Decreasing utilization of minimally invasive hysterectomy for cervical cancer in the United States

ROCC/GOG-3043: a randomized controlled trial of robotic versus open surgery for early-stage cervical cancer

BACKGROUND

The Laparoscopic Approach to Cervical Cancer trial is the only randomized trial to date addressing the role of surgical approach in cervical cancer; however, this non-inferiority trial of minimally invasive surgery vs an open approach in patients undergoing radical hysterectomy for early-stage cervical cancer did not meet its primary end point of 4.5-year disease-free survival and was terminated early because of significantly worse disease-specific survival, overall survival, and locoregional recurrence in the minimally invasive surgery cohort.

PRIMARY OBJECTIVE

Our trial compares 3-year disease-free survival after robotic-assisted or abdominal radical or simple (in select cases) hysterectomy in early-stage cervical cancer.

STUDY HYPOTHESIS

We hypothesize that disease-free survival is non-inferior after robotic-assisted vs abdominal radical or simple hysterectomy.

TRIAL DESIGN

This multi-center, randomized non-inferiority trial conducted through the Gynecologic Oncology Group has specified surgeon qualification criteria. It requires a pelvic magnetic resonance imaging scan in all patients before enrollment and will use 1:1 randomization to assign patients to robotic-assisted or abdominal hysterectomy. All surgeons must use specified tumor-containment techniques in both arms. It does not allow trans-cervical uterine manipulators.

MAJOR INCLUSION/EXCLUSION CRITERIA

Patients with early-stage (2018 International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics stages IA2-IB2) cervical cancer. Histologic types are limited to squamous cell carcinoma, adenocarcinoma, or adenosquamous carcinoma. Pelvic magnetic resonance imaging must confirm a tumor that is 4 cm or less without definitive extra-cervical spread. A simple hysterectomy is allowed in select cases after trial study principal investigator review.

PRIMARY ENDPOINT

The primary end point is the 3-year disease-free survival between robotic-assisted or abdominal hysterectomy.

SAMPLE SIZE

The trial will randomly allocate 840 patients, with planned interim analysis for futility (oncologic safety) after we have randomly allocated 370 and 640 patients.

ESTIMATED DATES FOR COMPLETING ACCRUAL AND PRESENTING RESULTS

2030.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT04831580.

A reproducible framework for monitoring the impact of randomized clinical trials on clinical practice using large-scale real-world data: application to gynaecological surgical trials using the French national healthcare database

Background

Randomized clinical trials (RCTs) are fundamental to evidence-based medicine, but their real-world impact on clinical practice often remains unmonitored. Leveraging large-scale real-world data can enable systematic monitoring of RCT effects. We aimed to develop a reproducible framework using real-world data to assess how major RCTs influence medical practice, using two pivotal surgical RCTs in gynaecologic oncology as an example-the LACC (Laparoscopic Approach to Cervical Cancer) and LION (Lymphadenectomy in Ovarian Neoplasms) trials.

Methods

We utilized data from the French National Health Insurance Database (SNDS), covering 98.8% of France's population. We analysed patients who underwent radical hysterectomy for cervical cancer (2013-2022) and patients who underwent cytoreductive surgery for ovarian cancer (2014-2022). Bayesian structural time series analysis assessed the causal effects of the LACC and LION trials on the discontinuation of minimally invasive surgery (MIS) and lymphadenectomy, respectively. Analyses were stratified by hospital type, academic status, research mission, domain expertise, human resources, and financial condition.

Findings

Our nationwide cohorts included 7108 cervical cancer and 23,090 ovarian cancer patients treated across 596 centres. The LACC trial led to a 14.1% reduction in radical hysterectomies by MIS (275 fewer surgeries; 95% CI: -407 to -140), with academic centres showing 27.9% reduction compared to 2.5% increase in nonacademic centres. The LION trial resulted in a 22.6% reduction in lymphadenectomies (2358 fewer surgeries; 95% CI: -2708 to -2003), with academic centres achieving 31.1% reduction versus 15% in nonacademic centres. Significant variation was observed across medical settings. Centres with academic status, high research missions, substantial expertise, and robust resources were more responsive to trial outcomes, highlighting the influence of institutional and human factors on adopting new practices.

Interpretation

This study demonstrates that large-scale real-world data can effectively monitor the impact of RCTs on clinical practice. While validated here using surgical trials, this reproducible framework is adaptable to various health domains and can be implemented in any country with national electronic health databases. Systematic monitoring is essential to ensure effective implementation of RCT findings and to address disparities in the adoption of evidence-based practices.

Funding

None.

Approach to radical hysterectomy for cervical cancer after the Laparoscopic Approach to Cervical Cancer trial and associated complications: a National Surgical Quality Improvement Program study

BACKGROUND

The Laparoscopic Approach to Cervical Cancer study results revolutionized our understanding of the best surgical management for this disease. After its publication, the guidelines state that the standard and recommended approach for radical hysterectomy is an open abdominal approach. Nevertheless, the effect of the Laparoscopic Approach to Cervical Cancer trial on real-world changes in the surgical approach to radical hysterectomy remains elusive.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to investigate the trends and routes of radical hysterectomy and to evaluate postoperative complication rates before and after the Laparoscopic Approach to Cervical Cancer trial (2018).

STUDY DESIGN

The National Surgical Quality Improvement Program registry was used to examine radical hysterectomy for cervical cancer performed between 2012 and 2022. This study excluded vaginal radical hysterectomies and simple hysterectomies. The primary outcome measures were the trends in the route of surgery (minimally invasive surgery vs laparotomy) and surgical complication rates, stratified by periods before and after the publication of the Laparoscopic Approach to Cervical Cancer trial in 2018 (2012-2017 vs 2019-2022). The secondary outcome measure was major complications associated specifically with the different routes of surgery.

