Prognostic Significance of Supradiaphragmatic Lymphadenopathy Identified on Preoperative Computed Tomography Scan in Patients Undergoing Primary Cytoreduction for Advanced Epithelial Ovarian Cancer

Do PET-positive supradiaphragmatic lymph nodes predict overall survival or the success of primary surgery in patients with advanced ovarian cancer?

OBJECTIVES

Compared to conventional computed tomography (CT), fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (FDG-PET/CT) detects higher rates of lymph node and distant metastases in patients with ovarian cancer. However, FDG-PET/CT is not routinely performed during preoperative work-up. Therefore, we investigated the prognostic value of preoperative FDG-PET/CT in advanced epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) and its predictive value for surgical resection in patients with no residual disease. The potential significance of PET-positive supradiaphragmatic lymph nodes (SDLNs) for these parameters was evaluated.

METHODS

All patients with FIGO IIA-IVB EOC diagnosed between March 2014 and January 2021 at our certified gynaecological cancer centre, who underwent FDG PET/CT before primary surgery were retrospectively included.

RESULTS

Fifty-three consecutive patients were included in the study. Eighteen (34 %) patients had PET-positive SDLNs. We could not demonstrate a significant correlation between PET-positive SDLNs and median overall survival (OS; SDLN-positive: 58.76 months, SDLN-negative: 60.76 months; p = 0.137) or intra- or perioperative outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

FDG PET/CT has a higher detection rate for SDLNs in patients with ovarian cancer than CT has, as described in the literature. Moreover, PET-positive SDLNs failed to predict intraoperative outcomes or overall survival.

Survival impact and safety of intrathoracic and abdominopelvic cytoreductive surgery in advanced ovarian cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Purpose

Achieving no residual disease is essential for increasing overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) in ovarian cancer patients. However, the survival benefit of achieving no residual disease during both intrathoracic and abdominopelvic cytoreductive surgery is still unclear. This meta-analysis aimed to assess the survival benefit and safety of intrathoracic and abdominopelvic cytoreductive surgery in advanced ovarian cancer patients.

Methods

We systematically searched for studies in online databases, including PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science. We used Q statistics and I-squared statistics to evaluate heterogeneity, sensitivity analysis to test the origin of heterogeneity, and Egger's and Begg's tests to evaluate publication bias.

Results

We included 4 retrospective cohort studies, including 490 patients, for analysis; these studies were assessed as high-quality studies. The combined hazard ratio (HR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) for OS was 1.92 (95% CI 1.38-2.68), while the combined HR for PFS was 1.91 (95% CI 1.47-2.49). Only 19 patients in the four studies reported major complications, and 4 of these complications were surgery related.

Conclusion

The maximal extent of cytoreduction in the intrathoracic and abdominopelvic tract improves survival outcomes, including OS and PFS, in advanced ovarian cancer patients with acceptable complications.

Systematic Review Registration

PROSPERO, identifier CRD42023468096.

A preoperative nomogram incorporating CT to predict the probability of ovarian clear cell carcinoma

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate clinical, laboratory, and radiological variables from preoperative contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT) for their ability to distinguish ovarian clear cell carcinoma (OCCC) from non-OCCC and to develop a nomogram to preoperatively predict the probability of OCCC.

METHODS

This IRB-approved, retrospective study included consecutive patients who underwent surgery for an ovarian tumor from 1/1/2000 to 12/31/2016 and CECT of the abdomen and pelvis ≤90 days before primary debulking surgery. Using a standardized form, two experienced oncologic radiologists independently analyzed imaging features and provided a subjective 5-point impression of the probability of the histological diagnosis. Nomogram models incorporating clinical, laboratory, and radiological features were created to predict histological diagnosis of OCCC over non-OCCC.

RESULTS

The final analysis included 533 patients with surgically confirmed OCCC (n = 61) and non-OCCC (n = 472); history of endometriosis was more often found in patients with OCCC (20% versus 3.6%; p < 0.001), while CA-125 was significantly higher in patients with non-OCCC (351 ng/mL versus 70 ng/mL; p < 0.001). A nomogram model incorporating clinical (age, history of endometriosis and adenomyosis), laboratory (CA-125) and imaging findings (peritoneal implant distribution, morphology, laterality, and diameter of ovarian lesion and of the largest solid component) had an AUC of 0.9 (95% CI: 0.847, 0.949), which was comparable to the AUCs of the experienced radiologists' subjective impressions [0.8 (95% CI: 0.822, 0.891) and 0.9 (95% CI: 0.865, 0.936)].

CONCLUSIONS

A presurgical nomogram model incorporating readily accessible clinical, laboratory, and CECT variables was a powerful predictor of OCCC, a subtype often requiring a distinctive treatment approach.

Radiologically enlarged cardiophrenic lymph nodes and CA-125 in relation to diaphragmatic carcinomatosis, surgical outcome, and overall survival in advanced ovarian cancer

BACKGROUND

We primarily aimed to determine whether the presence of enlarged cardiophrenic lymph nodes (CPLNs), visualized by computed tomography (CT), and CA-125 can be used to assess diaphragmatic carcinomatosis and residual disease (RD) in advanced ovarian cancer (AOC) patients treated with upfront surgery. The secondary aim was to determine the prognostic role of CT-CPLNs in overall survival (OS).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A single-center, retrospective, population-based study was conducted of patients who underwent surgery for AOC from January 1, 2014-December 31, 2018. Suspicious CT-CPLNs were defined as having a short axis ≥5 mm. The median survival and rate of survival were calculated with the Kaplan-Meier method using multivariate Cox regression analyses, including comparisons of complete cytoreductive surgery (CCS; defined as the complete removal of all intra-abdominal tumor) versus noncomplete cytoreductive surgery (non-CCS) and analyses related to CT-CPLN status and preoperative CA-125 values.

RESULTS

We included 208 patients. CT-CPLNs correlated with both diaphragmatic carcinomatosis (OR 3.59, 95% CI 1.81-7.16, p < 0.01) and RD (OR 2.54, 95% CI 1.38-4.6, p = 0.003). When CCS was achieved, no differences in survival between patients with suspicious or nonsuspicious CT-CPLNs were found. The relationships between CA-125 ≥ 500 U/ml and diaphragmatic carcinomatosis (OR 3.51, 95% CI 1.86-6.64, p < 0.01) and RD (OR 2.41, 95% CI 1.33-4.38, p = 0.004) were positive. All data were adjusted for age and ECOG performance status. Survival analyses were also adjusted for RD.

CONCLUSION

Enlarged CPLNs on CT scans and CA-125 levels correlate with diaphragmatic carcinomatosis and RD at the end of the surgery. The strongest prognostic factor for OS remains CCS, regardless of the CT-CPLN status.

