographic Anatomy LandmarksExtension. The internal border of the vulva is the hymenal ring. The genitocrural folds are the external lateral borders.The vertical line through the clitoris and the anus defines lateral portions of the vulva.The horizontal line from the upper border of the hymenal ring defines anterior and posterior portion of the vulva.Depth. The floor of the vulva is represented by the median perineal fascia or perineal membrane of the urogenital diaphragm.A. Vulvectomy1. Extension: partial/total vulvectomy. Removal of part/entire vulvar/perineal integument independent of the depth.2. Depth: superficial/deep. Removal of the most superficial layer/removal of the vulvar tissue to the superficial aponeurosis of the urogenital diaphragm and/or pubic periosteum.B. Inguinofemoral lymphadenectomy1. Superficial inguinofemoral lymphadenectomy. Removal of the nodes located beside the inguinal ligament and along the great saphenous vein.2. Deep femoral lymphadenectomy. Removal of the nodes below the cribriform lamina and medial to the femoral vein.

CONCLUSIONS

This terminology helps avoid confusion and promote better understanding and exchange of experiences among gynecologic oncologists involved in vulvar carcinoma care.

Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma of Bartholin's Gland: What Is the Best Approach?

Background and summary: Among all vulvar cancers, primary adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) of Bartholin's gland is a very rare tumor characterized by a slow growth, a high local aggressiveness, and a remarkable recurrence rate. Due to its rarity, treatment remains a challenge for oncologists and gynecological surgeons. Key message: The present paper reports clinical, radiological, and histological features of ACC of Bartholin's gland and reviews the literature data on the treatment options with a particular focus on the potential role of particle radiation therapy.

Comparison of two types of the triple incision technique in the treatment of patients with locally advanced vulvar cancer

Objective: In 2012, we proposed and described a modified triple incision technique (MTIT) for vulvar cancer patients with locally advanced disease. The MTIT has undergone a series of modifications, and a modified MTIT (M-MTIT) has been developed. The purpose of this study was to introduce the M-MTIT and compare it with the MTIT. Study design: This was a retrospective cohort study. Fifty-seven vulvar cancer patients with clinical stage T2 (≥ 4 cm) or T3 disease were included. Of these patients, 28 underwent the MTIT and 29 underwent the M-MTIT. Data on surgery-related complications and survival outcomes were compared. Results: Patients who were treated with the M-MTIT developed significantly less surgery-related morbidities than patients treated with the MTIT (24.1% vs. 60.7%, P = 0.005). Wound breakdown was the most common complication in our cohort, which occurred less frequently in the M-MTIT group than in the MTIT group (10.3% vs. 35.7%, P = 0.022). Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified the M-MTIT as an independent predictor of a reduced risk of wound breakdown. The incidence of other complications, including lymphedema, wound infection and cellulitis, was lower in the M-MTIT group than in the MTIT group; however, the differences did not reach statistical significance. The median follow-up time of this study was 33 months. Kaplan-Meier survival graphs did not show significant differences in recurrence-free survival or overall survival between the two groups. Conclusions: The M-MTIT correlates with lower morbidity rates than the MTIT and does not compromise oncological safety. The M-MTIT can be considered a safe and feasible option for vulvar cancer patients with locally advanced disease.

Vaginal flap for urethral neomeatus reconstruction after radical surgery for vulvar cancer: a retrospective cohort analysis

INTRODUCTION

Partial urethrectomy during radical surgery for vulvar cancer may help avoid adjuvant radiotherapy in some patients. This study aimed to evaluate surgical, oncologic, and urinary outcomes of a new surgical technique based on vaginal flap to perform neomeatus reconstruction after distal urethral resection in radical surgery for vulvar cancer.

METHODS

Retrospective cohort study between January 2005 and December 2017. We recorded data on pre- and post-operative urinary symptoms, surgical procedures, complications, adjuvant therapy, and follow-up of all patients who underwent surgery for vulvar cancer and had distal urethral resection and neomeatus reconstruction with the proposed technique. The reconstruction was based on the development of a vaginal flap in which a circular opening was created to become the neo-outlet of the urethra.