RESULTS

Of the 3611 patients included, 2080 (57.6%) underwent laparotomy, and 1531 (42.4%) underwent minimally invasive radical hysterectomy. There was a significant increase in the minimally invasive surgery approach from 2012 to 2017 (45.6% in minimally invasive surgery in 2012 to 75.3% in minimally invasive surgery in 2017; P<.01) and a significant decrease in minimally invasive surgery from 2018 to 2022 (50.4% in minimally invasive surgery in 2018 to 11.4% in minimally invasive surgery in 2022; P<.001). The rate of minor complications was lower in the period before the Laparoscopic Approach to Cervical Cancer trial than after the trial (317 [16.9%] vs 288 [21.3%], respectively; P=.002). The major complication rates were similar before and after the Laparoscopic Approach to Cervical Cancer trial (139 [7.4%] vs 78 [5.8%], respectively; P=.26). The rates of blood transfusions and superficial surgical site infections were lower in the period before the Laparoscopic Approach to Cervical Cancer trial than in the period after the trial (137 [7.3%] vs 133 [9.8%] [P=.012] and 20 [1.1%] vs 53 [3.9%] [P<.001], respectively). In a comparison of minimally invasive surgery vs laparotomy radical hysterectomy during the entire study period, patients in the minimally invasive surgery group had lower rates of minor complications than in those in the laparotomy group (190 [12.4%] vs 472 [22.7%], respectively; P<.001), and the rates of major complications were similar in both groups (100 [6.5%] in the minimally invasive surgery group vs 139 [6.7%] in the laparotomy group; P=.89). In a specific complications analysis, the rates of blood transfusion and superficial surgical site infections were lower in the minimally invasive surgery group than in the laparotomy group (2.4% vs 12.7% and 0.6% vs 3.4%, respectively; P<.001; for both comparisons), and the rate of deep incisional surgical site infections was lower in the minimally invasive surgery group than in the laparotomy group (0.2% vs 0.7%, respectively; P=.048). In the multiple logistic regression analysis, the route of radical hysterectomy was not independently associated with the occurrence of major complications (adjusted odds ratio, 1.02; 95% confidence interval, 0.63-1.65).

CONCLUSION

Although the proportion of minimally invasive radical hysterectomies decreased abruptly after the Laparoscopic Approach to Cervical Cancer trial, there was no change in the rate of major postoperative complications. In addition, the hysterectomy route was not associated with major postoperative complications.

Secondary databases in gynecologic cancer research

Observational and cohort studies using large databases have made important contributions to gynecologic oncology. Knowledge of the advantages and potential limitations of commonly used databases benefits both readers and reviewers. In this review, researchers familiar with National Cancer Database (NCDB), Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program (SEER), SEER-Medicare, MarketScan, Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project (HCUP), National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP), and Premier, describe each database, its included data, access, management, storage, highlights, and limitations. A better understanding of these commonly used datasets can help readers, reviewers, and researchers to more effectively interpret and apply study results, evaluate new research studies, and develop compelling and practice-changing research.

Safety of vaginal surgery for early-stage cervical cancer: A retrospective multicenter cohort study

OBJECTIVE

Abdominal Radical hysterectomy (ARH) with pelvic lymph node assessment is considered the standard treatment for early-stage cervical cancer. Accepted routes have previously included laparoscopic or robotic approaches (LRH). Laparoscopy-assisted vaginal or vaginal radical hysterectomy (LVRH) are performed in some centers. The objective of this study is to compare surgical and oncological outcomes of LVRH, to laparoscopic and abdominal approaches.

DESIGN PATIENTS SETTING

A retrospective multicenter analysis of consecutive cervical cancer cases who underwent a radical hysterectomy between 2007 and 2017 in eleven regional cancer centers across Canada.

MEASUREMENTS

A comparison of patients stratified by surgical technique was undertaken. T-test, Wilcoxon rank-sum and chi-square were used to compare patient characteristics. Log-rank tests and Cox proportional hazards models were employed to compare recurrence and survival across surgical groups.

MAIN RESULTS

A total of 1071 patients with cervical cancer stage IA1 with lymphovascular invasion to stage IIIC (FIGO 2018) <4 cm were identified. Postoperative complication rate was lowest for women undergoing LVRH (9.1 %, vs 18.3 % and 22.1 % for minimally invasive and open respectively). During follow up, 114 women recurred, and 70 women died. 5-year recurrence-free survival was 85.4 % for LRH, 89.4 % for ARH and 92.2 % for LVRH. LVRH was not found to be associated with a higher risk of recurrence or death than ARH on multivariable analysis (aHR for recurrence 0.62, CI 0.21-1.77; aHR for death 0.63, CI 0.14-2.77) CONCLUSION: In this retrospective study, vaginal or laparoscopy-assisted vaginal radical hysterectomy for cervical cancer was associated with favorable perioperative and oncological outcomes.