Extra-abdominal Lymph Node Metastases as the First Presentation in Ovarian and Fallopian Tube Carcinomas

Revision of ovarian and fallopian tube cancer presentation as extra-abdominal lymph nodes to understand the diagnostic challenges and prognostic features of these situations. Literature review in PubMed and Cochrane databases using the terms "ovarian cancer," "fallopian tube cancer," "extrapelvic lymph nodes," extra-abdominal lymph nodes," "distant lymph nodes," "initial presentation," "metastases," and "unusual presentation of ovarian cancer/unusual presentation of fallopian tube cancer" isolated and in conjunction. Articles in English were analyzed regarding revision's purpose, inclusion, and exclusion criteria and 65 were included in the final document. Statistical data was obtained with Microsoft Excel software analysis. Distant manifestations of ovarian cancer may occur through the lymphatic system and, less frequently, through hematogenous spread. These forms of spread may exist with almost no symptoms related to the primary cancer location and can justify distant disease at the initial presentation. Extra-abdominal lymph node involvement poses a clinical challenge for oncologists and oncologic gynecologists because it may occur with no or mild symptoms, and even in situations where no macroscopic disease is seen in the pelvic cavity. Histology and immunohistochemistry analyses together with a high level of suspicion are paramount to help in the diagnostic workup decisions and in finding a correct diagnosis when an extra-abdominal lymph node is the first manifested sign. Given its rarity and scarcity of information dispersed in a few case reports and small case series, further investigation is needed to understand the particularities of these tumors and their prognostic relevance.

Clinical significance of enlarged cardiophrenic lymph nodes by CT in advanced ovarian cancer

Aim

This study aims to assess the clinical influence of enlarged cardiophrenic lymph nodes (CPLN) on staging computed tomography (CT) among patients with advanced ovarian cancer.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study included 320 patients with advanced epithelial ovarian cancer who underwent staging CT from May 2008 to January 2019. The CPLN diameter was the average of two radiologists’ measurements. Enlarged CPLN was defined as a short-axis diameter of ≥5 mm. Clinical and imaging findings, management decisions, and progression-free survival(PFS) were compared between patients with and without enlarged CPLN.

Results

Enlarged CPLN was found in 129 (40.3%) patients, which was significantly associated with more pelvic peritoneal carcinomatosis (odds ratio [OR]: 6.61 with 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.51–28.99), and involved the greater omentum (OR: 6.41, 95% CI: 3.05–13.46), spleen capsule nodules (OR: 2.83, 95% CI: 1.58–5.06), and liver capsule nodules (OR: 2.55, 95% CI: 1.57–4.17). The optimal cytoreduction rates did not differ between patients with and without enlarged CPLN (p = 0.656). The presence of enlarged CPLN had a significant negative influence on PFS (median PFS, 23.5 vs. 80.6 months, respectively, CPLN ≥5 mm versus &lt;5 mm; p = 0.023) in patients with no RD after primary debulking surgery, but no adverse effect on PFS among patients with RD (median PFS, 28.0 vs. 24.4 months, respectively, CPLN ≥5 mm versus &lt;5 mm; p = 0.359). However, enlarged CPLN on staging CT did not affect PFS in patients treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy, with (median PFS, 22.4 vs. 23.6 months, respectively, CPLN ≥5 mm versus &lt;5 mm; p = 0.360) or without RD (median PFS, 17.7 vs. 23.3 months, respectively, CPLN ≥5 mm versus &lt;5 mm; p = 0.400). The enlarged CPLN showed a decreased trend in 81.6% (n = 80) of the patients with enlarged CPLN. No significant difference was found in PFS (p = 0.562) between patients with decreased and increased in the size of CPLN.

Conclusions

Enlarged CPLN on staging CT is associated with more abdominal disease but is not reliable in predicting complete resection. Enlarged CPLN awareness is necessary for patients with a primary chance of complete resection of abdominal disease.

Upfront surgery in patients with epithelial ovarian cancer and enlarged supradiaphragmatic lymph nodes associated with comparable to neoadjuvant chemotherapy

BACKGROUND

There is little data regarding the optimal approach to advanced epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) with isolated extra-peritoneal disease in the cardiophrenic lymph nodes. This study assessed whether the prognosis and surgical outcomes are affected by the treatment approach among these patients.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This retrospective cohort study included patients with advanced EOC, who were treated 2012-2020. Computed tomography scans were reviewed for disease extent and the presence of enlarged supradiaphragmatic nodes (SDLN). Demographic, clinical and oncologic data were recorded. Characteristics and outcomes of patients with and without enlarged SDLN were evaluated, and outcomes of patients with enlarged SDLN who underwent upfront surgery and neoadjuvant chemotherapy were compared.

RESULTS

Among 71 women, 47 (66%) had enlarged supradiaphragmatic lymph nodes. Groups had similar baseline characteristics. Among 47 women who had enlarged SDLN. There was no significant difference in progression free survival among patients who had upfront cytoreduction compared to those who received neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Only one asymptomatic chest recurrence was observed.

CONCLUSION

Patients with enlarged SDLN have comparable outcomes with either upfront surgery or neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Moreover, the frequency of chest recurrences in patients presenting with enlarged SDLN is exceedingly low.

What are the implications of radiologically abnormal cardiophrenic lymph nodes in advanced ovarian cancer? An analysis of tumour burden, surgical complexity, same-site recurrence and overall survival

INTRODUCTION

Our paper evaluates the relationship between radiologically abnormal cardiophrenic lymph nodes (CPLN) in advanced ovarian cancer and pattern of disease distribution, tumour burden, surgical complexity, rates of cytoreduction and same-site recurrence. Impact of suspicious CPLN and CPLN dissection on overall survival also determined.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Retrospective review of index CT imaging for 151 consecutive patients treated for stage III/IV ovarian malignancy in a large UK cancer centre to identify radiologically abnormal CPLN. Corresponding surgical, histo-pathological and survival data analysed.

RESULTS

42.6% of patients had radiologically 'positive' CPLN on index CT. Radiological identification of CPLN involvement demonstrated a sensitivity of 82% within our centre. Patients with cardiophrenic lymphadenopathy on pre-operative CT had significantly more co-existing ascites (p = 0.003), omental (p = 0.01) and diaphragmatic disease (p < 0.0001). At primary debulking (PDS), suspicious CPLN were associated with significantly higher surgical complexity scores, without feasibility of complete cytoreduction being impacted. Cardiophrenic involvement at initial diagnosis was associated with same-site relapse at recurrence (p = 0.001). No significant difference in overall survival was demonstrated according to CPLN status following either PDS or delayed debulking (DDS). CPLN dissection did not improve patient outcomes.

CONCLUSION

Radiological identification of abnormal CPLN is reliable. Suspicious CPLN appear to represent a surrogate marker of tumour volume - in particular, heralding upper abdominal disease - and should prompt anticipation of high complexity surgery and referral to an appropriate centre. Patients with prior CPLN involvement are more likely to develop same-site recurrence at relapse. Our survival data suggests cardiophrenic LN disease does not worsen patient prognosis and that the therapeutic benefit of CPLN dissection remains unclear.