RESULTS

Of a total of 200 patients with vulvar cancer operated with curative intent, 33 (16.5%) underwent distal urethral resection and neomeatus reconstruction during surgery (median age 73 (range 57-89) years; median body mass index 25.3 (range 16.3-36.4) kg/m²). Urethrectomy allowed the avoidance of adjuvant radiotherapy in 15/33 (45.5%) patients. No case of dehiscence was reported at the site of neomeatus. After a median follow-up of 39 (range 14-151) months, only one case of deviated urinary stream (3%) and no cases of neomeatus stricture were reported. Six (18.2%) patients developed or worsened urinary incontinence after urethral resection and neomeatus reconstruction, and there was no difference in the prevalence of urethral compressor muscle involvement during urethrectomy (p=0.19) and adjuvant radiotherapy (p=1.00). No recurrences were reported at urethral margins.

CONCLUSIONS

Distal urethral resection and neomeatus reconstruction seem to be associated with adequate healing and low complication rates, such as dehiscence, stenosis, and flux deviation/dribbling. New-onset or worsened urinary incontinence does not seem to be associated with urethral compressor muscle involvement during urethral resection or adjuvant radiotherapy.

Uptake of sentinel lymph node procedures in women with vulvar cancer over time in a population based study

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate trends in uptake of sentinel lymph node (SLN) procedures over time and associated factors in women with vulvar cancer.

METHODS

A retrospective population-based cohort study identified women with invasive squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the vulva using health administrative data for the province of Ontario, Canada, between 2008 and 2016. Patients who underwent SLN procedures were compared to those who had groin node dissection (GND). Multivariable analysis was used to identify factors associated with SLN procedures.

RESULTS

1385 patients with SCC of the vulva were identified; 1079 had a surgical procedure. Only those with groin node assessment were included in the study cohort (n = 732, 68%). SLN procedures were done in 52%. When comparing SLN versus GND, the rate of SLNs was significantly different by year of diagnosis (P < 0.001), associated comorbidity (P < 0.001) and institution (P < 0.0001). The rates of SLNs by institution with gynecologic oncologist were variable and ranged from 32% to 79% among 9 centers. There were no differences in age, income quintile, and urban/rural residence. The proportion of SLN procedures increased from 30.1% (CI 18.9-45.6) in 2008 to 65.2% (CI 36.5-107.6) in 2016. On multivariate analysis, factors significantly associated with SLN procedures were more recent year of diagnosis (OR 7.9, CI 2.7-23.5) associated comorbidities (OR 2.7, CI 1.5-5.0) and institution (Site 5, OR 19.6 [CI 3.6-108.3] and Site 6, [OR 6, CI 1.1-33.4]).

CONCLUSIONS

The proportion of SLN procedures in women with vulvar cancer has increased over time, but uptake is not uniform across institutions. Barriers to uptake should be explored.

Definitive radiotherapy for recurrent vulvar carcinoma after primary surgery: a two-institutional Italian experience

Objective:

To assess the clinical outcome of patients treated with radiotherapy (RT) for recurrent squamous cell carcinoma of the vulva after primary surgery.

Methods:

Fifty-six patients developed recurrent disease after surgery, consisting of deep total vulvectomy with inguino-femoral lymphadenectomy in 44 (78.6%) and deep partial vulvectomy with inguino-femoral lymphadenectomy in 12 (21.4%). All patients underwent RT at the Divisions of Radiotherapy, University of Pisa and ASST Cremona, between 1992 and 2016. Forty-three patients (76.8%) underwent external beam RT and 13 (23.2%) were treated with exclusive high-dose rate brachytherapy.

Results:

Five-year progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were 19% and 43%, respectively. Primary tumor size ⩽4 cm, early FIGO stage, and negative lymph node status were significantly associated with better PFS ( p = .005, p = .020 and p = .036, respectively) and OS ( p < .0001, p = .023 and p = .008, respectively). Patients with more than 1 positive lymph node at primary surgery had significantly worse PFS ( p = .028) and OS ( p = .001). Patients with local recurrence had significantly better PFS and OS ( p = .022, p = .002, respectively). RT total dose >54 Gy was associated with a lower risk of recurrence.

Conclusions:

Primary tumor size, FIGO stage, nodal status, and site of recurrent disease were significant predictors of clinical outcome in patients treated with RT for recurrent squamous cell carcinoma of the vulva.