Trends in Early-Stage Cervical Cancer Management in the US: A National Cancer Database Analysis

The Laparoscopic Approach to Cervical Cancer (LACC) trial was published in 2018 and demonstrated that minimally invasive surgery (MIS) yields inferior survival outcomes in early-stage cervical cancer compared to open surgery. This study investigates how the results of the LACC trial have impacted the selection of the primary treatment modality and adjuvant radiation utilization in early-stage cervical cancer. Using the National Cancer Database (NCDB), we compared patients with stage IA2-IB1 cervical cancer before (1/2016-12/2017) and after (1/2019-12/2020) the LACC trial. A total of 7930 patients were included: 4609 before and 3321 after the LACC trial. There was a decline in MIS usage from 67% pre-LACC to 35% thereafter (p < 0.001). In both the pre- and post-LACC periods, patients undergoing radical MIS more frequently had small volume disease (pre-LACC tumors ≤ 2 cm, 48% MIS vs. 41% open, p = 0.023; post-LACC stage IA2, 22% vs. 15%, p = 0.002). Pre-LACC, MIS radical hysterectomy was associated with White race (82% vs. 77%, p = 0.001) and private insurance (63% vs. 54%, p = 0.004), while there was no difference in socioeconomic factors in the post-LACC period. Although the proportion of patients treated with primary chemoradiation remained stable, the post-LACC cohort had a younger median age (52.47 vs. 56.37, p = 0.005) and more microscopic disease cases (13% vs. 5.4%, p = 0.002). There was no difference in the rate of radiation after radical hysterectomy before and after the trial (26% vs. 24%, p = 0.3). Conclusions: Post-LACC, patients were less likely to undergo MIS but received adjuvant radiation at similar rates, and primary chemoradiation patients were younger and more likely to have microscopic disease.

Current analysis of the survival implications for minimally invasive surgery in the treatment of early-stage cervix cancer

Early-stage cervical cancer (ESCC) is managed with radical hysterectomy, a procedure that can be performed either via open surgery or minimally invasive surgery (MIS), the latter of which is accomplished via traditional laparoscopy or robotic-assisted surgery. Previously, MIS was routinely incorporated into the management of ESCC due to the approach's reduced operative morbidity and truncated hospital stay duration, but more recent clinical evidence has since impugned the efficacy of MIS because of the reportedly inferior disease-free survival and overall survival outcomes compared to open surgery. However, additional studies have documented equivalent outcomes among the various surgical modalities, suggesting further exploration of clinical factors as we endeavor to conclusively determine the standard of care for patients diagnosed with ESCC.

Nationwide assessment of practice variability in the utilization of hysteropexy at laparoscopic apical suspension for uterine prolapse

BACKGROUND

Although hysteropexy has been used to preserve the uterus during uterine prolapse surgery for a long time, there is a scarcity of data that describe the nationwide patterns of use of this surgical procedure.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to examine the national-level use and characteristics of hysteropexy at the time of laparoscopic apical suspension surgery for uterine prolapse in the United States.

STUDY DESIGN

This cross-sectional study used data from the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project's Nationwide Ambulatory Surgery Sample. The study population included 55,608 patients with a diagnosis of uterine prolapse who underwent laparoscopic apical suspension surgery from 2016 to 2019. Patients who had a hysterectomy were assigned to the hysterectomy group, and those who did not have a hysterectomy were assigned to the hysteropexy group. The main outcome was clinical characteristics associated with hysteropexy, assessed using a multivariable binary logistic regression model. A classification tree was further constructed to assess the use pattern of hysteropexy during laparoscopic apical suspension procedures. The secondary outcome was surgical morbidity, including urinary tract injury, intestinal injury, vascular injury, and hemorrhage.

RESULTS

A hysteropexy was performed in 6500 (11.7%) patients. In a multivariable analysis, characteristics associated with increased use of a hysteropexy included (1) patient factors, such as older age, Medicare coverage, private insurance, self-pay, and medical comorbidity; (2) pelvic floor dysfunction factor of complete uterine prolapse; and (3) hospital factors, including medium bed capacity center and location in the Southern United States (all P<.05). Conversely, (1) the patient factor of higher household income; (2) gynecologic factors such as uterine myoma, adenomyosis, and benign ovarian pathology; (3) pelvic floor dysfunction factor with stress urinary incontinence; and (4) hospital factors including Midwest and West United States regions and rural setting center were associated with decreased use of a hysteropexy (all P<.05). A classification tree identified a total of 14 use patterns for hysteropexies during laparoscopic apical suspension procedures. The strongest factor that dictated the use of a hysteropexy was the presence or absence of uterine myomas; the rate of hysteropexy use was decreased to 5.6% if myomas were present in comparison with 15% if there were no myomas (P<.001). Second layer factors were adenomyosis and hospital region. Patients who did not have uterine myomas or adenomyosis and who underwent surgery in the Southern United States had the highest rate of undergoing a hysteropexy (22.6%). Across the 14 use patterns, the percentage rate difference between the highest and lowest uptake patterns was 22.0%. Patients who underwent a hysteropexy were less likely to undergo anteroposterior colporrhaphy, posterior colporrhaphy, and sling procedures (all P<.05). Hysteropexy was associated with a decreased risk for measured surgical morbidity (3.0 vs 5.4 per 1000 procedures; adjusted odds ratio, 0.57; 95% confidence interval, 0.36-0.90).

CONCLUSION

The results of these current, real-world practice data suggest that hysteropexies are being performed at the time of ambulatory laparoscopic apical suspension surgery for uterine prolapse. There is substantial variability in the application of hysteropexy based on patient, gynecologic, pelvic floor dysfunction, and hospital factors. Developing clinical practice guidelines to address this emerging surgical practice may be of use.

Practice patterns and complications of hysterectomy for invasive cervical cancer after the Laparoscopic Approach to Cervical Cancer trial

BACKGROUND

After the publication of the Laparoscopic Approach to Cervical Cancer trial, the standard surgical approach for early-stage cervical cancer is open radical hysterectomy. Only limited data were available regarding whether the change to open abdominal hysterectomy observed after the Laparoscopic Approach to Cervical Cancer trial led to an increase in postoperative complication rates as a consequence of the decrease in the use of the minimally invasive approach.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to analyze whether there was a correlation between the publication of the Laparoscopic Approach to Cervical Cancer trial and an increase in the 30-day complications associated with surgical treatment of invasive cervical cancer.