Incidence and prognostic significance of inguinal lymph node metastasis in women with newly diagnosed epithelial ovarian cancer

OBJECTIVE(S)

To assess incidence and oncologic outcomes in women with advanced epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) with inguinal lymph node metastasis (ILNM) at diagnosis.

METHODS

An IRB-approved, retrospective single-institution cohort study was performed in women with stage III/IV EOC from 2009 to 2017. Patients with inguinal lymphadenopathy (defined as >1 cm in short axis) clinically or radiographically were identified. The impact of ILNM on progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were assessed.

RESULTS

Of the 562 women with advanced EOC, 18 (3.2%) had ILNM at diagnosis, accounting for 25.7% of all patients with stage IVB disease (n = 70). Five patients (27.7%) had a known genetic predisposition for EOC, including BRCA1 (11.1%, n = 2), BRCA2 (11.1%, n = 2) and BRIP1 (5.6%, n = 1). The majority of patients underwent optimal primary cytoreductive surgery (CRS), including debulking of inguinal nodal metastasis (83.3%, n = 15), with 50% (n = 9) having no gross residual disease after surgery. There was no difference in PFS (19.9 vs. 19.9 vs. 17.2 months, p = 0.84) or OS (137.2 vs. 52.9 vs. 67.6 months, p = 0.29) in women with stage III/IV with ILNM, stage III/IV without ILNM, and stage IVB disease without ILNM, respectively. Progression-free survival was improved in women with ILNM who underwent an optimal resection to no macroscopic disease vs. non-optimal resection (27.4 vs. 14.3 months, p = 0.019). Median overall survival at the time of analysis did not reach statistical significance (137.2 vs. 57.3 months, p = 0.24).

CONCLUSION(S)

In this retrospective cohort study, 3.2% of women with advanced EOC presented with ILNM at diagnosis. Although ILNM did not portend worse clinical outcomes compared to all Stage III/IV and Stage IVB patients, respectively, resection to no gross residual disease was associated with improved PFS.

Survival in Advanced-Stage Epithelial Ovarian Cancer Patients with Cardiophrenic Lymphadenopathy Who Underwent Cytoreductive Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

PURPOSE

To evaluate the clinical outcomes of enlarged cardiophrenic lymph node (CPLN) in advanced-stage epithelial ovarian cancer (AEOC) patients who underwent cytoreductive surgery.

METHODS

The Embase, Medline, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar databases were searched for articles from the database inception to June 2021. Meta-analysis was conducted to determine the prognostic impact of surgical outcome, postoperative complication, and survival using random-effects models.

RESULTS

A total of 15 studies involving 727 patients with CPLN adenopathy and 981 patients without CPLN adenopathy were included. The mean size of preoperative CPLN was 9.1± 3.75 mm. Overall, 82 percent of the resected CPLN were histologically confirmed pathologic nodes. Surgical outcomes and perioperative complications did not differ between both groups. The median OS time was 42.7 months (95% CI 10.8-74.6) vs. 47.3 months (95% CI 23.2-71.2), in patients with and without CPLN adenopathy, respectively. At 5 years, patients with CPLN adenopathy had a significantly increased risk of disease recurrence (HR 2.14, 95% CI 1.82-2.52, p < 0.001) and dying from the disease (HR 1.74, 95% CI 1.06-2.86, p = 0.029), compared with those without CPLN adenopathy. CPLN adenopathy was significantly associated with ascites (OR 3.30, 95% CI 1.90-5.72, p < 0.001), pleural metastasis (OR 2.58, 95% CI 1.37-4.82, p = 0.003), abdominal adenopathy (OR 2.30, 95% CI 1.53-3.46, p < 0.001) and extra-abdominal metastasis (OR 2.30, 95% CI 1.61-6.67, p = 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Enlarged CPLN in preoperative imaging is highly associated with metastatic involvement. Patients with CPLN adenopathy had a lower survival rate, compared with patients without CPLN adenopathy. Further randomized controlled trials should be conducted to definitively demonstrate whether CPLN resection at the time of cytoreductive surgery is beneficial.

Clinical significance of CT detected enlarged cardiophrenic nodes in ovarian cancer patients

AIM

To assess the relevance of enlarged cardiophrenic lymph nodes (CPLN) seen on staging CT of ovarian cancer patients.

METHODS

Retrospective cohort study of consecutive patients with primary ovarian malignancy who underwent staging CT between 2013 and 2016. Images were reviewed by two radiologists in consensus. Enlarged CPLN was defined as a short axis diameter ≥ 7 mm. Clinical and imaging findings; management decisions; outcome of cytoreductive surgery and survival were compared between patients with and without enlarged CPLN on staging CT.

RESULTS

Enlarged CPLN were found in 42 patients (41.5%) and was significantly associated with higher radiological PCI (p = 0.002); large volume upper abdominal disease (p = 0.001); enlarged lesser omental, periportal and supra-renal para-aortic lymph nodes (p ≤ 0.05); unfavorable sites of disease involvement (p < 0.001) and extraperitoneal metastases (p = 0.004). While there was a significant difference in the number of patients who underwent primary and interval debulking (p = 0.002), there was no difference in the rates of optimal cytoreduction between the two groups (p = 0.469). After adjusting for outcomes of cytoreductive surgery, CT detected enlarged CPLN did not adversely affect the overall survival, HR 1.5 (0.708-3.4), p = 0.272, but adversely affected the recurrence free survival (HR 2.38 (1.25-4.53)), p = 0.008.

CONCLUSIONS

Enlarged CPLN detected on staging CT in patients with primary ovarian cancer is clinically significant even in the developing world and is associated with higher volume of peritoneal, non-regional nodal and extraperitoneal disease and lower recurrence free survival.

Enlarged cardiophrenic lymph nodes predict disease involvement of the upper abdomen and the outcome of primary surgical debulking in advanced ovarian cancer

INTRODUCTION

The outcome of ovarian cancer patients is highly dependent on the success of primary debulking surgery in terms of postoperative residual disease. This study critically evaluates the clinical impact of preoperative radiologic assessment of the cardiophrenic lymph node (CPLN) status in advanced ovarian cancer.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Baseline CT scans of 178 stage III and IV ovarian cancer patients were retrospectively reviewed by two independent radiologists. CPLN enlargement defined at a short-axis ≥5 mm was evaluated for its prognostic value and predictive power of upper abdominal tumor involvement and the chance of complete intra-abdominal tumor resection at primary debulking surgery. Only patients without surgically removed CPLN were eligible for this study.

