Definition of a dynamic laparoscopic model for the prediction of incomplete cytoreduction in advanced epithelial ovarian cancer: Proof of a concept

Primary or Interval Debulking Surgery for Advanced Endometrial Cancer with Carcinosis: A Systematic Review and Individual Patient Data Meta-Analysis of Survival Outcomes

OBJECTIVE

To compare the survival outcomes of primary debulking surgery and platinum-based adjuvant chemotherapy versus interval debulking surgery after platinum-based neoadjuvant chemotherapy in patients with stage IVb endometrial cancer and peritoneal carcinosis.

METHODS

The online search included the following data sources: PubMed, Scopus, WOS, and the Cochrane Library from 1990 to 2024 (PROSPERO registration code: CRD42023438602). A total of 3230 studies were identified, with the inclusion of 16. Individual patient data on survival outcomes, disease distribution, and residual tumors, as well as details of neoadjuvant chemotherapy and adjuvant treatment, were extracted.

RESULTS

A total of 285 patients were included: 197 (69%) underwent primary debulking surgery and 88 (31%) underwent interval debulking surgery. The pooled analysis revealed a median progression-free survival in the primary debulking surgery group of 18.0 months compared to 12.0 months in the interval debulking surgery group (p = 0.028; log-rank test), and a median overall survival of 30.92 months versus 28.73 months (p = 0.400; log-rank test). Among the 134 patients with available information on the residual tumor after primary debulking surgery or interval debulking surgery, 110 (82%) had no macroscopic residual tumor (residual tumor = 0). The median progression-free survival was 18.9 months in the residual tumor = 0 group compared to 6.19 months in the residual tumor > 0 group (p < 0.001; log-rank test); the median overall survival was 40.6 months versus 21 months (p = 0.028; log-rank test).

CONCLUSIONS

These results indicate that primary debulking surgery should be considered the preferred treatment approach for advanced endometrial cancer with carcinosis, especially in carefully selected patients where complete cytoreduction is achievable. Further prospective studies are warranted to confirm these results and to establish standardized criteria for patient selection, incorporating molecular-integrated risk profiles for endometrial cancer.

Computed tomography-based prediction of interval cytoreduction in advanced ovarian cancer

OBJECTIVE

Our retrospective study aimed to investigate the role of computed tomography (CT) using both the tomographic Fagotti index and the Sugarbaker peritoneal cancer index (PCI) in predicting the feasibility of optimal interval debulking surgery in epithelial ovarian cancer.

METHODS

Patients with advanced ovarian cancer treated in our institution who were eligible for interval debulking surgery were identified and included in the study. A retrospective image collection was operated, and CT scan evaluations were conducted by 2 independent radiologists to establish both scores (Fagotti index and Sugarbaker PCI). The workflow included a third radiologist who resolved discrepancies. The receiver operating characteristics curve followed by the Youden J statistic was calculated to determine cutoff points that best differentiated complete/optimal versus suboptimal cytoreduction. The Fagotti index and Sugarbaker PCI cutoffs' accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value were calculated and represented as 95% CIs.

RESULTS

A total of 60 consecutive patients who had complete information in their charts with evaluable images and complete information about surgery were evaluated; of these, 35 had a complete/optimal interval debulking surgery. The receiver operating characteristic curve of the Fagotti index scoring system showed that a cutoff of ≥3 can identify 100% of inoperable patients. However, 29% of patients were falsely labeled as inoperable. A cutoff point of ≥5 avoids 88% of unnecessary laparotomies, reducing the rate of false inoperable designation from 29% to 17%. A Sugarbaker PCI of ≥8 predicts the risk of unnecessary laparotomies in 68%, with 26% falsely labeled as inoperable. The score of ≥7 is most effective in avoiding unnecessary surgeries (80%), but the chance of false positives increases from 26% to 32%.

CONCLUSION

CT-based scoring systems used in the present work can help determine which patients with advanced ovarian cancer are suitable for interval debulking surgery with high precision. Future studies are needed to enhance accuracy, thereby amplifying the radiologists' competency in using a systematic CT-based scoring system.

Laparoscopic prediction of primary cytoreducibility of epithelial ovarian cancer

Ovarian cancer affects thousands of women every year and represents the female cancer with the highest mortality rate. Effectively, it is a severe disease that requires a multidisciplinary approach for optimal treatment. Surgery currently is the cornerstone of its treatment and numerous methods have been analyzed and developed to predict the possibility of obtaining a residual tumor of 0 (RT=0). This review aimed to analyze the available data in the literature about minimally invasive surgical methods to predict an RT=0 in patients with advanced epithelial ovarian carcinoma undergoing primary debulking surgery. An accurate review of the literature has been performed on the available data about the surgical criteria of cytoreducibility during primary debulking surgery. An accurate assessment of the extent of intra- and extra-abdominal pathology is essential to guide the surgeon in the most appropriate therapeutic choice for patients with ovarian cancer and multidisciplinary approaches that combine different methodologies such as radiological methods (magnetic resonance imaging, positron emission tomography and computed tomography), surgical (mini-laparotomy, laparoscopy) and serological (CA-125, HE4) data provide a complete picture in determining the extent of the tumor and an enormous aid in personalizing the therapeutic approach.

Prediction of nonresectability using the updated Predictive Index value model assessed by imaging and surgery in tubo-ovarian cancer: a prospective multicenter ISAAC study

BACKGROUND

A laparoscopy-based scoring system was developed by Fagotti et al (Fagotti or Predictive Index value (PIV)score) based on the intraoperative presence or absence of carcinomatosis on predefined sites. Later, the authors updated the PIV score calculated only in the absence of one or both absolute criteria of nonresectability (mesenteric retraction and miliary carcinomatosis of the small bowel) (updated PIV model).

OBJECTIVE

The aim was to demonstrate the noninferiority of ultrasound to other imaging methods (contrast enhanced computed tomography (CT) and whole-body diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (WB-DWI)/MRI) in predicting nonresectable tumor (defined as residual disease >1 cm) using the updated PIV model in patients with tubo-ovarian cancer. The agreement between imaging and intraoperative findings as a reference was also calculated.

STUDY DESIGN

This was a European prospective multicenter observational study. We included patients with suspected tubo-ovarian carcinoma who underwent preoperative staging and prediction of nonresectability at ultrasound, CT, WB-DWI/MRI, and surgical exploration. Ultrasound and CT were mandatory index tests, while WB-DWI/MRI was an optional test (non-available in all centers). The predictors of nonresectability were suspicious mesenteric retraction and/or miliary carcinomatosis of the small bowel or if absent, a PIV >8 (updated PIV model). The PIV score ranges from 0 to 12 according to the presence of disease in 6 predefined intra-abdominal sites (great omentum, liver surface, lesser omentum/stomach/spleen, parietal peritoneum, diaphragms, bowel serosa/mesentery). The reference standard was surgical outcome, in terms of residual disease >1 cm, assessed by laparoscopy and/or laparotomy. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) to assess the performance of the methods in predicting nonresectability was reported. Concordance between index tests at the detection of disease at 6 predefined sites and intraoperative exploration as reference standard was also calculated using Cohen's kappa.

RESULTS

The study was between 2018 and 2022 in 5 European gynecological oncology centers. Data from 242 patients having both mandatory index tests (ultrasound and CT) were analyzed. 145/242 (59.9%) patients had no macroscopic residual tumor after surgery (R0) (5/145 laparoscopy and 140/145 laparotomy) and 17/242 (7.0%) had residual tumor ≤1 cm (R1) (laparotomy). In 80/242 patients (33.1%), the residual tumor was>1 cm (R2), 30 of them underwent laparotomy and maximum surgery was carried out, and 50/80 underwent laparoscopy only, because cytoreduction was not feasible in all of them. After excluding 18/242 (7.4%) patients operated on but not eligible for extensive surgery, the predictive performance of 3 imaging methods was analyzed in 167 women. The AUCs of all methods in discriminating between resectable and nonresectable tumor was 0.80 for ultrasound, 0.76 for CT, 0.71 for WB-DWI/MRI, and 0.90 for surgical exploration. Ultrasound had the highest agreement (Cohen's kappa ranging from 0.59 to 0.79) than CT and WB-DWI/MRI to assess all parameters included in the updated PIV model.

CONCLUSION

Ultrasound showed noninferiority to CT and to WB-DWI/MRI in discriminating between resectable and nonresectable tumor using the updated PIV model. Ultrasound had the best agreement between imaging and intraoperative findings in the assessment of parameters included in the updated PIV model. Ultrasound is an acceptable method to assess abdominal disease and predict nonresectability in patients with tubo-ovarian cancer in the hands of specially trained ultrasound examiners.

Preoperative [18F]fluoro-PEG-folate PET/CT in advanced stage epithelial ovarian cancer: A safety and feasibility study

PURPOSE

The selection for either primary or interval cytoreductive surgery (CRS) in patients with epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) is currently based on imaging techniques like computed tomography (CT), [18F]fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography ([18F]FDG-PET), diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DW-MRI) and/or diagnostic laparoscopy, but these have limitations. Folate receptor (FR)-targeted PET/CT imaging, using [18F]fluoro-PEG-folate, could improve preoperative assessment, potentially reducing unnecessary laparotomies. This paper presents the first experience with [18F]fluoro-PEG-folate PET/CT imaging in advanced stage EOC, focusing on safety, tolerability, and feasibility for reflecting the extent of disease.

METHODS

Tolerability and safety were monitored after administration of the [18F]fluoro-PEG-folate tracer by measurements of vital function parameters (blood pressure, heart rate, peripheral oxygen saturation, respiratory rate, and temperature). In addition, (serious) adverse events were recorded. Disease burden was quantified using the Peritoneal Cancer Index (PCI) score on preoperative [18F]fluoro-PEG-folate PET/CT and during surgery. PCI scores were compared with intraoperative findings, considering histopathologic results as the gold standard. Tissue specimens were stained for FRα and FRβ. Relative uptake of the radiotracer by EOC lesions and other tissues was quantified using body weighted standardized uptake values (SUV).