MRI evaluation of vulvar squamous-cell carcinoma in fresh radical local excision specimens for cancer localization and prediction of surgical tumor-free margins

In the surgical treatment of vulvar squamous-cell carcinoma (VSCC), tumor-free margins of 8 mm or more are considered adequate. However, limited perioperative information on the tumor-free margins other than the surgeon's own estimation is available. The purpose of this study was therefore to investigate the feasibility of ex vivo MRI in localizing VSCC and to assess the surgical tumor-free margins in fresh radical local excision (RLE) specimens to guide the surgeon during resections. Nine patients with biopsy-proven VSCC scheduled for RLE were prospectively included. Intact fresh specimens were scanned using a 7 T preclinical MR-scanner. Whole mount H&E-stained slides were obtained every 3 mm and correlated with ex vivo MRI. A pathologist annotated VSCC and minimal tumor-free margins (3 o'clock, 9 o'clock, basal) on the digitalized histological slides. An observer with knowledge of histology (the non-blinded annotation) and a radiologist blinded to histology (the blinded annotation) separately performed annotation of the same features on ex vivo MRI. Linear correlation and agreement of the ex vivo MRI measurements with histology were assessed. Diagnostic performance for VSCC localization and identification of margins less than 8 mm was expressed as positive and negative predictive values (PPV, NPV). In 153 matched ex vivo MRI slices, the observer correctly identified 79/91 margins as less than 8 mm (PPV 87%) and 110/124 margins as 8 mm or greater (NPV 89%). The radiologist correctly annotated absence of VSCC in 73/81 (NPV 90%) and presence in 65/72 (PPV 90%) slices. Sixty-four of 90 margins were correctly identified as less than 8 mm (PPV 71%) and 83/102 margins as 8 mm or greater (NPV 81%). Both non-blinded and blinded annotations were linearly correlated and demonstrated good agreement with histology. Accurate localization of VSCC and measurements of the surgical tumor-free margins in fresh RLE specimens using ex vivo MRI seems feasible. High diagnostic performance in VSCC localization and identification of margins less than 8 mm suggest ex vivo MRI to be clinically applicable.

Cancer of the vulva

Vulvar cancer is an uncommon gynecological malignancy primarily affecting postmenopausal women. There is no specific screening and the most effective strategy to reduce vulvar cancer incidence is the opportune treatment of predisposing and preneoplastic lesions associated with its development. While vulvar cancer may be asymptomatic, most women present with vulvar pruritus or pain, or have noticed a lump or ulcer. Therefore, any suspicious vulvar lesion should be biopsied to exclude invasion. Once established, the most common subtype is squamous cell carcinoma. Treatment of vulvar cancer depends primarily on histology and surgical staging. Treatment is predominantly surgical, particularly for squamous cell carcinoma, although concurrent chemoradiation is an effective alternative, particularly for advanced tumors. Management should be individualized, and carried out by a multidisciplinary team in a cancer center experienced in the treatment of these tumors.

Treatment Outcomes of Patients with Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Vulva: The Largest Series from a Tertiary Care Hospital

Objective

To evaluate the outcomes of squamous cell carcinoma (SCCA) of the vulva treated at our tertiary care center.

Methods

The medical records of SCCA patients treated between January 2006 and December 2015 were retrospectively reviewed.

Results

One hundred forty-five patients met the criteria with the median age of 57 years old, and 58.6% had an underlying disease. The distribution of stages was as follows: IA 6.2%, IB 21.4%, II 26.2%, IIIA 14.5%, IIIB 6.2%, IIIC 9.7%, IVA 9.0%, and IVB 6.9%. One hundred and nine patients underwent surgical intervention and radical local excision with bilateral groin node dissection as the most frequent procedure. Approximately half of the patients received combined treatment with surgery followed by radiation with or without chemotherapy. Recurrence developed in 127 patients after the median follow-up time of one year with the common sites in the groin and vulva region. However, no significant difference in survival occurred in patients with and without groin node recurrence (15 vs. 28 months, P=0.109). The five-year overall survival was 50.8%.

Conclusions

The survival of patients with SCCA vulvar cancer was modest. The common failure sites were groin and vulva regions with unfavorable outcomes.

The Role of Radiation Therapy in Vulvar Cancer: Review of the Current Literature

The purpose of this article is to discuss the current role of radiation therapy in vulvar cancer and especially to review the recent literature relative to the use of intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) in disease management. Owing to the low incidence of vulvar cancer, at present there are no available results of cooperative prospective trials. As evidenced in dosimetric and preliminary retrospective clinical studies, the use of IMRT has resulted in superior normal tissue sparing and lower rates of acute and chronic toxicities compared to previous studies that used conventional approaches. Data on long-term outcomes in these patients remain limited.