RESULTS

Enlarged CPLNs were detected in 50% of patients and correlated with radiologically suspicious (P = .028) and histologically confirmed (P = .001) paraaortic lymph node metastases. CPLNs ≥ 5 mm were associated with high CA-125 levels at baseline and revealed independent prognostic relevance for progression-free survival (hazard ratio [HR] 2.14, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.33-3.42) and overall survival (HR 2.18, 95% CI 1.16-4.08). Noteworthy, patients with enlarged CPLNs nonetheless benefit from complete intra-abdominal tumor debulking in terms of an improvement in progression-free survival (HR 0.60, 95% CI 0.38-0.94) and overall survival (HR 0.59, 95% CI 0.35-0.82). Enlarged CPLNs correctly predicted carcinomatosis of the upper abdomen in 94.6%. A predictive score of complete tumor debulking, termed CD-score, which integrates, beside a CPLN short axis <5 mm, an ascites volume <500 mL, and CA-125 levels <500 U/mL at baseline, correctly predicted complete intra-abdominal debulking in 100% of patients.

CONCLUSIONS

CPLNs ≥5 mm predict upper abdominal tumor involvement. The application of the CD-score predicted complete macroscopic tumor resection at primary surgery in all of the patients. Although, CPLN pathology suggests extra-abdominal disease, we consistently demonstrated that patients nonetheless benefit from complete intra-abdominal tumor resection.

Extent of Peritoneal Resection for Peritoneal Metastases: Looking Beyond a Complete Cytoreduction

Completeness of cytoreduction is one of the most important prognostic factors impacting outcomes of cytoreductive surgery (CRS). To what extent the surrounding normal peritoneum needs to be removed is not known. We hypothesized that the extent of peritoneal resection should be different for different tumors and performed this study to find evidence to support this rationale. To determine the extent of resection of surrounding tissue for any tumor, the mechanisms of tumor development and spread, tumor morphology, the possibility of finding disease in the surrounding normal tissue, and the pattern of lymph node metastases should be known. Surgical resections also depend on patterns of recurrence and the impact of varying extent of resection on survival. We performed a review of literature pertaining to pathways and patterns of peritoneal cancer spread to determine the scientific basis for the extent of peritonectomy. We also reviewed studies comparing less and more extensive peritoneal resection. There is no consensus on the extent of lymphadenectomy required for most PM. Based on this review, we provide recommendations for the extent of peritoneal resection and the extent of lymph node dissection that should be performed for some common peritoneal tumors and identify areas that require further research. We propose that a systematic method of synoptic reporting of pathological specimens of CRS should be developed to capture information regarding the disease distribution within the peritoneal cavity and morphology of PM from different tumors. This can in future be used to establish standard guidelines for such resections.

Cardiophrenic lymph node resection in cytoreduction for primary advanced or recurrent epithelial ovarian carcinoma: a cohort study

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the clinical outcomes of epithelial ovarian carcinoma patients who underwent cardiophrenic lymph node resection.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the records of all surgically treated patients with advanced epithelial ovarian carcinoma (stages IIIC-IV) who underwent cardiophrenic lymph node resection between 2002 and 2018. Only those in whom cardiophrenic lymph node involvement was the only detectable extra-abdominal disease were included. Patients with suspected cardiophrenic lymph node metastasis on staging images underwent a transdiaphragmatic incision to access the para-cardiac space after complete abdominal cytoreduction achievement. Data on disease-free survival, overall survival, and surgical procedures performed concurrently with cardiophrenic lymph node resection were collected.

RESULTS

Of the total 456 patients, 29 underwent cardiophrenic lymph node resection; of these, 24 patients met the inclusion criteria. Twenty-two, one, and one patients had high grade serous epithelial ovarian carcinoma, low grade epithelial ovarian carcinoma, and ovarian carcinosarcoma, respectively. Ten patients had recurrent disease (recurrence group). Fourteen patients underwent cytoreduction during primary treatment (primary debulking group); four underwent cytoreduction after neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Cardiophrenic lymph node resection was performed on the right side in 19 patients, left side in three, and bilaterally in two. The average procedural duration was 28 minutes, with minimal blood loss and no severe complications. Twenty-one patients had cardiophrenic lymph node positivity. The median disease-free intervals were 17 and 12 months in the recurrent and primary debulking surgery groups, respectively. The mediastinum was the first recurrence site in 10 patients. Five patients developed brain metastases. Five patients had an overall survival beyond 50 months.

CONCLUSIONS

Although rare, the cardiophrenic lymph nodes may be a site of metastasis of ovarian cancer. Although their presence might indicate future recurrence, some patients may achieve long-term survival. Resection should be considered in cases of suspicious involvement to confirm extra-abdominal disease and achieve complete cytoreduction.

Prognostic significance of supraclavicular lymphadenopathy in patients with high-grade serous ovarian cancer

OBJECTIVES

To assess outcomes and patterns of recurrence in patients with high-grade serous ovarian/tubal/primary peritoneal cancers with radiographic supraclavicular lymphadenopathy at diagnosis.

METHODS

We evaluated all patients with newly diagnosed high-grade serous ovarian cancers treated at our center between January 1, 2008 and May 1, 2013 who had supraclavicular lymphadenopathy (defined as ≥1 cm in short axis) on radiographic imaging (either computed tomography or positron emission tomography) at the time of diagnosis.

RESULTS

Of 586 patients with high-grade serous ovarian cancer receiving primary treatment during the study period, we identified 13 (2.2%) with supraclavicular lymphadenopathy diagnosed on pre-treatment imaging. The median age at diagnosis was 52.0 years (range 38.2-72.3). Five (31%) had clinically palpable nodes on physical examination. Four (31%) had a known BRCA mutation. All 13 patients underwent neoadjuvant chemotherapy, followed by interval debulking surgery. Each patient received a median of four cycles of neoadjuvant intravenous chemotherapy (range 3-7). At interval debulking surgery, complete gross resection was achieved in nine (70%) patients, and optimal resection (0.1-1 cm residual disease) in four (30%). Eleven patients (85%) recurred; however, only one (8%) recurred in the supraclavicular lymph nodes. Median follow-up time was 44.3 months (range 22.4-95.0). Median progression-free survival for the cohort was 11.7 months (95% CI 9.2 to 14.1). Median overall survival was 44.3 months (95% CI 41.5 to 47.1). In patients obtaining complete gross resection at interval debulking surgery, median progression-free survival and overall survival were 13.9 months (95% CI 8.9 to 18.9) and 78.1 months (95% CI 11.1 to 145.1), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

In our study, approximately 2% of patients with high-grade serous ovarian cancer presented with radiographic evidence of supraclavicular lymphadenopathy. Supraclavicular lymphadenopathy at diagnosis did not portend an unfavorable outcome when complete gross resection was achieved at interval debulking surgery.