RESULTS

The study was terminated prematurely during the interim analysis after inclusion of eight patients of whom five had completed the study protocol. Although [18F]fluoro-PEG-folate demonstrated safety, efficacy for tumor-specific imaging was limited. Despite clear FRα overexpression, low tracer uptake was observed in EOC lesions, contrasting with high uptake in healthy tissues, posing challenges in specificity and accurately assessing tumor burden.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, while [18F]fluoro-PEG-folate was well-tolerated, its clinical utility in the preoperative assessment of the extent of disease in EOC was limited. This highlights the need for further research in developing targeted imaging agents for optimal detection of EOC metastases.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Clinicaltrials.gov, NCT05215496. Registered 31 January 2022.

Assessment of Intraoperative Scoring Systems for Predicting Cytoreduction Outcome in Peritoneal Metastatic Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Cytoreductive surgery (CRS) is a widely acknowledged treatment approach for peritoneal metastasis, showing favorable prognosis and long-term survival. Intraoperative scoring systems quantify tumoral burden before CRS and may predict complete cytoreduction (CC). This study reviews the intraoperative scoring systems for predicting CC and optimal cytoreduction (OC) and evaluates the predictive performance of the Peritoneal Cancer Index (PCI) and Predictive Index Value (PIV).

METHODS

Systematic searches were conducted in Embase, MEDLINE, and Web of Science. Meta-analyses of extracted data were performed to compare the absolute predictive performances of PCI and PIV.

RESULTS

Thirty-eight studies (5834 patients) focusing on gynecological (n = 34; 89.5%), gastrointestinal (n = 2; 5.3%) malignancies, and on tumors of various origins (n = 2; 5.3%) were identified. Seventy-seven models assessing the predictive performance of scoring systems (54 for CC and 23 for OC) were identified with PCI (n = 39/77) and PIV (n = 16/77) being the most common. Twenty models (26.0%) reinterpreted previous scoring systems of which ten (13%) used a modified version of PIV (reclassification). Meta-analyses of models predicting CC based on PCI (n = 21) and PIV (n = 8) provided an AUC estimate of 0.83 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.79-0.86; Q = 119.6, p = 0.0001; I2 = 74.1%) and 0.74 (95% CI 0.68-0.81; Q = 7.2, p = 0.41; I2 = 11.0%), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Peritoneal Cancer Index models demonstrate an excellent estimate of CC, while PIV shows an acceptable performance. There is a need for high-quality studies to address management differences, establish standardized cutoff values, and focus on non-gynecological malignancies.

The Predictive Value of the Fibrinogen-Albumin-Ratio Index on Surgical Outcomes in Patients with Advanced High-Grade Serous Ovarian Cancer

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

The present study evaluates predictive implications of the pretherapeutic Fibrinogen-Albumin-Ratio Index (FARI) in high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) patients undergoing primary cytoreductive surgery.

METHODS

This retrospective study included 161 patients with HGSOC International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage ≥ IIb, who underwent primary cytoreductive surgery followed by platinum-based chemotherapy. Associations between the FARI and complete tumor resection status were described by receiver operating characteristics, and binary logistic regression models were fitted.

RESULTS

Higher preoperative FARI values correlated with higher ascites volumes (r = 0.371, p < 0.001), and higher CA125 levels (r = 0.271, p = 0.001). A high FARI cut at its median (≥11.06) was associated with lower rates of complete tumor resection (OR 3.13, 95% CI [1.63-6.05], p = 0.001), and retrained its predictive value in a multivariable model independent of ascites volumes, CA125 levels, FIGO stage, and Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI).

CONCLUSIONS

The FARI appears to act as a surrogate for higher intra-abdominal tumor load. After clinical validation, FARI could serve as a readily available serologic biomarker to complement preoperative patient assessment, helping to identify patients who are likely to achieve complete tumor resection during primary cytoreductive surgery.

Potential Risks of Severe Infection Following the Exploratory Laparoscopy for Advanced Ovarian Cancer: A Case Report and a Literature Review

Although exploratory laparoscopy in patients with advanced ovarian cancer is a diagnostic tool for determining treatment strategy, its safety has not been completely investigated. We report a case involving a severe abdominal abscess following an exploratory laparoscopy. A 65-year-old woman with advanced ovarian cancer developed a large abdominal abscess following exploratory laparoscopy and neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Emergent laparotomy was performed; while massive bowel adhesion surrounding the abscess did not allow for genital organ resection, an incision in the left port area was made to drain the abscess. The patient's chemotherapy was delayed because she experienced sub-ileus, postoperatively. Only a limited number of studies have been conducted on the safety of these techniques. This intense infection case emphasizes the need for further investigations into the safety of exploratory laparoscopy in patients with progressive diseases under heterogeneous conditions in real-world settings.

First external validity study of the Fagotti score in ovarian cancer

Epithelial ovarian cancer is mostly discovered at the stage of peritoneal carcinosis. Complete cytoreductive surgery improves overall survival. The Fagotti score is a predictive score of resectability based on peritoneal laparoscopic exploratory. Our aim was to study the inter-observer concordance in an external validation of the Fagotti score. An observational, prospective, multicenter study was conducted using the Francogyn research network. The primary outcome was inter-observer concordance of the Fagotti score. 15 patients in which an ovarian mass was discovered were included. For each patient, the first exploratory laparoscopy before any treatment/chemotherapy was recorded. This bank of 15 videos was subject to blind review accompanied by a Fagotti score rating by 11 gynecological surgeons specializing in oncology. A total of 165 blind reviews were performed. Inter-observer concordance was very good for the Fagotti score with an intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) of 0.83 [95% CI 0.71; 0.93]. Inter-observer concordance for the adjusted Fagotti score, which accounts for unexplorable areas with extensive carcinomatosis, resulted in an ICC of 0.64 [95% CI 0.46; 0.82]. According to the reviewers, the three least explorable parameters were mesentery involvement, stomach infiltration and liver damage. The ICC of the explorable Fagotti score, i.e. score with deletion of the parameters most often unexplored by laparoscopy, was 0.86 [0.75-0.94]. This study confirms the reproducibility of the Fagotti score during first assessment laparoscopies in cases of advanced ovarian cancer. The explorable Fagotti score has an equivalent or better inter-observer concordance than the Fagotti score.

Neglected Anatomical Areas in Ovarian Cancer: Significance for Optimal Debulking Surgery

Ovarian cancer (OC), the most lethal gynecological malignancy, usually presents in advanced stages. Characterized by peritoneal and lymphatic dissemination, OC necessitates a complex surgical approach usually involving the upper abdomen with the aim of achieving optimal cytoreduction without visible macroscopic disease (R0). Failures in optimal cytoreduction, essential for prognosis, often stem from overlooking anatomical neglected sites that harbor residual tumor. Concealed OC metastases may be found in anatomical locations such as the omental bursa; Morison's pouch; the base of the round ligament and hepatic bridge; the splenic hilum; and suprarenal, retrocrural, cardiophrenic and inguinal lymph nodes. Hence, mastery of anatomy is crucial, given the necessity for maneuvers like liver mobilization, diaphragmatic peritonectomy and splenectomy, as well as dissection of suprarenal, celiac, and cardiophrenic lymph nodes in most cases. This article provides a meticulous anatomical description of neglected anatomical areas during OC surgery and describes surgical steps essential for the dissection of these "neglected" areas. This knowledge should equip clinicians with the tools needed for safe and complete cytoreduction in OC patients.

Quality of life in patients with advanced ovarian cancer after primary debulking surgery versus neoadjuvant chemotherapy: Results from the randomised SCORPION trial (NCT01461850)

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effect of treatment with neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) followed by interval debulking surgery (IDS), versus primary debulking surgery (PDS), on quality of life (QoL) in patients with advanced epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC).

DESIGN

Randomised trial conducted in a single institution.

SETTING

Division of Gynaecologic Oncology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy.

SAMPLE

Patients with stage-IIIC/IV EOC and high tumour load.

METHODS

Patients were randomised (1:1) to undergo either PDS (PDS group) or NACT followed by IDS (NACT/IDS group).

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Quality-of-life (QoL) data, assessed using the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer core QoL questionnaire (QLQ-C30) and ovarian cancer module (OV28); co-primary outcomes were the QLQ-C30 global health score at 12 months (cross-sectional analysis) and the difference in mean QLQ-C30 global health score over time between treatment groups (longitudinal analysis).

RESULTS

From October 2011 to May 2016, 171 patients were enrolled (PDS = 84; NACT/IDS = 87). We observed no clinical or statistically significant difference between treatment groups in any of the QoL functioning scales at 12 months, including QLQ-C30 global health score (NACT/IDS group vs PDS group, mean difference 4.7, 95% CI -4.99 to 14.4, p = 0.340). Over time, we found lower global health scores for those undergoing PDS than for those receiving NACT (difference in mean score 6.27, 95% CI 0.440-12.11, p = 0.035), albeit this was not clinically relevant.

CONCLUSIONS

We found no difference in global QoL related to treatment approach at 12 months, even though patients in the NACT/IDS group reported better global health scores across the 12-month period compared with the PDS group; these findings further confirm that NACT/IDS might be a feasible option for patients unsuitable for PDS.

Current Status and Controversies in Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy for Advanced Stage Ovarian Cancer: A Review

Objective: To evaluate the role of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) in the management of advanced ovarian cancer (AOC), with a focus on patient eligibility, pre-NACT diagnosis, treatment, timing of interval cytoreductive surgery (ICS) and the target of ICS, challenges in ICS, response assessment, changes in the tumor microenvironment during NACT, platinum resistance. Mechanism: NACT precedes cytoreductive surgery and shrinks tumors, thereby improving surgical success. Findings in Brief: NACT shows promising results for improving tumor reduction rates and improve prognosis. Conclusions: NACT has emerged as a promising treatment strategy for AOC.