STUDY DESIGN

Data from the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program were used to compare the results in the pre-Laparoscopic Approach to Cervical Cancer period (January 2016 to December 2017) vs the results in the post-Laparoscopic Approach to Cervical Cancer period (January 2019 to December 2020). The rates of each surgical approach (open abdominal or minimally invasive) hysterectomy for invasive cervical cancer during the 2 periods were assessed. Subsequently, 30-day major complication, minor complication, unplanned hospital readmission, and intra- or postoperative transfusion rates before and after the publication of the Laparoscopic Approach to Cervical Cancer trial were compared.

RESULTS

Overall, 3024 patients undergoing either open abdominal hysterectomy or minimally invasive hysterectomy for invasive cervical cancer were included in the study. Of the patients, 1515 (50.1%) were treated in the pre-Laparoscopic Approach to Cervical Cancer period, and 1509 (49.9%) were treated in the post-Laparoscopic Approach to Cervical Cancer period. The rate of minimally invasive approaches decreased significantly from 75.6% (1145/1515) in the pre-Laparoscopic Approach to Cervical Cancer period to 41.1% (620/1509) in the post-Laparoscopic Approach to Cervical Cancer period, whereas the rate of open abdominal approach increased from 24.4% (370/1515) in the pre-Laparoscopic Approach to Cervical Cancer period to 58.9% (889/1509) in the post-Laparoscopic Approach to Cervical Cancer period (P<.001). The overall 30-day major complications remained stable between the pre-Laparoscopic Approach to Cervical Cancer period (85/1515 [5.6%]) and the post-Laparoscopic Approach to Cervical Cancer period (74/1509 [4.9%]) (adjusted odds ratio, 0.85; 95% confidence interval, 0.61-1.17). The overall 30-day minor complications were similar in the pre-Laparoscopic Approach to Cervical Cancer period (103/1515 [6.8%]) vs the post-Laparoscopic Approach to Cervical Cancer period (120/1509 [8.0%]) (adjusted odds ratio, 1.17; 95% confidence interval, 0.89-1.55). The unplanned hospital readmission rate remained stable during the pre-Laparoscopic Approach to Cervical Cancer period (7.9% per 30 person-days) and during the post-Laparoscopic Approach to Cervical Cancer period (6.3% per 30 person-days) (adjusted hazard ratio, 0.78; 95% confidence interval, 0.58-1.04)]. The intra- and postoperative transfusion rates increased significantly from 3.8% (58/1515) in the pre-Laparoscopic Approach to Cervical Cancer period to 6.7% (101/1509) in the post-Laparoscopic Approach to Cervical Cancer period (adjusted odds ratio, 1.79; 95% confidence interval, 1.27-2.53).

CONCLUSION

This study observed a significant shift in the surgical approach for invasive cervical cancer after the publication of the Laparoscopic Approach to Cervical Cancer trial, with a reduction in the minimally invasive abdominal approach and an increase in the open abdominal approach. The change in surgical approach was not associated with an increase in the rate of 30-day major or minor complications and unplanned hospital readmission, although it was associated with an increase in the transfusion rate.

Survival outcomes of laparoscopic versus open radical hysterectomy in early cervical cancer with incidentally identified high-risk factors

OBJECTIVE

Previously, we suggested that patients with cervical cancer (CC) with tumors ≤2 cm on preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are safe candidates for laparoscopic radical hysterectomy (LRH). Here, we aim to investigate whether LRH deteriorates the prognosis of patients with incidentally identified high-risk factors; lymph node metastasis (LNM) or parametrial invasion (PMI).

METHODS

We identified patients with 2009 FIGO stage IB1 CC who underwent Type C LRH or open radical hysterectomy (ORH) at three tertiary hospitals between 2000 and 2019. Those with a tumor ≤2 cm on preoperative MRI who were not suspicious of LNM or PMI preoperatively were included, while those who were indicated to receive adjuvant treatment but did not actually receive it were excluded. Survival outcomes were compared between the LRH and ORH groups in the overall population, then narrowed down to those with LNM, and then to those with PMI.

RESULTS

In total, 498 patients were included: 299 in the LRH group and 199 in the ORH group. The LRH and ORH groups showed similar 3-year progression-free survival (PFS) (94.0% vs. 93.6%; P = 0.615) and 5-year overall survival (OS) rates (97.2% vs. 96.8%; P = 0.439). On pathologic examination, 49 (9.8%) and 16 (3.2%) patients had LNM and PMI, respectively, and 10 (2.0%) had both. In the LNM subgroup, 5-year PFS rate was not significantly different between the LRH and ORH groups (73.2% vs. 91.7%; P = 0.169). In the PMI subgroup, no difference in PFS was observed between the two groups (P = 0.893).

CONCLUSIONS

LRH might not deteriorate recurrence and mortality rates in CC patients with tumors ≤2 cm when adjuvant treatment is appropriately administered, even if pathologic LNM and PMI are incidentally identified.

Increasing trends of cervical conization with lymph node evaluation for fertility-sparing surgery in early cervical cancer

OBJECTIVE

To examine uptake, characteristics, and survival outcome of less-radical fertility-sparing surgery with cervical conization and lymph node evaluation (Cone-LN) in reproductive age patients with early cervical cancer.

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study examined the National Cancer Institute's Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program. The study population included 407 patients aged <50 years with stage IA-IB2 (≤4 cm) cervical cancer who received fertility-sparing surgery from 2004 to 2019. The exposure was fertility-sparing surgery type: Cone-LN (n = 196) or trachelectomy with lymph node evaluation (Trach-LN, n = 211). The main co-outcomes were (i) temporal trends of surgery type, assessed with Cochran-Armitage test, and (ii) clinical and tumor characteristics, assessed with multivariable binary logistic regression model. The secondary outcome was overall survival, assessed with inverse probability of treatment weighting propensity score.