ACR Appropriateness Criteria® Staging and Follow-Up of Ovarian Cancer

In the management of epithelial ovarian cancers, imaging is used for cancer detection and staging, both before and after initial treatment. The decision of whether to pursue initial cytoreductive surgery for ovarian cancer depends in part on accurate staging. Contrast-enhanced CT of the abdomen and pelvis (and chest where indicated) is the current imaging modality of choice for the initial staging evaluation of ovarian cancer. Fluorine-18-2-fluoro-2-deoxy-d-glucose PET/CT and MRI may be appropriate for problem-solving purposes, particularly when lesions are present on CT but considered indeterminate. In patients who achieve remission, clinical suspicion for relapse after treatment prompts imaging evaluation for recurrence. Contrast-enhanced CT is the modality of choice to assess the extent of recurrent disease, and fluorine-18-2-fluoro-2-deoxy-d-glucose PET/CT is also usually appropriate, as small metastatic foci may be identified. If imaging or clinical examination confirms a recurrence, the extent of disease and timing of disease recurrence then determines the choice of treatments, including surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. The American College of Radiology Appropriateness Criteria are evidence-based guidelines for specific clinical conditions that are reviewed annually by a multidisciplinary expert panel. The guideline development and revision include an extensive analysis of current medical literature from peer reviewed journals and the application of well-established methodologies (RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method and Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation or GRADE) to rate the appropriateness of imaging and treatment procedures for specific clinical scenarios. In those instances where evidence is lacking or equivocal, expert opinion may supplement the available evidence to recommend imaging or treatment.

Prognostic significance of supradiaphragmatic lymph node metastasis detected by 18F-FDG PET/CT in advanced epithelial ovarian cancer

Background

Supradiaphragmatic lymph node metastases (SdLNM) are frequently identified using ¹⁸F-FDG positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) in advanced epithelial ovarian cancers (AEOC). This study aimed to determine the prognostic significance of SdLNM detected by PET/CT in patients with AEOC.

Methods

Medical records of patients diagnosed with AEOC were retrospectively registered from January 2009 to July 2015. Patients were categorized according to PET/CT stage: PET/CT stage III, PET/CT stage IV with SdLNM, and PET/CT stage IV with other metastases. Clinicopathologic characteristics, recurrence patterns, survival outcomes were compared according to PET/CT stage. Anatomical distribution of SdLNM and effect of thoracic debulking surgery were estimated.

Results

A total of 295 patients were identified, including 176 patients who underwent primary debulking surgeries (PDS). Progression-free (P = 0.671) and overall (P = 0.525) survival did not differ significantly between patients with PET/CT IV with SdLNM and PET/CT IV with other metastases; however, patients with PET/CT IV with SdLNM had significantly poorer progression-free (P < 0.001) and overall (P = 0.016) survival than those with PET/CT stage III. Recurrence patterns were similar in all groups; intraperitoneal metastasis was the most common (78.8%) and thoracic recurrence alone accounted for less than 10%. Debulking of SdLNM lesions did not improve progression-free survival (P = 0.425) or overall survival (P = 0.465) of patients with AEOC.

Conclusions

SdLNM detected using preoperative PET/CT are a negative prognostic factor in AEOC. Resection of suspicious SdLNM may not have effect to survival of patients with AEOC.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s12885-018-5067-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Pattern and impact of metastatic cardiophrenic lymph nodes in advanced epithelial ovarian cancer

BACKGROUND

Cardiophrenic lymph nodes (CPLN) define FIGO stage IVB disease. We evaluate the pattern of CPLN metastases, their prognostic impact and the potential role of CPLN resection in patients with epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC).

METHODS

Analysis of 595 consecutive patients with EOC treated in the period 01/2011-05/2016. CT scans were re-reviewed by two radiologists. Positive CPLN were defined as ≥5 mm in the short-axis diameter. The role of CPLN resection was evaluated in a case-control matched-pair analysis.

RESULTS

Of 595 patients 458 had FIGO stage IIIB-IV disease. We excluded patients undergoing interval surgery (n = 54), without debulking surgery (n = 32) and without sufficient pre-operative imaging (n = 22), resulting in a study cohort of 350 patients. Of these, 133 (37.9%) had negative CPLN and 217 (62.0%) had radiologically positive CPLN. In patients with postoperative residual tumor, enlarged CPLN had no impact on survival. In patients with complete resection (n = 223), 98 (44.0%) had negative CPLN and a 5-year OS of 69% and a 5-year PFS of 41%; in contrast, in the 125 patients (56.0%) with positive CPLN, 5-year OS was 30% and 5-year PFS was 13%. In 52 patients we resected CPLN. The matched-pair case-control analysis did not demonstrate any significant impact on survival of CPLN resection.

CONCLUSION

CPLN metastases are associated with impaired PFS and OS in patients with macroscopically completely resected tumor. Intraabdominal residual tumor has a greater prognostic impact than positive CPLN. The impact of the resection of CPLN remains unclear.

Feasibility of Transabdominal Cardiophrenic Lymphnode Dissection in Advanced Ovarian Cancer: Initial Experience at a Tertiary Center

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this retrospective report is to define the safety and feasibility, based on our preliminary experience, of surgical transdiaphragmatic resection of enlarged cardiophrenic lymph nodes (CPLNs), as a part of upfront debulking surgery. Supradiaphragmatic nodes located between the diaphragm and the heart are frequently a location for lymph node metastasis in advanced ovarian cancer, and their removal is aimed to obtain no gross residual disease at the primary cytoreductive surgery often requiring aggressive surgical procedures.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Between May 2012 and October 2016, a total of 22 patients among 443 with advanced high-grade serous ovarian cancer underwent cytoreductive procedures involving transdiaphragmatic resection of enlarged CPLNs at European Institute of Oncology in Milan.

RESULTS

All patients who underwent CPLN resection had an extensive disease (median peritoneal cancer index, 18), and more than 77% required complex surgical procedures (complexity score, 3). No residual abdominal disease less than 5 mm at the end of surgery was described in 20 (90%) out of 22. All patients but one had confirmed CPLN positive nodes at histopathological study. The average operative time was 333 min (range, 244-455 min), and the average estimated blood loss was 1000 mL (range, 400-2000 mL). Blood transfusion was necessary in 13 out of 22 patients. Only 7 (33%) out of 21 patients required chest tube placement during the postoperative period.

CONCLUSIONS

Transdiaphragmatic enlarged CPLN resection seems to be safe and feasible procedure when indicated to achieve no or minimal tumor residual disease. Nevertheless, its impact on survival of patients with stage IV ovarian cancer needs to be determined.