Cytoreductive surgery for advanced epithelial ovarian cancer in the poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitors era-Is it time for a new paradigm shift? A systematic review and meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION

In patients with newly diagnosed advanced high-grade serous and endometrioid epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) first-line maintenance therapy with poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitors (PARPi) tremendously improved progression-free survival (PFS). Yet, data on the effect of PARPi in proportion to postoperative residual disease status were lacking.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items of Systematic reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. We searched Medline/Pubmed, Embase and Cochrane databases as well as meeting abstracts until 18th March 2023. Hazard ratios (HRs) alongside their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for PFS were extracted from the studies. A subgroup analysis was conducted to examine the effect of PARPi according to postoperative residual disease.

RESULTS

A total of six phase III randomised controlled trials were included and comprised SOLO 1, PAOLA 1, PRIMA, PRIME, ATHENA-MONO and VELIA. Patients who received PARPi following complete gross resection showed greatest PFS benefit. Compared with placebo, maintenance with PARPi significantly improved PFS in patients with macroscopic residual disease (pooled HR 0.55; 95% CI 0.44-0.68). This magnitude was comparable to that found in patients with complete gross resection (pooled HR 0.53; 95% CI 0.41-0.67).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with macroscopic residual disease benefit from PARPi at the same extent as cases with complete gross resection. However, patients with complete gross resection who were treated with PARPi show the most favourable PFS rates. Hence, the pursuit of achieving complete cytoreduction remains valid in the PARPi era.

Visual Peritoneal Evaluation of Residual Disease After Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy in Advanced Ovarian Cancer Patients: The VIPER Study

BACKGROUND

Chemotherapy induces histopathological tumor necrosis and fibrosis which results in macroscopic tissue changes, making surgeons' intraoperative visual evaluation of the disease distribution more difficult to interpret. The aim of the study was to assess the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of intraoperative laparoscopic visual evaluation of the diaphragmatic peritoneum and compare it with histopathological examination.

METHODS

Patients receiving diaphragmatic peritonectomy at time of IDS were retrospectively included. The population was grouped based on the surgeon's assessment of the diaphragmatic peritoneum during diagnostic laparoscopy. Group 1 included patients with a "visually pathologic" diaphragmatic peritoneum, and group 2 included patients with a "visually dubious" diaphragmatic peritoneum. Sensitivity, specificity, predictive values, and accuracy were calculated considering the final formalin-fixed pathology as the reference standard.

RESULTS

155 patients were included (92 in group 1 and 63 in group 2). The accuracy rate of visual examination was 67.1%, the negative predictive value was 19%, specificity was 100%, and sensitivity was 64.3%.

CONCLUSION

NACT strongly affects the ability of the surgeon to discern between peritoneal scars and truly pathologic peritoneum. The diaphragmatic laparoscopic visual examination showed a low overall accuracy. We propose an algorithm that can guide the surgeon towards a more tailored approach to diaphragmatic peritonectomy during IDS.

Prediction of Surgical Outcome in Advanced Ovarian Cancer by Imaging and Laparoscopy: A Narrative Review

Maximal-effort upfront or interval debulking surgery is the recommended approach for advanced-stage ovarian cancer. The role of diagnostic imaging is to provide a systematic and structured report on tumour dissemination with emphasis on key sites for resectability. Imaging methods, such as pelvic and abdominal ultrasound, contrast-enhanced computed tomography, whole-body diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging and positron emission tomography, yield high diagnostic performance for diagnosing bulky disease, but they are less accurate for depicting small-volume carcinomatosis, which may lead to unnecessary explorative laparotomies. Diagnostic laparoscopy, on the other hand, may directly visualize intraperitoneal involvement but has limitations in detecting tumours beyond the gastrosplenic ligament, in the lesser sac, mesenteric root or in the retroperitoneum. Laparoscopy has its place in combination with imaging in cases where ima-ging results regarding resectability are unclear. Different imaging models predicting tumour resectability have been developed as an adjunctional objective tool. Incorporating results from tumour quantitative analyses (e.g., radiomics), preoperative biopsies and biomarkers into predictive models may allow for more precise selection of patients eligible for extensive surgery. This review will discuss the ability of imaging and laparoscopy to predict non-resectable disease in patients with advanced ovarian cancer.

Primary Treatment Effects for High-Grade Serous Ovarian Carcinoma Evaluated by Changes in Serum Metabolites and Lipoproteins

High-grade serous ovarian carcinoma (HGSOC) is the most common and deadliest ovarian cancer subtype. Despite advances in treatment, the overall prognosis remains poor. Regardless of efforts to develop biomarkers to predict surgical outcome and recurrence risk and resistance, reproducible indicators are scarce. Exploring the complex tumor heterogeneity, serum profiling of metabolites and lipoprotein subfractions that reflect both systemic and local biological processes were utilized. Furthermore, the overall impact on the patient from the tumor and the treatment was investigated. The aim was to characterize the systemic metabolic effects of primary treatment in patients with advanced HGSOC. In total 28 metabolites and 112 lipoproteins were analyzed by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy in longitudinal serum samples (n = 112) from patients with advanced HGSOC (n = 24) from the IMPACT trial with linear mixed effect models and repeated measures ANOVA simultaneous component analysis. The serum profiling revealed treatment-induced changes in both lipoprotein subfractions and circulating metabolites. The development of a more atherogenic lipid profile throughout the treatment, which was more evident in patients with short time to recurrence, indicates an enhanced systemic inflammation and increased risk of cardiovascular disease after treatment. The findings suggest that treatment-induced changes in the metabolome reflect mechanisms behind the diversity in disease-related outcomes.

Role of diagnostic laparoscopy in deciding primary treatment in advanced-stage ovarian cancer

OBJECTIVE

We evaluated the usefulness of preoperative diagnostic laparoscopy for treatment planning in patients with advanced-stage ovarian cancer.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed 614 patients diagnosed with advanced-stage ovarian cancer between January 2010 and May 2018. Primary debulking surgery (PDS) or neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) followed by interval debulking surgery were selected based on preoperative laparoscopic (Group 1, n=192) and computed tomography findings (Group 2, n=422). The primary outcomes in the PDS and NAC groups were suboptimal cytoreduction (residual disease >1 cm) rate and non-high-grade serous carcinoma (non-HGSC) rate, respectively.

RESULTS

The patients who underwent PDS in group 1 and group 2 were 49 (25.5%) and 279 (66.1%), respectively. The suboptimal cytoreduction rate after PDS was lower in Group 1 than in Group 2 (2.0% vs 11.1%, p=0.023). Moreover, Group 1 showed a tendency toward a lower proportion of non-HGSC patients who underwent NAC than that in Group 2 (9.1% vs. 15.4%, p=0.069). Further, Group 1 showed lower rates of postoperative morbidity than Group 2 (5.2% vs. 10.4%, p=0.033). However, Kaplan-Meier analysis showed no significant differences in survival outcomes between the 2 groups.

CONCLUSION

Diagnostic laparoscopy reduced the suboptimal cytoreduction rate in the PDS group and the implementation rate of NAC in non-HGSC patients. Moreover, it reduced postoperative morbidity without affecting survival in both groups. Thus, diagnostic laparoscopy is a valuable diagnostic tool for determining the primary treatment.

Transvaginal ultrasound-guided biopsy in patients with suspicious primary advanced tubo-ovarian carcinoma

OBJECTIVE

To assess the accuracy of pathological diagnosis by transvaginal ultrasound-guided biopsy versus surgery in patients with suspicious primary advanced tubo-ovarian carcinoma. The Feasibility, adequacy, and safety of the procedure were also evaluated.

METHODS

Consecutive women with pre-operative suspicious primary advanced tubo-ovarian carcinoma presenting between July 2019 and September 2021 were enrolled. Accuracy was calculated including only cases who underwent surgery. Feasibility was defined as the number of cases in which ultrasound-guided biopsy was possible according to tumor characteristics (morphology and site). Adequacy was defined as the number of conclusive diagnoses out of the samples collected. Safety was defined by the number of major complications which were defined as hospitalization, surgery, and/or blood transfusion.

RESULTS

A total of 278 patients were eligible for the study; 158 were enrolled, while 120 were excluded for logistic reasons or patient refusal. Ultrasound-guided biopsy was not feasible in 30 (19%) patients. The samples obtained in the remaining 128 patients were all adequate (100%), and no major complications were noted. A total of 26 (20%) patients started neoadjuvant chemotherapy on the basis of the diagnosis obtained by ultrasound, whereas 102 (80%) patients underwent surgery. Accuracy of ultrasound-guided biopsy versus surgery was 94% (96/102), with six false negative cases at ultrasound (6%). Site (prevesical peritoneum) and size (<8 mm) of the nodules resulted as major predictive factors for ultrasound-guided biopsy failure (false negative). Ultrasound-guided biopsy correctly identified 86 primary invasive tubo-ovarian carcinomas and 10 metastatic tumors.

CONCLUSION

Ultrasound-guided biopsy is a feasible, safe, and accurate method to provide histological diagnosis in suspicious advanced tubo-ovarian cancer patients.

Concordance of Radiological, Laparoscopic and Laparotomic Scoring to Predict Complete Cytoreduction in Women with Advanced Ovarian Cancer

OBJECTIVE

To identify the best method among the radiologic, laparoscopic and laparotomic scoring assessment to predict the outcomes of cytoreductive surgery in patients with advanced ovarian cancer (AOC).

METHODS

Patients with AOC who underwent pre-operative computed tomography (CT) scan, laparoscopic evaluation, and cytoreductive surgery between August 2016 and February 2021 were retrospectively reviewed. Predictive Index (PI) score and Peritoneal Cancer Index (PCI) scores were used to estimate the tumor load and predict the residual disease in the primary debulking surgery (PDS) and interval debulking surgery (IDS) after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) groups. Concordance percentages were calculated between the two scores.