Interstitial high-dose-rate brachytherapy in locally advanced and recurrent vulvar cancer

PURPOSE

The aim of the study was to report our experience with high-dose-rate interstitial brachytherapy (HDR-ISBT) in locally advanced and recurrent vulvar cancer.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Between 2004 and 2014, fourteen women with locally advanced or recurrent vulvar cancer were treated using HDR-ISBT in our Centre. High-dose-rate interstitial brachytherapy was performed as a separate treatment or in combination with external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) (given prior to brachytherapy).

RESULTS

Patients were divided into: group I (n = 6) with locally advanced tumors, stages III-IVA after an incisional biopsy only, and group II (n = 8) with recurrent vulvar cancer after previous radical surgery. In group I, median follow up was 12 months (range 7-18 months); 1-year overall survival (OS) was 83%. Transient arrest of cancer growth or tumor regression was noticed in all patients but 4/6 developed relapse. Median time to failure was 6.3 months (range 3-11 months). The 1-year progression-free survival (PFS) was 33%. In group II, median follow up was 28 months (range 13-90 months). The 1-year and 3-year OS was 100% and 80%, respectively. The arrest of cancer growth or tumor regression was achieved in all patients. In 4/8 patients neither clinical nor histological symptoms of relapse were observed but 4/8 women experienced relapse. Median time to failure was 31 months (range 13-76 months). The 1-year and 3-year PFS was 100% and 62.5%, respectively. Two patients (14.3%) in group II had severe late toxicity (G3).

CONCLUSIONS

High-dose-rate interstitial brachytherapy is a well-tolerated treatment option in selected patients with advanced or recurrent vulvar cancer. It is a safe and effective treatment modality for advanced and recurrent vulvar cancer, yielding good local control with acceptable late treatment related side effects. In our study, patients with recurrent vulvar cancer had better results in HDR-ISBT treatment, probably because of the smaller tumor volume. This hypothesis should be verified in a larger group of patients.

Characteristics and outcomes for patients with advanced vaginal or vulvar cancer referred to a phase I clinical trials program: the MD Anderson cancer center experience

Background

Early-stage vaginal and vulvar cancer can be cured. But outcomes of patients with metastatic disease are poor. Thus, new therapeutic strategies are urgently required.

Methods

In this retrospective study, we analyzed the clinical outcomes of consecutive patients with metastatic vaginal or vulvar cancer who were referred to a phase I trial clinic between January 2006 and December 2013. Demographic and clinical data were obtained from patients’ electronic medical records.

Results

Patients with metastatic vaginal (n = 16) and vulvar (n = 20) cancer who were referred for phase I trial therapy had median overall survival durations of 6.2 and 4.6 months, respectively. Among those who underwent therapy (n = 27), one experienced a partial response and three experienced stable disease for at least 6 months. Patients with a body mass index ≥30 had a significantly longer median overall survival duration than did those with a body mass index <30 (13.2 months versus 4.4 months, p = 0.04). Preliminary data revealed differences in molecular profiling between patients with advanced vaginal cancer and those with advanced vaginal cancer.

Conclusions

Metastatic vaginal and vulvar cancers remain to be difficult-to-treat diseases with poor clinical outcomes. The currently available phase I trial agents provided little meaningful clinical benefits. Understanding these tumors’ molecular mechanisms may allow us to develop more effective therapeutic strategies than are currently available regimens.

Vulvar cancer: a review for dermatologists

Vulvar malignancies are important tumors of the female reproductive system. They represent a serious health issue with an incidence between 2 and 7 per 100,000 and year. We provide a review about most important cancer entities, i.e., melanoma, squamous cell carcinoma, basal cell carcinoma, neuroendocrine cancer, and skin adnexal malignancies.Squamous cell carcinoma is the most common vulvar malignancy that can develop from vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia or de novo. Basal cell carcinoma represents only 2% of all vulvar cancers. Melanoma of the vulva exists in two major types-superficial spreading and acral lentiginous. A special feature is the occurrence of multiple vulvar melanomas. Of the adnexal cancer types Paget's disease and carcinoma are seen more frequently than other adnexal malignancies. The dermatologist should be aware of this problem, since he might be the first to be consulted by patients for vulvar disease. Treatment should be interdisciplinary in close association to gynecologists, oncologists, and radiologists.