RESULTS

The number of patients receiving Cone-LN increased from 43.5% in 2004-2007 to 58.4% in 2016-2019 (P-trend = 0.005). Patients receiving conization and sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy alone increased from 0% to 14.4% (P-trend < 0.001). In a multivariable analysis, patients in the Cone-LN group were more likely to undergo SLN biopsy (aOR 6.04) compared to those in the Trach-LN group whereas those with adenocarcinoma (aOR 0.49) and T1b tumors (aOR for ≤2 cm 0.21, and aOR for 2.1-4.0 cm 0.10) were less likely to receive Cone-LN. In a propensity score-weighted model, the Cone-LN and Trach-LN groups had comparable overall survival (7-year rates, 98.9% vs 97.8%). Similar associations were observed for patients with squamous, adenocarcinoma / adenosquamous, T1a classification, and T1b(≤2 cm) classification.

CONCLUSION

The current population-based analysis suggests that the performance of cervical conization with lymph node evaluation, particularly with SLN biopsy, is gradually increasing for early cervical cancer patients desiring future fertility.

Disparate Utilization of Breast Conservation Therapy in the Surgical Management of Early-Stage Breast Cancer

BACKGROUND

Despite evidence suggesting oncologic equipoise of breast conservation therapy (BCT) for early-stage (stages I and II) breast cancer, mastectomy is still widely utilized.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The 2004-2015 National Cancer Database was used to tabulate all adult women receiving mastectomy or BCT for early-stage breast cancer. Multivariable regression was used to evaluate factors associated with utilization of BCT, relative to mastectomy.

RESULTS

Of 1,079,057 women meeting study criteria, 57.4% underwent BCT. BCT patients were older and more commonly White, compared to mastectomy. They were more commonly privately insured, in the highest income quartile, and treated at metropolitan, nonacademic institutions. After adjustment, increasing age (AOR 1.01/year), Black race (AOR 1.21, Ref: White), and care at a community hospital (AOR 1.08, Ref: Academic; all P< .05) were associated with increased odds of undergoing BCT. Conversely, Asian or Pacific Islander (AAPI) race (AOR 0.74), Medicare (AOR 0.89) or Medicaid (AOR 0.95) coverage, and being in the lowest (AOR 0.95) and second lowest (AOR 0.98, all P< .05) income quartiles were associated with reduced odds of undergoing BCT. Finally, increasing tumor size (AOR 0.97, P< .05) was associated with decreased adjusted odds of undergoing BCT.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest persistent socioeconomic and racial disparities in BCT utilization for early-stage breast cancer. Directed strategies should be implemented in order to reduce treatment inequality in this patient population.

The RECOURSE Study: Long-term Oncologic Outcomes Associated With Robotically Assisted Minimally Invasive Procedures for Endometrial, Cervical, Colorectal, Lung, or Prostate Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

To assess long-term outcomes with robotic versus laparoscopic/thoracoscopic and open surgery for colorectal, urologic, endometrial, cervical, and thoracic cancers.

BACKGROUND

Minimally invasive surgery provides perioperative benefits and similar oncological outcomes compared with open surgery. Recent robotic surgery data have questioned long-term benefits.

METHODS

A systematic review and meta-analysis of cancer outcomes based on surgical approach was conducted based on Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses guidelines using Pubmed, Scopus, and Embase. Hazard ratios for recurrence, disease-free survival (DFS), and overall survival (OS) were extracted/estimated using a hierarchical decision tree and pooled in RevMan 5.4 using inverse-variance fixed-effect (heterogeneity nonsignificant) or random effect models.

RESULTS

Of 31,204 references, 199 were included (7 randomized, 23 database, 15 prospective, 154 retrospective studies)-157,876 robotic, 68,007 laparoscopic/thoracoscopic, and 234,649 open cases. Cervical cancer: OS and DFS were similar between robotic and laparoscopic [1.01 (0.56, 1.80), P =0.98] or open [1.18 (0.99, 1.41), P =0.06] surgery; 2 papers reported less recurrence with open surgery [2.30 (1.32, 4.01), P =0.003]. Endometrial cancer: the only significant result favored robotic over open surgery [OS; 0.77 (0.71, 0.83), P <0.001]. Lobectomy: DFS favored robotic over thoracoscopic surgery [0.74 (0.59, 0.93), P =0.009]; OS favored robotic over open surgery [0.93 (0.87, 1.00), P =0.04]. Prostatectomy: recurrence was less with robotic versus laparoscopic surgery [0.77 (0.68, 0.87), P <0.0001]; OS favored robotic over open surgery [0.78 (0.72, 0.85), P <0.0001]. Low-anterior resection: OS significantly favored robotic over laparoscopic [0.76 (0.63, 0.91), P =0.004] and open surgery [0.83 (0.74, 0.93), P =0.001].

CONCLUSIONS

Long-term outcomes were similar for robotic versus laparoscopic/thoracoscopic and open surgery, with no safety signal or indication requiring further research (PROSPERO Reg#CRD42021240519).

Utilization of lymph node evaluation at hysterectomy for cervical carcinoma in situ

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

This study examined the utilization and characteristics of lymph node evaluation at hysterectomy for carcinoma in situ of the uterine cervix.

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study queried the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project's National Inpatient Sample, evaluating 7395 patients with cervical carcinoma in situ who underwent hysterectomy from 2016 to 2019. A multivariable binary logistic regression model was fitted to identify independent characteristics related to lymph node evaluation. A classification-tree was constructed with recursive partitioning analysis to examine utilization patterns of lymph node evaluation.