RESULTS

Among 100 eligible patients, 69 underwent PDS, and 31 underwent NACT and IDS. Complete cytoreduction was achieved in 72.5% of patients in the PDS group and 77.4% in the IDS. In patients undergoing PDS, the laparoscopic PI and the laparotomic PCI had the best accuracies for complete cytoreduction (R0) [area under the curve (AUC) = 0.78 and AUC = 0.83, respectively]. In the IDS group, the laparotomic PI (AUC = 0.75) and the laparoscopic PCI (AUC= 0.87) were associated with the best accuracy in R0 prediction. Furthermore, radiological assessment, through PI and PCI, was associated with the worst accuracy in either PDS or IDS group (PI in PDS: AUC = 0.64; PCI in PDS: AUC = 0.64; PI in IDS: AUC = 0.46; PCI in IDS: AUC = 0.47).

CONCLUSION

The laparoscopic score assessment had high accuracy for optimal cytoreduction in AOC patients undergoing PDS or IDS. Integrating diagnostic laparoscopy in the decision-making algorithm to accurately triage AOC patients to different treatment strategies seems necessary.

Diagnostic and Therapeutic Pathway of Advanced Ovarian Cancer with Peritoneal Metastases

Over two thirds of ovarian cancer patients present with advanced stage disease at the time of diagnosis. In this scenario, standard treatment includes a combination of cytoreductive surgery and carboplatinum-paclitaxel-based chemotherapy. Despite the survival advantage of patients treated with upfront cytoreductive surgery compared to women undergoing neo-adjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) and interval debulking surgery (IDS) due to high tumor load or poor performance status has been demonstrated by multiple studies, this topic is still a matter of debate. As a consequence, selecting the adequate treatment through an appropriate diagnostic pathway represents a crucial step. Aiming to assess the likelihood of leaving no residual disease at the end of surgery, the role of the CT scan as a predictor of cytoreductive outcomes has shown controversial results. Similarly, CA 125 level as an expression of tumor load demonstrated limited applicability. On the contrary, laparoscopic assessment of disease distribution through a validated scoring system was able to identify, with the highest specificity, patients undergoing suboptimal cytoreduction and therefore best suitable for NACT-IDS. Against this background, with this article, we aim to provide a comprehensive review of available evidence on the diagnostic and treatment pathways of advanced ovarian cancer.

Dynamic Prediction of Resectability for Patients with Advanced Ovarian Cancer Undergoing Neo-Adjuvant Chemotherapy: Application of Joint Model for Longitudinal CA-125 Levels

In patients with advanced ovarian cancer (AOC) receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC), predicting the feasibility of complete interval cytoreductive surgery (ICRS) is helpful and may avoid unnecessary laparotomy. A joint model (JM) is a dynamic individual predictive model. The aim of this study was to develop a predictive JM combining CA-125 kinetics during NAC with patients' and clinical factors to predict resectability after NAC in patients with AOC. A retrospective study included 77 patients with AOC treated with NAC. A linear mixed effect (LME) sub-model was used to describe the evolution of CA-125 during NAC considering factors influencing the biomarker levels. A Cox sub-model screened the covariates associated with resectability. The JM combined the LME sub-model with the Cox sub-model. Using the LME sub-model, we observed that CA-125 levels were influenced by the number of NAC cycles and the performance of paracentesis. In the Cox sub-model, complete resectability was associated with Performance Status (HR = 0.57, [0.34-0.95], p = 0.03) and the presence of peritoneal carcinomatosis in the epigastric region (HR = 0.39, [0.19-0.80], p = 0.01). The JM accuracy to predict complete ICRS was 88% [82-100] with a predictive error of 2.24% [0-2.32]. Using a JM of a longitudinal CA-125 level during NAC could be a reliable predictor of complete ICRS.

Laparoscopic Surgery for Ovarian Neoplasms - What is Possible, What is Useful?

The use of minimally invasive surgical techniques is becoming increasingly important in gynecologic oncology due to technical advances and the increasing level of surgical expertise. In addition to laparoscopic approaches for the treatment of benign neoplasms, minimally invasive surgical methods have also become established in some areas for treating gynecologic malignancies. For tumor entities such as endometrial and cervical carcinoma, there are conclusive studies emphasizing the role of laparoscopy in surgical therapy. By contrast, due to a lack of prospective data with survival analyses, no clear conclusions can be drawn on the significance of laparoscopy in the surgical treatment of ovarian carcinoma. However, some smaller, mostly retrospective case-control studies and cohort studies open the way for a discussion, positing the possibility that laparoscopic surgical procedures, particularly for early ovarian carcinoma, are technically feasible and of a quality equivalent to that of conventional longitudinal laparotomy, and may also be associated with lower perioperative morbidity. In this article we discuss the most important aspects of using minimally invasive surgical techniques for ovarian carcinoma based on the current literature. In particular we look at the relevance of laparoscopy as a primary approach for surgical staging of early ovarian carcinoma, and we evaluate the role of diagnostic laparoscopy in assessing the operability of advanced ovarian carcinoma.

18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (18F-FDG PET/CT) predictive score for complete resection in primary cytoreductive surgery

OBJECTIVE

To assess the value of preoperative 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (18F-FDG PET/CT) scan, combined with clinical variables, in predicting complete cytoreduction in selected patients with advanced ovarian cancer.

METHODS

We carried out a multicenter, observational, retrospective study evaluating patients who underwent primary cytoreductive surgery for advanced ovarian cancer in two Spanish centers between January 2017 and January 2022. Inclusion criteria were histological confirmation of invasive epithelial ovarian carcinoma; preoperative International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage III or IV; upfront cytoreductive surgery; and 18F-FDG PET/CT performed 1 month prior to surgery. A modified 18F-FDG PET/CT peritoneal cancer index score was calculated for all patients. Clinical variables and preoperative 18F-FDG PET/CT findings were analyzed and a multivariate model was constructed. A predictive score based on the odds ratio of the variables was calculated to determine patient selection.

RESULTS

A total of 45 patients underwent primary cytoreductive surgery. Complete resection was achieved in 36 (80%) patients. On multivariate analysis, two clinical variables (age ≥58 years and American Society of Anesthesiology score ≥3) and two preoperative 18F-FDG PET/CT scan findings (presence of extra-abdominal lymph node involvement and modified peritoneal cancer index value of 6 or more) were associated with gross residual disease. For this multivariate model predictive of non-complete cytoreduction, the area under the curve was 0.881. A predictive value of ≥5 was the most predictive cut-off for gross residual disease. Complete resection rate was 91.7% in patients with a score of ≤4 and 33.3% in patients with a score of ≥5 points on the predictive score.

CONCLUSIONS

In selected patients, a predictive score value ≥5 may be consider as a cut-off point for triaging patients to diagnostic laparoscopy before the primary surgery or neoadjuvant chemotherapy.

Diagnostic performance of ultrasound in assessing the extension of disease in advanced ovarian cancer

BACKGROUND

Surgical exploration remains the gold standard to evaluate the extension of disease and predict resectability. A laparoscopy-based scoring model was developed by Fagotti and colleagues in 2006 and updated in 2015, based on the intraoperative presence or absence of some specific cancer features. The model proved an overall accuracy rate of 77-100% and is considered the reference test to assess resectability in our Institution.

OBJECTIVES

The primary aim of the study was to analyze the agreement between preoperative ultrasound examination and laparoscopic findings in assessing the extension of intra-abdominal disease using six parameters described by Fagotti's score.

STUDY DESIGN

This is a prospective single-center observational study. Between January 2019 and June 2020, consecutive patients with clinical or radiological suspicion of ovarian/peritoneal cancer were assessed with preoperative ultrasound examination and assigned a score based on the six Fagotti's score parameters (great omentum, liver surface, lesser omentum/stomach/spleen, parietal peritoneum, diaphragms, bowel disease). Presence of mesenteral retraction of the small bowel and miliaric carcinomatosis on the serosa were also evaluated. Each parameter was correlated with laparoscopic findings. Concordance was calculated between ultrasound and laparoscopic parameters using Cohen's kappa(κ).

RESULTS

Cohen's κ ranged from 0.70 to 0.90 for carcinomatosis on the small/large bowel, supracolic omentum, liver surface and diaphragms. Cohen's κ test was lower for carcinomatosis on the parietal peritoneum (k=0.63) and on the lesser omentum/lesser curvature of the stomach/spleen (k=0.54). The agreement between ultrasound and surgical predictive index value (score) was κ=0.74. For the evaluation of mesenteral retraction and miliaric carcinomatosis, the agreement was low (k=0.57 and k=0.36 respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

The results of ultrasound and laparoscopy in the assessment of intra-abdominal tumor spread were in substantial agreement for almost all the parameters. Ultrasound examination can play a useful role in the preoperative management of patients with ovarian cancer when used in dedicated referral centers.

Surgery in Advanced Ovary Cancer: Primary versus Interval Cytoreduction

Primary debulking surgery (PDS) has remained the only treatment of ovarian cancer with survival advantage since its development in the 1970s. However, survival advantage is only observed in patients who are optimally resected. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) has emerged as an alternative for patients in whom optimal resection is unlikely and/or patients with comorbidities at high risk for perioperative complications. The purpose of this review is to summarize the evidence to date for PDS and NACT in the treatment of stage III/IV ovarian carcinoma. We systematically searched the PubMed database for relevant articles. Prior to 2010, NACT was reserved for non-surgical candidates. After publication of EORTC 55971, the first randomized trial demonstrating non-inferiority of NACT followed by interval debulking surgery, NACT was considered in a wider breadth of patients. Since EORTC 55971, 3 randomized trials-CHORUS, JCOG0602, and SCORPION-have studied NACT versus PDS. While CHORUS supported EORTC 55971, JCOG0602 failed to demonstrate non-inferiority and SCORPION failed to demonstrate superiority of NACT. Despite conflicting data, a subset of patients would benefit from NACT while preserving survival including poor surgical candidates and inoperable disease. Further randomized trials are needed to assess the role of NACT.

Fusion imaging in preoperative assessment of extent of disease in patients with advanced ovarian cancer: feasibility and agreement with laparoscopic findings

OBJECTIVES

Fusion imaging is an emerging technique that combines real-time ultrasound examination with images acquired previously using other modalities, such as computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging and positron emission tomography. The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of fusion imaging in patients with suspicion of ovarian or peritoneal cancer. Secondary aims were: to compare the agreement of findings on fusion imaging, CT alone and ultrasound imaging alone with laparoscopic findings, in the assessment of extent of intra-abdominal disease; and to evaluate the time required for the fusion imaging technique.