Relevance of enlarged cardiophrenic lymph nodes in determining prognosis of patients with advanced ovarian cancer

Ovarian cancer often presents at an advanced stage with widespread peritoneal and/or extra-abdominal metastases. Complete cytoreduction is the mainstay of treatment for disease confined to peritoneum. But in patients with distant metastases, the role and rationale is less obvious. One of the the most common sites of extra-abdominal disease is the cardiophrenic lymph node (CPLN). In this paper, we described the management of a patient with International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage IVB epithelial ovarian carcinoma and widespread peritoneal and extra-abdominal metastases to the CPLN, who underwent complete cytoreduction including excision of enlarged CPLN, following neoadjuvant chemotherapy. We examined the literature to determine the prognostic value of enlarged CPLN and their relevance in managing patients with advanced ovarian cancer and found it as an adverse prognostic factor. Transdiaphragmatic excision of CPLN is feasible without major complications. But as its correlation with overall or progression-free survival is not yet evident, large-scale prospective studies are warranted.

Clinical significance of enlarged cardiophrenic lymph nodes in advanced ovarian cancer: Implications for survival

OBJECTIVE

Advanced ovarian cancer (OC) commonly spreads to cardiophrenic lymph nodes (CPLNs), and is often visible on preoperative imaging. We investigated the prognostic significance of abnormal CPLNs in OC detected by preoperative CT scans using three different definitions.

METHODS

Patients undergoing primary debulking surgery for stage IIIC/IV with residual disease (RD) ≤1.0cm and a preoperative abdominopelvic CT scan available were included. Scans were reviewed by two blinded radiologists. We characterized abnormal CPLNs using three different definitions: i) qualitative assessment score (QAS); ii) nodes >7mm on the short axis; or, iii) nodes ≥10mm on the short axis. We compared overall survival (OS) using the log-rank test.

RESULTS

Of the 253 patients (mean age 64.0years), 136 had no gross residual disease (NGR) and 117 had RD. By the QAS definition, CPLNs were abnormal in 28 (11.1%) patients and removed in one case. Among patients with NGR, presence of abnormal CPLNs was associated with worse OS (median OS, 38.4 vs. 69.6months, p=0.08). We observed no association between abnormal CPLNs and OS among patients with RD (median OS, 37.5 vs. 28.5months, p=0.49). OS was significantly better in NGR group without abnormal CPLNs (median OS for NGR vs. RD, 69.6 vs. 28.5months, p<0.001); however, there was no difference in OS between patients with NGR versus RD when abnormal CPLNs were present (median OS, 38.4 vs. 37.5months, p=0.99). Lack of benefit from NGR when abnormal CPLNs were present was observed for all three definitions tested.

CONCLUSION

Abnormal CPLNs are an important predictor of survival in advanced stage OC. Management of abnormal CPLNs should be considered in treatment planning when the goal is NGR.

Prognostic significance of supradiaphragmatic lymph nodes at initial presentation in patients with stage III high-grade serous ovarian cancer

PURPOSE

To identify the optimal size threshold and to assess the prognostic significance of supradiaphragmatic lymph nodes at initial presentation of patients with high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSC).

METHODS

This IRB-approved, HIPAA-compliant retrospective study included baseline pretreatment staging abdominal CTs of 88 women (mean age 62 years, SD 10.4, range 29-85) with FIGO stage III HGSC. Patients with stage IV disease were excluded due to worse prognosis and management guided by distant metastases. Two fellowship-trained radiologists independently reviewed abdominal CTs to record the presence of supradiaphragmatic nodes, abdominal lymphadenopathy, peritoneal carcinomatosis, and ovarian mass. Progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were recorded after median 79 months follow-up (IQR 58-115, range 13-144). The optimal short-axis size threshold for supradiaphragmatic lymphadenopathy was determined by correlating 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 10 mm thresholds with PFS and OS using Log-rank test. Prognostic significance of supradiaphragmatic lymphadenopathy was assessed using Cox proportional hazards models.

RESULTS

There was good interobserver agreement for presence (κ = 0.65, 95%CI 0.51-0.79) and size (ICC = 0.77, 95%CI 0.66-0.86) of supradiaphragmatic nodes. 5 mm short-axis size threshold was associated with significantly shorter PFS (median 14 months, IQR 11-17 vs. 23 months, IQR 12-59; p = 0.02) and OS (median 44 months, IQR 27-69 vs. 65 months, IQR 45-96; p = 0.03). Total 38/88 (43%) patients had supradiaphragmatic lymphadenopathy. On Cox proportion hazards analysis, supradiaphragmatic lymphadenopathy was significantly associated with shorter PFS (p = 0.02; HR 1.81, 95%CI 1.11-2.96) and OS (p = 0.008; HR 2.11, 95%CI 1.21-3.65).

CONCLUSION

In patients with stage III HGSC, supradiaphragmatic lymphadenopathy is associated with shorter PFS and OS. Further studies would help determine its implications on staging, decision regarding neoadjuvant therapy, and surgical technique.

Feasibility, safety and clinical outcomes of cardiophrenic lymph node resection in advanced ovarian cancer

OBJECTIVES

Surgical resection of enlarged cardiophrenic lymph nodes (CPLNs) in primary treatment of advanced ovarian cancer has not been widely studied. We report on a cohort of patients undergoing CPLN resection during primary cytoreductive surgery (CRS), examining its feasibility, safety, and potential impact on clinical outcomes.

METHODS

We identified all patients undergoing primary CRS/CPLN resection for Stages IIIB-IV high-grade epithelial ovarian cancer at our institution from 1/2001-12/2013. Clinical and pathological data were collected. Statistical tests were performed.

RESULTS

54 patients underwent CPLN resection. All had enlarged CPLNs on preoperative imaging. Median diameter of an enlarged CPLN: 1.3cm (range 0.6-2.9). Median patient age: 59y (range 41-74). 48 (88.9%) underwent transdiaphragmatic resection; 6 (11.1%) underwent video-assisted thoracic surgery. A median of 3 nodes (range 1-23) were resected. A median of 2 nodes (range 0-22) were positive for metastasis. 51/54 (94.4%) had positive nodes. 51 (94.4%) had chest tube placement; median time to removal: 4d (range 2-12). 44 (81.4%) had peritoneal carcinomatosis. 19 (35%) experienced major postoperative complications; 4 of these (7%) were surgery-related. Median time to adjuvant chemotherapy: 40d (range 19-205). All patients were optimally cytoreduced, 30 (55.6%) without visible residual disease. Median progression-free survival: 17.2mos (95% CI 12.6-21.8); median overall survival: 70.1mos (95% CI 51.2-89.0).

CONCLUSIONS

Enlarged CPLNs can be identified on preoperative imaging and may indicate metastases. Resection can identify extra-abdominal disease, confirm Stage IV disease, obtain optimal cytoreduction. In the proper setting it is feasible, safe, and does not delay chemotherapy. In select patients, it may improve survival.

Hepatoceliac Lymph Node Involvement in Advanced Ovarian Cancer Patients: Prognostic Role and Clinical Considerations

BACKGROUND

The study aimed too investigate the rate of hepatoceliac lymph node (HCLN) involvement, as well as its association with clinicopathologic features, together with morbidity of HCLN resection and the prognostic impact of metastatic HCLN status on patients with advanced ovarian cancer (OC) undergoing cytoreductive surgery.