RESULTS

Lymph node evaluation at hysterectomy was performed in 4.6%. In amultivariable analysis, older age, higher income, use of robotic-assisted hysterectomy, and surgery at large bed capacity or urban teaching centers in the northeast US region were associated with increased likelihood of lymph node evaluation (all, p < 0.05). Of those independent factors, robotic-assisted surgery exhibited the largest effect size (adjusted odds ratio 3.23, 95% confidence interval 2.54-4.10). Utilization pattern analysis identified nine unique characteristics, of which robotic-assisted surgery was the primary indicator for cohort allocation (12.4% vs. 3.2%, p < 0.001). The difference between the lowest-highest patterns was 33.3% (range, 0%-33.3%).

CONCLUSION

Lymph node evaluation was rarely performed for cervical carcinoma in situ overall and robotic surgery was associated with increased utilization of lymph node evaluation.

Utilizations and characteristics of ovarian conservation at hysterectomy for cervical carcinoma in situ

OBJECTIVE

To examine the trends and characteristics of ovarian conservation at time of hysterectomy in cervical carcinoma in situ.

METHODS

This is a retrospective cohort study examining the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project's National Inpatient Sample, January 2016 to December 2019. The study population included 6605 patients aged less than 65 years with cervical carcinoma in situ who underwent hysterectomy. Exposure allocation was the adnexal procedure status (ovarian conservation vs. oophorectomy). Main outcome measures were temporal trends of ovarian conservation over time and per patient age. A classification-tree was constructed to examine utilization patterns of ovarian conservation.

RESULTS

Ovarian conservation was performed in 57.2% of patients. Ovarian conservation rates were unchanged over time (P-trend = 0.219). Ovarian conservation rates remained stable until age 40 years, ranging from 88.0% to 78.6% (P-trend = 0.236), after which time the rate sharply decreased from 78.6% to 19.1% (P-trend <0.001). In a multivariable analysis, younger age, fewer comorbidities, higher household income, vaginal hysterectomy, and surgery at small bed capacity non-rural hospitals were associated with ovarian conservation (all, P < 0.05). There were 17 utilization patterns of ovarian conservation for which the rate ranged from 17.2% to 94.4% (absolute rate difference 77.2%, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Decrease in the utilization of ovarian conservation at hysterectomy for cervical carcinoma in situ occurred at age 40 years, which is earlier than expected.

Practice patterns and 90-day treatment-related morbidity in early-stage cervical cancer

BACKGROUND

To evaluate the impact of the Laparoscopic Approach to Cervical Cancer (LACC) Trial on patterns of care and surgery-related morbidity in early-stage cervical cancer.

METHODS

This is a retrospective, a multi-institutional study evaluating 90-day surgery-related outcomes of patients undergoing treatment for early-stage cervical cancer before (period I: 01/01/2016-06/01/2018) and after (period II: 01/01/2019-06/01/2021) the publication of the results of the LACC trial.

RESULTS

Charts of 1295 patients were evaluated: 581 (44.9%) and 714 (55.1%) before and after the publication of the LACC trial, respectively. After the publication of the LACC trial, the number of patients treated with minimally invasive radical hysterectomy decreased from 64.9% to 30.4% (p < 0.001). Overall, 90-day complications occurred in 110 (18.9%) and 119 (16.6%) patients in the period I and period II, respectively (p = 0.795). Similarly, the number of severe (grade 3 or worse) complications did not differ between the two periods (38 (6.5%) vs. 37 (5.1%); p = 0.297). Overall and severe 90-day complications were consistent between periods even evaluating stage IA (p = 0.471), IB1 (p = 0.929), and IB2 (p = 0.074), separately.

CONCLUSIONS

The present investigation highlighted that in referral centers the shift from minimally invasive to open radical hysterectomy does not influence 90-day surgery-related morbidity.

Trends and characteristics of ovarian conservation at hysterectomy for young women with cervical cancer

OBJECTIVE

The association between early surgical menopause and increased mortality has been well demonstrated. Prior studies have also demonstrated that ovarian conservation is not associated with worse oncologic outcomes in early-stage cervical cancer. This study examined the contemporary trends and characteristics of ovarian conservation at time of hysterectomy in young women with cervical cancer.

METHODS

This is a retrospective cohort study examining the National Inpatient Sample. The study population was 4900 women aged ≤50 years with cervical cancer who had hysterectomy-based surgical treatment from 10/2015 to 12/2018. The exposure allocation was the adnexal procedure status (ovarian conservation versus oophorectomy). The main outcome measures were temporal trends of ovarian conservation over time and per patient age. Multivariable binary logistic regression model was fitted to identify independent characteristics associated with ovarian conservation. A classification-tree was constructed by recursive partitioning analysis to examine the utilization patterns of ovarian conservation.

RESULTS

A total of 2,940 (60.0%) women underwent ovarian conservation at hysterectomy. Ovarian conservation rates remained stable until age 37 years, ranging from 82.5% to 77.9% (P = 0.502), after which time the rate sharply and significantly decreased by 7.4% (95% confidence interval 5.4-9.3, P < 0.001) in one-year age increments from 77.9% at age 37 years to 28.7% at age 50 years. The rate of ovarian conservation increased from 54.7% in Q4/2015 to 64.4% in Q4/2018 (P = 0.002). In multivariable analysis, recent surgery remained an independent factor for ovarian conservation (adjusted-odds ratio per year-quarter 1.04, 95% confidence interval 1.03-1.06). A classification-tree model identified 24 unique patterns of ovarian conservation based on patient factor (age, race/ethnicity, primary expected payer, and year of surgery), surgical factor (minimally invasive hysterectomy), and facility factor (hospital bed capacity and region), ranging from <20% to 90% (absolute percentage difference, >80%).