METHODS

Patients with clinical and/or radiographic suspicion of advanced ovarian or peritoneal cancer who were candidates for surgery were enrolled prospectively between December 2019 and September 2020. All patients underwent a CT scan and ultrasound and fusion imaging to evaluate the presence or absence of the following abdominal-cancer features according to the laparoscopy-based scoring model (predictive index value (PIV)): supracolic omental disease, visceral carcinomatosis on the liver, lesser omental carcinomatosis and/or visceral carcinomatosis on the lesser curvature of the stomach and/or spleen, involvement of the paracolic gutter(s) and/or anterior abdominal wall, involvement of the diaphragm and visceral carcinomatosis on the small and/or large bowel (regardless of rectosigmoid involvement). The feasibility of the fusion examination in these patients was evaluated. Agreement of each imaging method (ultrasound, CT and fusion imaging) with laparoscopy (considered as reference standard) was calculated using Cohen's kappa coefficient.

RESULTS

Fifty-two patients were enrolled into the study. Fusion imaging was feasible in 51 (98%) of these patients (in one patient, it was not possible for technical reasons). Two patients were excluded because laparoscopy was not performed, leaving 49 women in the final analysis. Kappa values for CT, ultrasound and fusion imaging, using laparoscopy as the reference standard, in assessing the PIV parameters were, respectively: 0.781, 0.845 and 0.896 for the great omentum; 0.329, 0.608 and 0.847 for the liver surface; 0.472, 0.549 and 0.756 for the lesser omentum and/or stomach and/or spleen; 0.385, 0.588 and 0.795 for the paracolic gutter(s) and/or anterior abdominal wall; 0.385, 0.497 and 0.657 for the diaphragm; and 0.336, 0.410 and 0.469 for the bowel. The median time needed to perform the fusion examination was 20 (range, 10-40) min.

CONCLUSION

Fusion of CT images and real-time ultrasound imaging is feasible in patients with suspicion of ovarian or peritoneal cancer and improves the agreement with surgical findings when compared with ultrasound or CT scan alone. © 2021 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Surgical outcomes of diaphragmatic resection during cytoreductive surgery for advanced gynecological ovarian neoplasia: A randomized single center clinical trial - DRAGON

INTRODUCTION

Ovarian cancer (OC) represent nearly 4% of gynecologic malignancies and it is often diagnosed at advanced stage. Diaphragmatic surgery, a fundamental step of advanced stage ovarian cancer (ASOC) debulking surgery, is associated with a high post-operative complication incidence, which is supposedly reduced with thoracostomy tube placement. We assessed the role of intra-operative thoracostomy tube placement, as a prevention measure for post-operative complications, after diaphragmatic resection.

METHODS

This was a single center prospective randomized trial. Ovarian cancer patients, who underwent mono-lateral diaphragmatic resection, were randomized 1:1 into two arms. Arm A included patients receiving intra-operative thoracostomy tube placement (TP); Arm B patients did not receive thoracostomy tube placement (NTP). After surgery, all patients underwent seriate chest x-ray and ultrasound to record thoracic complications. Statistical analysis included uni- and multivariable logistic regression model (proportional odds model).

RESULTS

Three hundred seventy-one patients were screened and 88 patients were enrolled: 44 in arm A and B, respectively. No statistically significant differences for intra-operative (p = 0.291) and any grade of post-operative complication (p = 0.072) were detected, while 6.8% of patients in arm A and 22.7% in arm B experienced severe respiratory symptoms (p = 0.035); 18.2% of patients in arm A had a moderate/large pleural effusion versus 65.9% in arm B (p < 0.0001). At multivariable analysis, results confirmed that the NTP-group had a higher risk to receive post-operative thoracostomy tube placement due to pleural effusion than the TP-group (odds ratio [95% Confidence Interval] = 14.5 [3.7-57.4]).

CONCLUSIONS

Thoracostomy intra-operative tube placement after diaphragmatic resection is effective to prevent post-operative thoracic complications. The extension of resection does not influence outcomes and the risk of post-operative thoracentesis or TP remain elevated.

Laparoscopic splenectomy both for primary cytoreductive surgery for advanced ovarian cancer and for secondary surgery for isolated spleen recurrence: feasibility and technique

BACKGROUND

This study investigated the feasibility and safety of laparoscopic splenectomy conducted in the contexts of both laparoscopic secondary surgery for isolated recurrence in the spleen and primary laparoscopic cytoreductive surgery for advanced ovarian cancer.

METHODS

We performed a perspective observational study including all consecutive patients with ovarian cancer who underwent laparoscopic splenectomy as part of primary cytoreductive procedures for advanced stage ovarian cancer or secondary surgery for isolated splenic recurrence between January 2016 and May 2020.

RESULTS

We enrolled 13 consecutive patients, candidate to laparoscopic splenectomy as part of primary cytoreductive procedures for advanced stage ovarian cancer (6 patients) or secondary surgery for isolated splenic recurrence of platinum-sensitive ovarian cancer (7 patients). Median operative time (509 min [range, 200-845]) for primary cytoreductive surgery varied according to surgical complexity depending on the extensiveness of the disease. Median operative time for secondary surgery for isolated splenic metastasis was 253 min (90-380). Only 1 patient with isolated splenic recurrence required conversion to an open approach. No intraoperative complication occurred, and no intraoperative blood transfusions were required. Median hospital stay was 3 days (range, 2-5) for isolated recurrence and 9 days (7-18) for primary cytoreductive surgery. Complete tumor resection was achieved in all patients. Median time from surgery to adjuvant chemotherapy was 16 days (7-24). All six patients who underwent laparoscopic splenectomy during primary cytoreductive surgery remain alive, four of whom exhibit no evidence of disease (median follow-up 25 months [4-36]). Among patients who underwent laparoscopic splenectomy during secondary surgery for isolated splenic relapse, all patients are alive and only one had a central diaphragmatic relapse 2 years after surgery (median follow-up 17 months ([5-48 months]).

CONCLUSIONS

The laparoscopic approach to splenectomy is feasible and safe both in patients undergoing primary cytoreductive surgery for advanced stage disease and those with isolated recurrence of ovarian cancer, without compromising survival and allowing early initiation of postoperative systemic chemotherapy.

Prediction Models for Complete Resection in Secondary Cytoreductive Surgery of Patients With Recurrent Ovarian Cancer

The most advanced epithelial ovarian cancer develops recurrent disease despite maximal surgical cytoreduction and adjuvant platinum-based chemotherapy. Treatment with secondary cytoreductive surgery (SCS) combined with chemotherapy or with chemotherapy alone for patients with platinum-sensitive recurrent ovarian cancer (ROC) is currently under heated discussion. Encouragingly, the results of the AGO DESKTOP III Study and the SOC1/SGOG-OV2 trial, which have been published recently, showed a striking advantage in terms of overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) of ROC patients undergoing SCS compared to chemotherapy alone; moreover, a benefit of SCS exclusively for patients with complete gross resection (CGR) was particularly highlighted. CGR is considered the ultimate goal of SCS, on condition that the balance between maximal survival gain and minimal operative morbidity is maintained. Several models have been proposed to predict the rate of CGR, such as the MSK criteria, the AGO score, and the Tian model, over the last 15 years. This summary is mainly about the several previously published prediction models for CGR in SCS of ROC patients and discusses the effectiveness and limitations of these prediction models.

Decrease in Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio during Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy as a Predictive and Prognostic Marker in Advanced Ovarian Cancer

Since chronic inflammation is associated with ovarian cancer growth and progression, some clinical studies have assessed the association between the pre-treatment neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and the prognosis of ovarian cancer. The purpose of this study was to assess the dynamic behavior of the NLR during the course of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) in patients with high grade serous (HGS) advanced epithelial ovarian cancer and assess its correlation with clinical response, progression free survival (PFS) and changes in other inflammatory indexes. We performed a prospective observational study on 161 patients who underwent NACT at the Department of Gynecologic Oncology, ARNAS G. Brotzu, Cagliari, between 2009 and 2019. NLR was evaluated before starting and after three cycles of NACT. Based on response after three cycles of NACT, patients were divided into two groups: responsive and non-responsive. The primary endpoint was to assess the predictive role of NLR by comparing the responsive and non-responsive patients at baseline and after three cycles of NACT. Secondary endpoints were (a) to correlate NLR with other inflammation markers (CRP, fibrinogen, ferritin, IL-6), albumin, and modified Glasgow Prognostic Score (mGPS) with NLR at baseline and after NACT; (b) to assess the association between NLR and PFS. We found that the NLR value at baseline was not associated with response to NACT, while a decrease in NLR after three cycles was correlated with a better response to NACT. Also, values of CRP, IL-6, ferritin, and mGPS after three cycles of NACT (but not at baseline) were significantly associated with clinical response. Moreover, we found that patients with a low NLR value after 3 cycles of NACT, but not at baseline, had a significantly higher PFS than patients with high NLR after 3 cycles of NACT. In conclusion, NLR change during treatment could serve as a predictive marker of response to NACT in patients with HGS advanced ovarian cancer. This allows for the early identification of non-responsive patients who will need treatment remodeling.

Factors associated with response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy in advanced stage ovarian cancer

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the factors associated with response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) and the ability to undergo interval tumor reductive surgery (iTRS) in patients with advanced ovarian cancer.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective review from April 2013 to March 2019 of patients with advanced stage ovarian cancer triaged to NACT based on our standard triage algorithm. Clinicopathologic and treatment data were analyzed for factors associated with response to NACT, outcomes at iTRS, and their impact on progression-free survival (PFS).