METHODS

All consecutive patients with stages 3c to 4 epithelial OC who underwent HCLN surgery from January 2010 to September 2016 were analyzed for surgical procedures, pathology, and oncologic outcomes.

RESULTS

During the study period, 85 patients underwent HCLN resection. Absence of visible tumor at the end of surgery was documented for 73 of the patients (85.9%). The median number of HCLNs removed was 6 (range 1-18). Histopathologic evaluation was able to identify HCLN metastasis in 45 (52.9%) of the 85 cases. No difference in the rate of surgical morbidity according to pathologic status of HCLN was observed. As of December 2016, the median follow-up period was 36 months (range 6-54 months). Recurrence of disease was observed in 35 (41.2%) of the 85 cases. Relapse of disease most frequently occurred for the patients with metastatic HCLN involvement (65.7%) compared with the patients who had no HCLN involvement (34.3%) (p = 0.048). The median progression-free survival values were 16 months (95% confidence interval [CI], 12-19 months) for the patients with metastatic HCLNs and 22 months (95% CI, 12-19 months) for the patients with no HCLN involvement (p = 0.035).

CONCLUSIONS

The study confirmed that HCLN surgery is feasible with acceptable morbidities for patients with advanced OC. Metastatic HCLNs are a marker of disease severity associated with worst oncologic outcome.

Whole-body diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging in the diagnosis of recurrent ovarian cancer: a clinical feasibility study

OBJECTIVE

To assess the clinical feasibility of whole-body diffusion-weighted MRI (WB-DWI/MRI) for diagnosis and prediction of complete tumour resection in patients with suspected recurrent ovarian cancer.

METHODS

51 females clinically suspected for ovarian cancer recurrence underwent 3-T WB-DWI/MRI in addition to contrast-enhanced CT. WB-DWI/MRI was assessed for detection of tumour recurrence, prediction of tumour extent and complete resection compared with CT. Tumour presence was confirmed by pathology obtained by surgery or biopsy, or by imaging follow-up.

RESULTS

WB-DWI/MRI showed 94% accuracy for detecting ovarian cancer recurrence, compared with 78% for CT (p = 0.008). WB-DWI/MRI showed better sensitivity [% (95% confidence interval)] than CT for detecting involvement of surgically critical tumour sites including mesenteric root infiltration [92 (62-100) vs 31 (10-61)], small bowel [93 (64-100) vs 21 (6-51)], colon carcinomatosis [91 (57-100) vs 27 (7-61)] and unresectable distant metastases [90 (54-99) vs 20 (4-56)]. WB-DWI/MRI correctly predicted complete resection in 33 of 35 (94%) patients eligible for salvage surgery compared with 17 of 35 (49%) for CT (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

WB-DWI/MRI allowed better detection of ovarian cancer recurrence and better prediction of complete resection than CT. Advances in knowledge: WB-DWI/MRI could assist in optimizing treatment planning for recurrent ovarian cancer, particularly by improving patient selection for salvage surgery, thus giving eligible patients the highest chance on prolonged survival and refraining patients who would not benefit from extensive surgery reducing related morbidity and mortality.

Preoperative Prediction of Cardiophrenic Lymph Node Metastasis in Advanced Ovarian Cancer Using Computed Tomography

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to determine whether the preoperative diameter of cardiophrenic lymph nodes (CPLNs) along the short and long axes, determined via computed tomography (CT), predicts CPLN metastasis in patients with advanced epithelial ovarian cancer.

METHODS

A total of 31 patients with primary advanced ovarian cancer who had CPLN dissection underwent preoperative CT that was reviewed twice by a radiologist blinded to the final pathology. An array of CT features and clinical factors [age, cancer antigen 125 (CA 125)] were compared between metastasis-positive and metastasis-negative CPLNs using the t test and Fisher's exact test. The optimal CPLN dimensions that best predicted metastasis were calculated using a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, and were applied to find the correlation with other CT findings. Results were validated in an independent test set of nine patients by using the best cutoff value to predict metastasis.

RESULTS

Pathological evaluation revealed metastasis-positive CPLNs in 19 patients and metastasis-negative CPLNs in 12 patients. Metastasis-positive CPLNs had significantly reduced short axes than those of negative CPLNs (5.6 ± 1.7 and 7.8 ± 2.2, respectively; p < 0.001). ROC curve analysis showed that a cutoff value of 7 mm for the short axis demonstrated the largest area under the curve (0.789; p < 0.0007), with 63.16 % sensitivity and 83.33 % specificity. The presence of peritoneal metastasis and abdominopelvic adenopathy strongly related with CPLN adenopathy. Accuracies were 66.7 % (six of nine patients) based on the cutoff value in the independent test set.

CONCLUSIONS

The probability of detecting CPLN metastasis in patients with advanced ovarian cancer was approximately 85 % when the short axis of the CPLN was >7 mm in preoperative CT scans. Patients with CPLNs of this size may be candidates for CPLN dissection in order to confirm the pathological diagnosis.

PET/MRI and PET/CT in advanced gynaecological tumours: initial experience and comparison

PURPOSE

To compare the diagnostic accuracy of PET/MRI and PET/CT for staging and re-staging advanced gynaecological cancer patients as well as identify the potential benefits of each method in such a population.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Twenty-six patients with suspicious or proven advanced gynaecological cancer (12 ovarian, seven cervical, one vulvar and four endometrial tumours, one uterine metastasis, and one primary peritoneal cancer) underwent whole-body imaging with a sequential trimodality PET/CT/MR system. Images were analysed regarding primary tumour detection and delineation, loco-regional lymph node staging, and abdominal/extra-abdominal distant metastasis detection (last only by PET/CT).

RESULTS

Eighteen (69.2 %) patients underwent PET/MRI for primary staging and eight patients (30.8 %) for re-staging their gynaecological malignancies. For primary tumour delineation, PET/MRI accuracy was statistically superior to PET/CT (p < 0.001). Among the different types of cancer, PET/MRI presented better tumour delineation mainly for cervical (6/7) and endometrial (2/3) cancers. PET/MRI for local evaluation as well as PET/CT for extra-abdominal metastases had therapeutic consequences in three and one patients, respectively. PET/CT detected 12 extra-abdominal distant metastases in 26 patients.

CONCLUSION

PET/MRI is superior to PET/CT for primary tumour delineation. No differences were found in detection of regional lymph node involvement and abdominal metastases detection.

KEY POINTS

• PET/MRI is superior to PET/CT for primary tumour delineation • PET/CT represents a reliable tool to detect extra-abdominal distant metastasis • PET/MRI might be the preferred imaging modality for staging cervical and endometrial tumours • Whole-body staging for detection and evaluation of extra-abdominal metastases is mandatory.