CONCLUSION

Increasing rates of ovarian conservation at the time of hysterectomy in women undergoing surgical management of cervical cancer is encouraging; however, the marked decrease noted in patients in their mid-30s as well as substantial variability in ovarian conservation based on patient, surgical, and hospital factors are striking and warrant further consideration in clinical practice guidelines.

Substantial variability in ovarian conservation at hysterectomy for endometrial hyperplasia

BACKGROUND

Although ovarian conservation at hysterectomy for benign gynecologic disease has demonstrated mortality benefit in young patients and this benefit may be sustained up to age 65 years, there is a scarcity of data regarding ovarian conservation in those with a diagnosis of endometrial hyperplasia, a premalignant uterine condition.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to examine patient, hospital, treatment, and histology characteristics related to ovarian conservation at the time of inpatient hysterectomy for endometrial hyperplasia.

STUDY DESIGN

The Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project's National Inpatient Sample was retrospectively queried to examine patients aged ≤65 years with endometrial hyperplasia who had inpatient hysterectomy from January 2016 to December 2019. The exclusion criteria included concurrent gynecologic malignancy, adnexal pathology, and lymphadenectomy. Cases were grouped by adnexal surgery status (ovarian conservation or oophorectomy). A multivariable binary logistic regression model was used to identify independent characteristics for ovarian conservation. A classification tree was constructed with recursive partitioning analysis to examine utilization patterns of ovarian conservation.

RESULTS

Overall, 3105 patients (31.1%) underwent ovarian conservation at hysterectomy among 9975 patients. The utilization of ovarian conservation decreased gradually until age 45 years and then markedly decreased by age 52 years (63.3%-15.3%; P<.001). In a multivariable analysis, younger age, non-White, urban nonteaching centers, and vaginal hysterectomy were associated with increased utilization of ovarian conservation, whereas endometrial hyperplasia with atypia, obesity, comorbidity, large bed capacity centers, and Midwest and South regions were associated with decreased utilization of ovarian conservation (all, P<.05). A classification tree identified 17 utilization patterns for ovarian conservation, ranging from 7.8% to 100.0% (absolute rate difference, 92.2%).

CONCLUSION

The utilization of ovarian conservation at the time of inpatient hysterectomy in patients undergoing surgical management for endometrial hyperplasia started decreasing in their mid-40s and seemed to occur earlier than in benign hysterectomy. There was substantial variability in ovarian conservation at the time of hysterectomy for endometrial hyperplasia based on patient, hospital, surgical, and histology factors, suggesting the possible benefit of clinical practice guidelines for ovarian conservation in this population.

Outcomes of open radical hysterectomy following implementation of an enhanced recovery after surgery program

OBJECTIVE

Open surgery has become the standard approach for radical hysterectomy in early stage cervical cancer (International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) 2018 IA1 with lymphovascular space invasion-IIA1). Our primary objective was to compare the length of stay in patients undergoing open radical hysterectomy before and after implementation of an enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) program.

METHODS

This was a single center, retrospective, before-and-after intervention study including patients who underwent open radical hysterectomy for cervical cancer from January 2009 to December 2020. Two groups were identified based on the time of ERAS implementation: pre-ERAS group included patients who were operated on between January 2009 and October 2014; post-ERAS group included patients who underwent surgery between November 2014 and December 2020.

RESULTS

A total of 81 patients were included, of whom 29 patients were in the pre-ERAS group and 52 patients in the post-ERAS group. Both groups had similar clinical characteristics with no differences in terms of median age (42 years (interquartile range (IQR) 35-53) in pre-ERAS group vs 41 years (IQR 35-49) in post-ERAS group; p=0.47) and body mass index (26.1 kg/m2 (IQR 24.6-29.7) in pre-ERAS group vs 27.1 kg/m2 (IQR 23.5-33.5) in post-ERAS group; p=0.44). Patients in the post-ERAS group were discharged from the hospital earlier compared with those in the pre-ERAS group (median 3 days (IQR 2-3) vs 4 (IQR 3-4), p<0.01). The proportion of patients discharged within 48 hours was significantly higher in the post-ERAS group (47.3% vs 17.3%, p=0.013). There were no differences regarding either overall complications (44.8% pre-ERAS vs 38.5% post-ERAS; p=0.57) or readmission rates within 30 days (20.7% pre-ERAS group vs 17.3% ERAS group; p=0.40). Adherence to the ERAS pathway since its implementation in 2014 has remained stable with a median of 70% (IQR 65%-75%).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients undergoing open radical hysterectomy on an ERAS pathway have a shorter length of hospital stay without increasing overall complications or readmissions rates.

Minimally Invasive Surgery for Cervical Cancer in Light of the LACC Trial: What Have We Learned?

Cervical cancer is the most common gynecologic malignancy and the fourth most common cancer in women worldwide. Over the last two decades, minimally invasive surgery (MIS) emerged as the mainstay in the surgical management of cervical cancer, bringing advantages such as lower operative morbidity and shorter hospital stay compared to open surgery while maintaining comparable oncologic outcomes in numerous retrospective studies. However, in 2018, a prospective phase III randomized controlled trial, “Laparoscopic Approach to Carcinoma of the Cervix (LACC)”, unexpectedly reported that MIS was associated with a statistically significant poorer overall survival and disease-free survival compared to open surgery in patients with early-stage cervical cancer. Various hypotheses have been raised by the authors to try to explain these results, but the LACC trial was not powered to answer those questions. In this study, through an exhaustive literature review, we wish to explore some of the potential causes that may explain the poorer oncologic outcomes associated with MIS, including the type of MIS surgery, the size of the lesion, the impact of CO2 pneumoperitoneum, prior conization, the use of uterine manipulator, the use of protective measures, and the effect of surgical expertise/learning curve.