RESULTS

562 patients met inclusion criteria and triaged to NACT following laparoscopy (n = 132) or without laparoscopy (n = 430). 413 patients underwent iTRS (74%). Factors that correlated with a patient reaching iTRS included increasing age (p < 0.001), higher Charlson comorbidity index (p < 0.001), ECOG status 2 or 3 (<0.001), and laparoscopic assessment (<0.001). Patients with CA-125 ≤ 35 U/mL at iTRS had higher rates of complete gross resection (88% vs. 65%, p < 0.001) and improved PFS (16.8 vs. 12.7 months, p < 0.001). Patients receiving dose-dense paclitaxel (76% vs. 60%, p = 0.004) and CA-125 ≤ 35 U/mL at iTRS (85% vs. 66%, p < 0.001) had higher rates of complete radiographic response. On multivariate analysis, germline BRCA 1/2 mutation (p = 0.001), iTRS vs. no surgery (R0, p < 0.001; ≤1 cm, p < 0.001; >1 cm, p < 0.001), dose-dense chemotherapy (p = 0.01), and CA-125 ≤ 35 U/mL at iTRS (p = 0.001) were independent significant factors affecting PFS.

CONCLUSIONS

Normalization of CA-125 at the time of iTRS following NACT may serve as a surrogate marker for prognosis in this high-risk population. Our NACT cohort experienced improved response rates and PFS with dose-dense therapy compared to conventional dosing.

NLR and BRCA mutational status in patients with high grade serous advanced ovarian cancer

Laboratory-markers of the systemic inflammatory-response, such as neutrophil/lymphocyte-ratio (NLR) have been studied as prognostic factors in several tumors but in OC-patients their role is still controversial and no data about the possible correlation with the BRCA-status has been ever reported. We consecutively enrolled a series of 397 newly diagnosed high-grade serous-advanced OC-patients. All patients were tested for BRCA-mutational-status and blood-parameters have been collected 48 h before staging-surgery. A significant correlation of NLR with disease distribution (p < 0.005) was found and patients with NLR < 4 underwent primary-debulking-surgery more frequently (p-value 0.001), with a lower surgical-complexity-score (p-value 0.002). Regarding survival-data, patients with NLR < 4 had a significant 7-month increase in mPFS (26 vs 19 months, p = 0.009); focusing on the BRCA-status, among both BRCA-mutated and BRCA-wild type patients, those with lower NLR had a significantly prolonged mPFS compared to patients with NLR > 4 (BRCA-mutated: 35 vs 23 months, p = 0.03; BRCA-wt: 19 vs 16 months, p = 0.05). At multivariate-analysis, independent factors of prolonged PFS were BRCA mutational status, having received complete cytoreduction and NLR < 4. Also, the strongest predictors of longer OS were BRCA-mutational status, having received complete cytoreductive surgery, NLR < 4 and age. NLR is confirmed to be a prognostic marker in OC-patients and it seems unrelated with BRCA-mutational status.

Peroperative scoring systems for predicting the outcome of cytoreductive surgery in advanced-stage ovarian cancer - A systematic review

The extent of peritoneal metastases (PM) largely determines the possibility of complete or optimal cytoreductive surgery in advanced ovarian cancer. An objective scoring system to quantify the extent of PM can help clinicians to decide whether or not to embark on CRS. Therefore several scoring systems have been developed by different research teams and this review summarizes their performance in predicting a complete or optimal cytoreduction in patients with advanced ovarian cancer. A systematic search in the MEDLINE database revealed 19 articles that described a total of five main scoring systems to predict the completeness of CRS in patients with FIGO stage III-IV ovarian cancer based on the surgical exploration of the abdominal cavity; PCI, PIV, Eisenkop, Espada, and Kasper. The Peritoneal Cancer Index (PCI) and the Predictive Index Value (PIV) were mentioned most frequently and showed AUCs of 0.69-0.92 and 0.66-0.98, respectively. Due to the use of different cut-offs sensitivities and specificities greatly varied. Therefore with the current data, no scoring system could be identified as best. An objective measure of the extent of disease can be of great clinical use for identifying ovarian cancer patients for which a complete (or optimal) CRS is achievable, however due to local differences in treatment strategies and surgical policy a widely adopted objective scoring system with a standard cut-off value is not feasible. Nevertheless, objective scoring systems can play an important role to guide treatment decisions.

Emerging Trends in Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy for Ovarian Cancer

Simple Summary

Epithelial ovarian cancer is one of the most lethal cancers in women and is typically diagnosed at an advanced-stage. Historically, primary tumor reductive surgery was attempted followed by postoperative chemotherapy in most patients diagnosed with advanced ovarian cancer. However, neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by interval tumor reductive surgery is an alternative approach for patients with advanced-stage ovarian cancer where primary tumor reductive surgery is not feasible. Here, we review proposed models that can assist in selecting patients who would benefit most from neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by surgery.

Abstract

Epithelial ovarian cancer remains a leading cause of death amongst all gynecologic cancers despite advances in surgical and medical therapy. Historically, patients with ovarian cancer underwent primary tumor reductive surgery followed by postoperative chemotherapy; however, neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by interval tumor reductive surgery has gradually become an alternative approach for patients with advanced-stage ovarian cancer for whom primary tumor reductive surgery is not feasible. Decision-making about the use of these approaches has not been uniform. Hence, it is essential to identify patients who can benefit most from neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by interval tumor reductive surgery. Several prospective and retrospective studies have proposed potential models to guide upfront decision-making for patients with advanced ovarian cancer. In this review, we summarize important decision-making models that can improve patient selection for personalized treatment. Models based on clinical factors (clinical parameters, radiology studies and laparoscopy scoring) and molecular markers (circulating and tumor-based) are useful, but laparoscopic staging is among the most informative diagnostic methods for upfront decision-making in patients medically fit for surgery. Further research is needed to explore more reliable models to determine personalized treatment for advanced epithelial ovarian cancer.

Diagnostic performance of ultrasound in assessing the extension of the disease in patients with suspicion of malignant ovarian tumor: correlation between ultrasound parameters and Fagotti's score

BACKGROUND

A radical surgical approach represents the mainstay treatment for gynecological malignancy, and preoperative staging of ovarian cancer is crucial. Ultrasound evaluation is widely recognized as the gold standard technique for the characterization of ovarian masses due to a high sensitivity for malignancy. In addition, its accuracy in defining intra-abdominal ovarian cancer spread has been previously proposed.

PRIMARY OBJECTIVE

To analyze the agreement between preoperative ultrasound examination and laparoscopic findings in assessing the extension of intra-abdominal disease using six parameters as described by Fagotti's score.

STUDY HYPOTHESIS

When performed by expert examiners, ultrasound can be an accurate technique to assess tumor spread in ovarian cancer and therefore to predict surgical resectability.

TRIAL DESIGN

This is a single-center prospective observational study. Patients with clinical and/or radiological suspicion of advanced ovarian or peritoneal cancer will be assessed with preoperative ultrasound and assigned a score based on the six Fagotti's laparoscopic score parameters. Each parameter will then be correlated with laparoscopic findings.

MAJOR INCLUSION/EXCLUSION CRITERIA

Eligible patients include women 18-75 years of age with clinical and/or imaging suggestive of advanced ovarian or peritoneal cancer, and an ECOG performance status 0-3.

PRIMARY ENDPOINTS

Sensitivity and specificity of ultrasound in detecting carcinomatosis, using the parameters of Fagotti's score as a reference standard. Agreement between preoperative ultrasound examination and laparoscopic findings in assessing the extension of intra-abdominal disease as described in Fagotti's score.

SAMPLE SIZE

240 patients.

ESTIMATE DATES FOR COMPLETING ACCRUAL AND PRESENTING RESULTS

The accrual started in January 2019. Enrollment should be completed approximately by October 2020 and the results will be analyzed by December 2020.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

The study received the Ethical Committee approval on July 19 2018 (Protocol 28967/18 ID:2172).

A prospective study on the diagnostic pathway of patients with stage IIIC-IV ovarian cancer: Exploratory laparoscopy (EXL) + CT scan VS. CT scan

OBJECTIVE

To compare the diagnostic power of CT scan to a combination of exploratory laparoscopy (EXL) and CT scan in patients with stage IIIC-IV Ovarian Cancer (OC) by anatomic areas. To investigate if adding EXL to CT can reduce unnecessary laparotomy.

METHODS

In the period 2009-2017, 350 consecutive patients with FIGO Stage IIIC-IV OC underwent CT and EXL prior to Visceral-Peritoneal debulking (VPD) and were included in the study. Radiologist and surgeons filled an ad-hoc form to report CT scan and EXL of eleven key anatomic areas. The decision to proceed to EXL was based on the CT scan and the decision to proceed to laparotomy (LPT) on CT and EXL. Setting LPT findings as the gold standard, positive and negative predictive value (PPV/NPV), sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of CT, EXL and CT + EXL were calculated. We broke down the diagnostic outcomes by anatomic areas and determined the rate of unnecessary laparotomy avoided with the findings of EXL.

RESULTS

Median time for the EXL was 14 min (SD +/- 3). No complication related to EXL occurred. At EXL, 325 out of 350 patients (93%) proceeded to LPT and 25 patients (7.1%) did not because of exclusion criteria. In 307 patients out of 325 (94.4%) EXL was followed by VPD. Eighteen patients had exclusion criteria found at LPT and had no VPD. EXL reduced the rate of unnecessary/futile laparotomy from 12.2% to 5.1%. CT + EXL showed a significantly higher sensitivity for all anatomic areas except for the lymph nodes. Specificity was not significantly improved. PPV was significantly improved for small bowel, porta hepatis and stomach. NPV displayed a statistical improvement in all anatomic areas except lymph nodes, stomach, and liver.

CONCLUSION

The combination CT + EXL has a higher diagnostic power than CT alone, particularly on diaphragm, small bowel serosa and mesentery. The rate of unnecessary laparotomy decreased by almost 60%.

Correlation of surgeon radiology assessment with laparoscopic disease site scoring in patients with advanced ovarian cancer

BACKGROUND

Radiographic triage measures in patients with new advanced ovarian cancer have yielded inconsistent results.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the correlation between surgeon radiology assessment and laparoscopic scoring by disease sites in patients with newly diagnosed advanced stage ovarian cancer.