Gynecologic tumors: how to communicate imaging results to the surgeon

Gynecologic cancers are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality for female patients, with an estimated 88,750 new cancer cases and 29,520 deaths in the United States in 2012. To offer the best treatment options to patients it is important that the radiologist, surgeon, radiation oncologist, and gynecologic oncologist work together with a multidisciplinary approach. Using the available diagnostic imaging modalities, the radiologist must give appropriate information to the surgeon in order to plan the best surgical approach and its timing.

Whole-body MRI with diffusion-weighted sequence for staging of patients with suspected ovarian cancer: a clinical feasibility study in comparison to CT and FDG-PET/CT

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate whole-body MRI with diffusion-weighted sequence (WB-DWI/MRI) for staging and assessing operability compared with CT and FDG-PET/CT in patients with suspected ovarian cancer.

METHODS

Thirty-two patients underwent 3-T WB-DWI/MRI, (18) F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (FDG-PET/CT) and CT before diagnostic open laparoscopy (DOL). Imaging findings for tumour characterisation, peritoneal and retroperitoneal staging were correlated with histopathology after DOL and/or open surgery. For distant metastases, FDG-PET/CT or image-guided biopsies were the reference standards. For tumour characterisation and peritoneal staging, WB-DWI/MRI was compared with CT and FDG-PET/CT. Interobserver agreement for WB-DWI/MRI was determined.

RESULTS

WB-DWI/MRI showed 94 % accuracy for primary tumour characterisation compared with 88 % for CT and 94 % for FDG-PET/CT. WB-DWI/MRI showed higher accuracy of 91 % for peritoneal staging compared with CT (75 %) and FDG-PET/CT (71 %). WB-DWI/MRI and FDG-PET/CT showed higher accuracy of 87 % for detecting retroperitoneal lymphadenopathies compared with CT (71 %). WB-DWI/MRI showed excellent correlation with FDG-PET/CT (κ = 1.00) for detecting distant metastases compared with CT (κ = 0.34). Interobserver agreement was moderate to almost perfect (κ = 0.58-0.91).

CONCLUSIONS

WB-DWI/MRI shows high accuracy for characterising primary tumours, peritoneal and distant staging compared with CT and FDG-PET/CT and may be valuable for assessing operability in ovarian cancer patients.

KEY POINTS

• Whole-body MRI with diffusion weighting (WB-DWI/MRI) helps to assess the operability of suspected ovarian cancer. • Interobserver agreement is good for primary tumour characterisation, peritoneal and distant staging. • WB-DWI/MRI improves mesenteric/serosal metastatic spread assessment compared with CT and FDG-PET/CT. • Retroperitoneal/cervical-thoracic nodal staging using qualitative DWI criteria was reasonably accurate. • WB-DWI/MRI and FDG-PET/CT showed the highest diagnostic impact for detecting thoracic metastases.

Ovarian carcinomatosis: how the radiologist can help plan the surgical approach

Ovarian carcinoma is the most common cause of death due to gynecologic malignancy. Peritoneal involvement is present in approximately 70% of patients at the time of initial diagnosis. The disease spreads abdominally by direct extension, exfoliation of tumor cells into the peritoneal space, and dissemination of tumor cells along lymphatic pathways. Carcinomatosis characterizes an advanced stage of disease in which peritoneal disease has spread throughout the upper abdomen (stage IIIC) or in which diffuse peritoneal disease is accompanied by malignant pleural infiltration or visceral metastases (stage IV). Common sites of intraperitoneal seeding of ovarian carcinoma include the pelvis, omentum, paracolic gutters, liver capsule, and diaphragm. Soft-tissue thickening, nodularity, and enhancement are all signs of peritoneal involvement. Advanced-stage disease is treated either with initial cytoreductive surgery (debulking) followed by adjuvant chemotherapy, or with initial neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by debulking. Radiologic imaging plays an important role in the selection of patients who may benefit from neoadjuvant chemotherapy before debulking. However, accurate interpretation of the imaging findings is challenging and requires a detailed knowledge of the complex peritoneal anatomy, directionality of flow of peritoneal fluid, and specific disease sites that are likely to present particular difficulties with regard to surgical access and technique. Although there is as yet no clear consensus on the criteria for resectability of peritoneal lesions, extensive involvement of the small bowel or mesenteric root, involved lymph nodes superior to the celiac axis, pleural infiltration, pelvic sidewall invasion, bladder trigone involvement, and hepatic parenchymal metastases or implants near the right hepatic vein are considered indicative of potential nonresectability. Implants larger than 2 cm in diameter in the diaphragm, lesser sac, porta hepatis, intersegmental fissure, gallbladder fossa, or gastrosplenic or gastrohepatic ligament also may represent nonresectable disease.

Prognostic significance of mediastinal 18F-FDG uptake in PET/CT in advanced ovarian cancer

PURPOSE

To evaluate the prognostic significance of increased mediastinal (18)F-FDG uptake in PET/CT for the staging of advanced ovarian cancer.

METHODS

We retrospectively evaluated patients managed for FIGO stage III/IV ovarian cancer between 1 January 2006 and 1 June 2009. Patients were included if they had undergone (18)F-FDG PET/CT and surgery for initial staging. Exclusion criteria were age younger than 18 years, inability to undergo general anaesthesia, recurrent ovarian cancer, and borderline or nonepithelial malignancy. Whole-body PET/CT was performed after intravenous (18)F-FDG injection. The location of abnormal hot spots and (18)F-FDG maximal standard uptake values (SUV(max)) were recorded. We compared the complete cytoreduction and survival rates in groups defined based on mediastinal (18)F-FDG uptake and SUV(max) values. Kaplan-Meier curves of overall survival and disease-free survival were compared using the log-rank test. Hazard ratios with their 95% confidence intervals were computed. Adjusted hazard ratios were obtained using a multivariate Cox model.

RESULTS

We included 53 patients, of whom 17 (32%) had increased mediastinal (18)F-FDG uptake. Complete cytoreduction was achieved in 14 (87.5%) of the 16 patients managed with primary surgery and in 21 (75%) of the 28 patients managed with interval surgery. Complete cytoreduction was achieved significantly more often among patients without increased mediastinal (18)F-FDG uptake (80.6% vs. 35.3%; p = 0.001). Disease-free survival was comparable between the two groups. By univariate analysis, overall mortality was significantly higher among patients with increased mediastinal (18)F-FDG uptake (hazard ratio 5.70, 95% confidence interval 1.74-18.6). The only factor significantly associated with overall survival by multivariate analysis was complete cytoreduction (adjusted hazard ratio 0.24, 95% confidence interval 0.07-0.89).

CONCLUSION

Increased mediastinal (18)F-FDG uptake was common in patients with advanced ovarian cancer. However, complete cytoreduction, which was significantly more frequent among patients without mediastinal (18)F-FDG uptake, was the only factor independently associated with survival.