Intraoperative tumor spill during minimally invasive hysterectomy for endometrial cancer: A survey study on experience and practice

OBJECTIVE

Tumor spill during surgical treatment is associated with adverse oncologic outcomes in many solid tumors. However, in minimally invasive hysterectomy for endometrial cancer, intraoperative tumor spill has not been well studied. This study examined surgeon experiences and practices related to intraoperative tumor spill during minimally invasive hysterectomy for endometrial cancer.

METHODS

A cross-sectional survey was conducted to the Society of Gynecologic Oncology. Participants were 220 U.S. gynecologic oncologists practicing minimally invasive hysterectomy for endometrial cancer. Interventions were 20 questions regarding surgeon demographics, surgical practice patterns (fallopian tubal ablation/ligation, intra-uterine manipulator use, and colpotomy approach), and tumor spill experience (uterine perforation with intra-uterine manipulator and tumor exposure during colpotomy).

RESULTS

Nearly half of the responding surgeons completed subspeciality training >10 years ago (50.5%), and 74.1% had annual surgical volume of >40 cases. The majority of surgeons used an intra-uterine manipulator during minimally invasive hysterectomies for endometrial cancer (90.1%), and 87.2% of the users have experienced uterine perforation with an intra-uterine manipulator. Almost all surgeons performed colpotomy laparoscopically (95.9%), and nearly 60% had experienced tumor spill while making colpotomy (59.8%). Nearly 10-15% of surgeons have changed their postoperative therapy as a result of intraoperative uterine perforation (11.8%) or tumor spill (14.5%). Surgeons infrequently ablated or ligated fallopian tubes prior to performing the hysterectomy (14.1%).

CONCLUSION

Our survey study suggests that many surgeons experienced intraoperative tumor spillage during minimally invasive hysterectomy for endometrial cancer. These findings warrant further studies examining its incidence and impact on clinical outcomes.

Incorporation of vaginal brachytherapy to external beam radiotherapy in adjuvant therapy for high-risk early-stage cervical cancer: A comparative study

PURPOSE

To examine trends, characteristics, and outcomes related to addition of vaginal brachytherapy (VBT) to external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) for adjuvant radiotherapy in high-risk early-stage cervical cancer.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

This comparative study is a retrospective observational analysis of the National Cancer Institutes' Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program. Surgically treated women with stage T1-2 cervical cancer who had high-risk factors (nodal metastasis and/or parametrial invasion) and received adjuvant radiotherapy from 2000 to 2018 were examined. Propensity score inverse probability of treatment weighting was used to assess the survival estimates for addition of VBT use.

RESULTS

Among 2470 women with high-risk factors receiving EBRT, 760 (30.8%) had additional VBT. During the study period, there was an increasing trend of VBT use from 27.4% to 36.1% (p< 0.001). In a multivariable analysis, year of diagnosis and high-risk tumor factors: parametrial involvement, large tumor size, and use of chemotherapy remained independent characteristics associated with VBT use (all, p< 0.05). In propensity score-weighted models, VBT use with EBRT and EBRT alone had comparable overall survival (5-year rates 73.8% vs. 77.4%, hazard ratio [HR] 1.07, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.92-1.25). Nonsignificant association was also observed in squamous or nonsquamous tumors, young or old age, low or high nodal ratio, chemotherapy use, and simple or radical hysterectomy (all, p> 0.05). Lastly, the addition of VBT was not associated with cervical cancer-specific survival (subdistribution-HR 1.15, 95% CI 0.94-1.41).

CONCLUSIONS

Utilization of VBT with EBRT for adjuvant radiotherapy in high-risk early-stage cervical cancer is increasing in the United States. Addition of VBT was associated with neither overall survival nor cancer-specific survival.

Cohort Profile: Chinese Cervical Cancer Clinical Study

Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer worldwide, but its incidence varies greatly in different countries. Regardless of incidence or mortality, the burden of cervical cancer in China accounts for approximately 18% of the global burden. The Chinese Cervical Cancer Clinical Study is a hospital-based multicenter open cohort. The major aims of this study include (i) to explore the associations of therapeutic strategies with complications as well as mid- and long-term clinical outcomes; (ii) to widely assess the factors which may have an influence on the prognosis of cervical cancer and then guide the treatment options, and to estimate prognosis using a prediction model for precise post-treatment care and follow-up; (iii) to develop a knowledge base of cervical clinical auxiliary diagnosis and prognosis prediction using artificial intelligence and machine learning approaches; and (iv) to roughly map the burden of cervical cancer in different districts and monitoring the trend in incidence of cervical cancer to potentially inform prevention and control strategies. Patients eligible for inclusion were those diagnosed with cervical cancer, whether during an outpatient visit or hospital admission, at 47 different types of medical institutions in 19 cities of 11 provinces across mainland China between 2004 and 2018. In a total, 63 926 patients with cervical cancer were enrolled in the cohort. Since the project inception, a large number of standardized variables have been collected, including epidemiological characteristics, cervical cancer-related symptoms, physical examination results, laboratory testing results, imaging reports, tumor biomarkers, tumor staging, tumor characteristics, comorbidities, co-infections, treatment and short-term complications. Follow-up was performed at least once every 6 months within the first 5 years after receiving treatment and then annually thereafter. At present, we are developing a cervical cancer imaging database containing Dicom files with data of computed tomography/magnetic resonance imaging examination. Additionally, we are also collecting original pathological specimens of patients with cervical cancer. Potential collaborators are welcomed to contact the corresponding authors, and anyone can submit at least one specific study proposal describing the background, objectives and methods of the study.