METHODS

Fourteen gynecologic oncology surgeons from a single institution performed a blinded review of pre-operative contrast-enhanced CT imaging from patients with advanced stage ovarian cancer. Each of the patients had also undergone laparoscopic scoring assessment, between April 2013 and December 2017, to determine primary resectability using the validated Fagotti scoring method, and assigned a predictive index value score. Surgeons were asked to provide expected predictive index value scores based on their blinded review of the antecedent CT imaging. Linear mixed models were conducted to calculate the correlation between radiologic and laparoscopic score for surgeons individually, and as a group. Once the model was fit, the inter-class correlation and 95% CI were calculated.

RESULTS

Radiology review was performed on 20 patients with advanced stage ovarian cancer who underwent laparoscopic scoring assessment. Surgeon faculty rank included assistant professor (n=5), associate professor (p=4), and professor (n=5). The kappa inter-rater agreement was -0.017 (95% CI -0.023 to -0.005), indicating low inter-rater agreement between radiology review and actual laparoscopic score. The inter-class correlation in this model was 0.06 (0.02-0.21), indicating that surgeons do not score the same across all the images. When using a clinical cut-off point for the predictive index value of 8, the probability of agreement between radiology and actual laparoscopic score was 0.56 (95% CI 0.49 to 0.73). Examination of disease site sub-scales showed that the probability of agreement was as follows: peritoneum 0.57 (95% CI 0.51 to 0.62), diaphragm 0.54 (95% CI 0.48 to 0.60), mesentery 0.51 (95% CI 0.45 to 0.57), omentum 0.61 (95% CI 0.55 to 0.67), bowel 0.54 (95% CI 0.44 to 0.64), stomach 0.71 (95% CI 0.65 to 0.76), and liver 0.36 (95% CI 0.31 to 0.42). The number of laparoscopic scoring cases, tumor reductive surgery cases, or faculty rank was not significantly associated with overall or sub-scale agreement.

CONCLUSIONS

Surgeon radiology review did not correlate highly with actual laparoscopic scoring assessment findings in patients with advanced stage ovarian cancer. Our study highlights the limited accuracy of surgeon radiographic assessment to determine resectability.

The Capacity of the Ovarian Cancer Tumor Microenvironment to Integrate Inflammation Signaling Conveys a Shorter Disease-free Interval

PURPOSE

Ovarian cancer has one of the highest deaths to incidence ratios across all cancers. Initial chemotherapy is effective, but most patients develop chemoresistant disease. Mechanisms driving clinical chemo-response or -resistance are not well-understood. However, achieving optimal surgical cytoreduction improves survival, and cytoreduction is improved by neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT). NACT offers a window to profile pre- versus post-NACT tumors, which we used to identify chemotherapy-induced changes to the tumor microenvironment.

EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN

We obtained matched pre- and post-NACT archival tumor tissues from patients with high-grade serous ovarian cancer (patient, n = 6). We measured mRNA levels of 770 genes (756 genes/14 housekeeping genes, NanoString Technologies), and performed reverse phase protein array (RPPA) on a subset of matched tumors. We examined cytokine levels in pre-NACT ascites samples (n = 39) by ELISAs. A tissue microarray with 128 annotated ovarian tumors expanded the transcriptional, RPPA, and cytokine data by multispectral IHC.

RESULTS

The most upregulated gene post-NACT was IL6 (16.79-fold). RPPA data were concordant with mRNA, consistent with elevated immune infiltration. Elevated IL6 in pre-NACT ascites specimens correlated with a shorter time to recurrence. Integrating NanoString (n = 12), RPPA (n = 4), and cytokine (n = 39) studies identified an activated inflammatory signaling network and induced IL6 and IER3 (immediate early response 3) post-NACT, associated with poor chemo-response and time to recurrence.

CONCLUSIONS

Multiomics profiling of ovarian tumor samples pre- and post-NACT provides unique insight into chemo-induced changes to the tumor microenvironment. We identified a novel IL6/IER3 signaling axis that may drive chemoresistance and disease recurrence.

Prognostic relevance of high pretreatment CA125 levels in primary serous ovarian cancer

The objective of the present study was to analyze the prognostic relevance of pretreatment serum CA125 ≥500 U/ml and its role as a non-invasive factor for estimating optimal cytoreduction (≤1 cm) in primary serous ovarian cancer. Clinicopathological parameters and CA125 levels prior to primary cytoreductive surgery were retrospectively evaluated in all 261 consecutive patients with primary epithelial ovarian cancer from a single centre. Inclusion criteria were existing preoperative CA125 level, serous ovarian cancer and performed full primary treatment (surgery/platinum-based chemotherapy). A total of 136 patients met the criteria. Among them, 74 patients had CA125 ≥500 U/ml. The other 62 patients that met the aforementioned criteria and had CA125 <500 U/ml were defined as controls. The present study tested cut-off CA125 values to detect subgroups affecting prognosis. The goal was to evaluate patients with optimal cytoreduction (R≤1 cm). Univariate analyses were performed with PASW to identify clinicopathological parameters associated with the pretreatment CA125 level. For survival analyses, a cut-off-value of CA125 ≥500 U/ml was used to identify the association between preoperative CA125 levels, resection status and prognosis. To test significant differences between examined groups, Student's t-test and the Mann-Whitney test were used. P<0.05 was considered to indicate a statistically significant difference. Significantly worse prognosis in terms of overall survival (P=0.023) and progression-free survival (P=0.011) was detected in the CA125 ≥500 U/ml group of optimally cytoreduced patients compared with in the CA125 <500 U/ml group. The complete cytoreduction rate was higher in CA125 <500 U/ml (33.9%) vs. CA125 ≥500 U/ml (21.6%). A CA125 level >1,404 U/ml had a higher rate of suboptimal cytoreduction (32.4%) compared with lower CA125 levels. A pretreatment CA125 level ≥500 U/ml had significantly worse prognostic impact after optimal cytoreduction compared with CA125 <500 U/ml. The higher the CA125 level the higher the suboptimal cytoreduction rate. Patients with CA125 ≥500 U/ml may be candidates for an initial laparoscopic approach to specify resectability and to determine how to proceed. Overall, CA125 levels appear to be helpful in predicting suboptimal cytoreductive surgery for patients with primary ovarian cancer, but should be interpreted together with clinical and radiologic findings. This may improve defining the optimal treatment strategy in these patients.

Randomized trial of primary debulking surgery versus neoadjuvant chemotherapy for advanced epithelial ovarian cancer (SCORPION-NCT01461850)

OBJECTIVE

To investigate whether neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by interval debulking surgery is superior to primary debulking surgery in terms of perioperative complications and progression-free survival, in advanced epithelial ovarian, fallopian tube or primary peritoneal cancer patients with high tumor load.

METHODS

Patients with advanced epithelial ovarian, fallopian tube or primary peritoneal cancer (stage IIIC-IV) underwent laparoscopy. Patients with high tumor load assessed by a standardized laparoscopic predictive index were randomly assigned (1:1 ratio) to undergo either primary debulking surgery followed by adjuvant chemotherapy (arm A), or neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by interval debulking surgery and adjuvant chemotherapy (arm B). Co-primary outcome measures were progression-free survival and post-operative complications; secondary outcomes were overall survival, and quality of life. Survival analyses were performed on an intention-to-treat population.

RESULTS

171 patients were randomly assigned to primary debulking surgery (n=84) versus neoadjuvant chemotherapy (n=87). Rates of complete resection (R0) were different between the arms (47.6% in arm A vs 77.0% in arm B; p=0.001). 53 major postoperative complications were registered, mainly distributed in arm A compared with arm B (25.9% vs 7.6%; p=0.0001). All patients were included in the intent-to-treat analysis. With an overall median follow-up of 59 months (95% CI 53 to 64), 142 (83.0%) disease progressions/recurrences and 103 deaths (60.2%) occurred. Median progression-free and overall survival were 15 and 41 months for patients assigned to primary debulking surgery, compared with 14 and 43 months for patients assigned to neoadjuvant chemotherapy, respectively (HR 1.05, 95% CI 0.77 to 1.44, p=0.73; HR 1.12, 95% CI 0.76 to 1.65, p=0.56).

CONCLUSIONS

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy and primary debulking surgery have the same efficacy when used at their maximal possibilities, but the toxicity profile is different.

Primary site disease and recurrence location in ovarian cancer patients undergoing primary debulking surgery vs. interval debulking surgery

INTRODUCTION

The natural history and patterns of ovarian cancer (OC) relapse are still unclear. Recurrent disease can be peritoneal, parenchymal, or nodal. This study aims to analyze the location and pattern of OC recurrence according to the primary site of disease and to the type of surgical approach used.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

All OC patients underwent primary debulking surgery (PDS) or interval debulking surgery (IDS), with 2014 FIGO stage III-IV, and with platinum-sensitive recurrence were included in the study. Primary disease location and site of recurrences were divided into peritoneal, parenchymal, and nodal, according to the presence of peritoneal carcinomatosis, parenchymal metastasis, and nodal involvement, respectively.

RESULTS

A total of 355 patients were initially considered; of them, 295 met the inclusion criteria. Two hundred thirty-three patients obtained no macroscopic residual tumor at the end of primary surgical treatment. Primary parenchymal disease relapsed in 84.6% cases at a parenchymal site (p < 0.001), 97.2% of peritoneal diseases relapsed on the peritoneum (p < 0.001), and 100% of nodal diseases had a nodal recurrence (p < 0.001). Stratifying by the surgical approach all these correlations have been confirmed both in the PDS (p < 0.001) and IDS (p < 0.001) groups.

CONCLUSION

Our study shows that the site of relapse in cases of platinum-sensitive OC recurrence is closely related to the primary location of the disease, regardless of the type of initial treatment. Therefore, more attention during followup should be paid to areas where the initial tumor was present.

A multimodality triage algorithm to improve cytoreductive outcomes in patients undergoing primary debulking surgery for advanced ovarian cancer: A Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center team ovary initiative

OBJECTIVE

To describe outcomes using a multimodal algorithm to triage patients with advanced epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) to primary debulking surgery (PDS) versus neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT).

METHODS

All patients with EOC treated at our institution from 04/2015-08/2018 were identified. We included patients without contraindication to PDS who underwent prospective calculation of a Resectability (R)-score. A low risk score for suboptimal cytoreduction was defined as ≤6, and a high risk score ≥7. Patients were triaged to laparotomy/PDS, laparoscopic evaluation of resectability (LSC), or NACT depending on R-score.

RESULTS

Among 299 participants, 226 (76%) had a low risk score and 73 (24%) a high risk score. For patients with a low risk score, management included laparotomy/PDS, 181 (80%); LSC, 43 (19%) (with subsequent triage: PDS, 31; NACT, 12); and NACT, 2 (1%). For patients with a high risk score, management included laparotomy/PDS, 9 (12%); LSC, 51 (70%) (with subsequent triage: PDS, 28; NACT, 23); and NACT, 13 (18%). Overall, 83% underwent PDS, with a 75% CGR rate and 94% optimal cytoreduction rate. Use of the algorithm resulted in a 31% LSC rate and a 6% rate of suboptimal PDS.

CONCLUSIONS

The multimodal algorithm led to excellent surgical results; 94% of patients achieved an optimal resection, with a very low rate of suboptimal cytoreduction.

Incidence, predictors and clinical outcome of pancreatic fistula in patients receiving splenectomy for advanced or recurrent ovarian cancer: a large multicentric experience

PURPOSE

To evaluate the incidence, predictors and clinical outcome of pancreatic fistulas in patients receiving splenectomy during cytoreductive surgery for advanced or recurrent ovarian cancer.

METHODS

Data of women who underwent splenectomy during cytoreduction for advanced or recurrent ovarian cancer from December 2012 to May 2018 were retrospectively retrieved from the oncological databases of five institutions. Surgical, post-operative and follow-up data were analysed.

RESULTS

Overall, 260 patients were included in the study. Pancreatic resection was performed in 45 (17.6%) women, 23 of whom received capsule resection alone, while 22 required tail resection. Hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) was administered in 28 (10.8%) patients. In the overall population, a pancreatic fistula was detected in 32 (12.3%) patients, and pancreatic resection (p-value = 0.033) and HIPEC administration (p-value = 0.039) were associated with fistula development. In multivariate analysis, HIPEC (OR = 2.573; p-value = 0.058) was confirmed as a risk factor for fistula development in women receiving splenectomy alone, while concomitant cholecystectomy (OR = 2.680; p-value = 0.012) was identified as the only independent predictor of the occurrence of pancreatic fistulas in those receiving additional distal pancreatectomy. Although the median length of hospital stay was higher in women with pancreatic leakage (p-value = 0.008), the median time from surgery to adjuvant treatment was not significantly increased.

CONCLUSION

HIPEC was identified as a risk factor for pancreatic fistulas in patients who underwent splenectomy alone, while concomitant cholecystectomy was the only independent predictor of fistula in those receiving additional pancreatectomy. The development of pancreatic leakage was not associated with increased post-operative mortality or delay in the initiation of chemotherapy.

Feasibility of tumor testing for BRCA status in high-grade serous ovarian cancer using fresh-frozen tissue based approach

OBJECTIVE

For many years, BRCA mutational status has only been considered as a predictor of ovarian cancer susceptibility and as a prognostic factor. Nonetheless, in the era of precision medicine, it has also become a predictive biomarker of response to platinum-based-chemotherapy and, more recently, to PARP-inhibitors, also in the frontline setting. We assessed the feasibility of a fresh frozen tissue-based-BRCA-screening workflow in a tertiary referral center.

METHODS

We consecutively enrolled a series of 456 newly diagnosed FIGO-Stage IIIC-IV, high grade serous-ovarian cancer patients. All patients receiving tumor-biopsy underwent tBRCA-testing.

RESULTS

Clinically relevant tissue-BRCA (tBRCA) variants were observed in 145 women (31.8%), particularly we recognized 89 (61.4%) patients with BRCA1-pathogenetic variants (PVs) and 56 women (38.6%) with BRCA2-PVs. Among 292 tBRCA wild-type (wt) patients, 88 cases were germline BRCA tested (gBRCA) and 86 (97.8%) were confirmed as gBRCAwt, while 1 (1.1%) had gBRCA variant of uncertain significance and 1 had gBRCA mutation (1.1%). The concordance of tumor test versus germline BRCA test was 86.3% (209/242). Large genomic rearrangements (LGRs) were suspected in 13/292 tBRCAwt patients (4.5%) by using bioinformatic algorithm and multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA) was performed, with evidence of PVs in only 1 case.

CONCLUSIONS

Fresh-frozen tissue-based BRCA screening workflow is feasible and reliable. It allows to enlarge the BRCA mutated population that might receive PARPi with the greatest benefit, without missing cascade testing for family members and therefore, maintaining its preventive role.

Novel Molecular Targets for Tumor-Specific Imaging of Epithelial Ovarian Cancer Metastases

In epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC), the strongest prognostic factor is the completeness of surgery. Intraoperative molecular imaging that targets cell-surface proteins on tumor cells may guide surgeons to detect metastases otherwise not visible to the naked eye. Previously, we identified 29% more metastatic lesions during cytoreductive surgery using OTL-38, a fluorescent tracer targeting folate receptor-α (FRα). Unfortunately, eleven out of thirteen fluorescent lymph nodes were tumor negative. The current study evaluates the suitability of five biomarkers (EGFR, VEGF-A, L1CAM, integrin αvβ6 and EpCAM) as alternative targets for molecular imaging of EOC metastases and included FRα as a reference. Immunohistochemistry was performed on paraffin-embedded tissue sections of primary ovarian tumors, omental, peritoneal and lymph node metastases from 84 EOC patients. Tumor-negative tissue specimens from these patients were included as controls. EGFR, VEGF-A and L1CAM were highly expressed in tumor-negative tissue, whereas αvβ6 showed heterogeneous expression in metastases. The expression of EpCAM was most comparable to FRα in metastatic lesions and completely absent in the lymph nodes that were false-positively illuminated with OTL-38 in our previous study. Hence, EpCAM seems to be a promising novel target for intraoperative imaging and may contribute to a more reliable detection of true metastatic EOC lesions.

Evaluation of surgical resection in advanced ovarian, fallopian tube, and primary peritoneal cancer: laparoscopic assessment. A European Network of Gynaecological Oncology Trial (ENGOT) group survey

OBJECTIVE

Laparoscopy is one of the diagnostic tools available for the complex clinical decision-making process in advanced ovarian, fallopian tube, and peritoneal carcinoma. This article presents the results of a survey conducted within the European Network of Gynaecological Oncology Trial (ENGOT) group aimed at reviewing the current patterns of practice at gynecologic oncology centers with regard to the evaluation of resection in advanced ovarian, fallopian tube, and peritoneal carcinoma.

METHODS

A 24-item questionnaire was sent to the chair of the 20 cooperative groups that are currently part of the ENGOT group, and forwarded to the members within each group.

RESULTS

A total of 142 questionnaires were returned. Only 39 respondents (27.5%) reported using some form of clinical (not operative) score for the evaluation of resection. The frequency of use of diagnostic laparoscopy to assess disease status and feasibility of resection was as follows: never, 21 centers (15%); only in select cases, 83 centers (58.5%); and routinely, 36 centers (25.4%). When laparoscopy was performed, 64% of users declared they made the decision to proceed with maximal effort cytoreductive surgery based on their personal/staff opinion, and 36% based on a laparoscopic score. To the question of whether laparoscopy should be considered the gold standard in the evaluation of resection, 71 respondents (50%) answered no, 66 respondents (46.5%) answered yes, whereas 5 respondents (3.5%) did not provide an answer.

CONCLUSIONS

This study found that laparoscopy was routinely performed to assess feasibility of cytoreduction in only 25.4% of centers in Europe. However, it was commonly used to select patients and in a minority of centers it was never used . When laparoscopy was adopted, the treatment strategy was based on laparoscopic scores only in a minority of centers.

Survival outcome and perioperative complication related to neoadjuvant chemotherapy with carboplatin and paclitaxel for advanced ovarian cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

To compare the effectiveness and safety of neoadjuvant chemotherapy with carboplatin/paclitaxel followed by interval debulking surgery (NACT-IDS) to primary debulking surgery plus postoperative chemotherapy (PDS) for advanced ovarian cancer.

METHODS

A comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted by an Expert Panel of the Japan Society of Gynecologic Oncology Ovarian Cancer Committee. Multiple public search engines including PubMed/MEDLINE and the Cochrane Database, were searched in March 2019 using the entry keywords "ovarian cancer [all fields]" AND "interval debulking surgery [all fields]", AND "neoadjuvant chemotherapy [all fields]". Key inclusion criteria were prospective clinical trials examining platinum-based NACT for stage II-IV epithelial ovarian cancer. The primary outcome of interest was survival, and the secondary outcome was adverse events with each intervention.

RESULTS

After screening 333 studies, four phase III randomized clinical trials were identified that met the inclusion criteria. These trials included 1692 women (847 receiving NACT-IDS and 845 receiving PDS). It was found that NACT-IDS and PDS had similar overall survival (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.97, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.87-1.07, P = 0.53) and progression-free survival (HR: 0.98, 95%CI: 0.90-1.08, P = 0.74). In contrast, NACT-IDS was associated with significantly lower rates of perioperative complications (odds ratio [OR] 0.27, 95%CI: 0.20-0.36, P < 0.001) and perioperative mortality (OR: 0.17, 95%CI: 0.06-0.50, P < 0.001) compared to PDS.

CONCLUSION

This systematic review and meta-analysis suggests that NACT-IDS with carboplatin and paclitaxel does not negatively impact the survival of women with advanced ovarian cancer compared to PDS, while perioperative complications and mortality are significantly reduced by 70-80%.