Primary Clear Cell Adenocarcinoma of the Cervix: A Clinical Analysis of 18 Cases without Exposure to Diethylstilbestrol

Retrospective analysis of treatment and prognosis for clear cell carcinoma of the uterine cervix: 15-year experience at a single institution

AIM

Clear cell carcinoma of the uterine cervix (CCCUC) is a rare disease, accounting for 4% to 9% of cervical adenocarcinomas. Because it is so rare, its pathogenesis is largely unknown, and the standard treatment is unclear due to a lack of prospective studies. Our aim is to investigate the clinical features, treatment, and prognosis of CCCUC.

METHODS

We retrospectively evaluated the clinical characteristics, treatment choices, and outcomes of 12 patients with CCCUC treated at our institution between January 2009 and July 2024.

RESULTS

The median patient age was 62.5 years (range, 14-90 years). The most common stage was IB (IA, n = 3; IB, n = 4; IIB, n = 1; IIIC, n = 2; IVB, n = 2). Ten patients underwent surgery as initial treatment: 6 underwent radical hysterectomy plus pelvic lymphadenectomy (PLD) or sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB), with or without para-aortic lymphadenectomy (PALD); 3 underwent modified radical hysterectomy plus PLD with or without PALD; and 1 underwent radical trachelectomy with SLNB as fertility-preserving surgery. All patients underwent bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy except for the patient who opted for radical trachelectomy. Five patients received adjuvant treatment: 3 received platinum-based systemic chemotherapy (2 of whom had combination therapy with bevacizumab), and 2 received concurrent chemoradiotherapy. The median follow-up was 43.5 months (range, 1-123 months). The 5-year progression-free survival rate was 64.5%.

CONCLUSION

Systemic platinum-based chemotherapy with bevacizumab may be more effective than concurrent chemoradiotherapy as adjuvant therapy for CCCUC.

Napsin A Immunoreactivity in "Hobnail" Epithelium in Benign Endometrial and Endocervical Polyps

Endometrial and endocervical polyps not uncommonly exhibit focal benign "hobnail" change/metaplasia within the glandular epithelium, sometimes in association with inflammation or infarction. In most cases, this is readily recognized as benign but occasionally, especially in endometrial polyps, this change prompts consideration of a premalignant or malignant lesion, including early serous or clear cell carcinoma. Herein we highlight the previously unreported phenomenon of positive staining of this hobnail epithelium with Napsin A which has the potential to exacerbate concern for clear cell carcinoma. Endometrial (n = 22) and endocervical (n = 17) polyps showing hobnail change were stained with Napsin A. Six cases were positive (4 of 22 endometrial and 2 of 17 endocervical polyps). In all cases, Napsin A positivity was confined to the hobnail epithelium. The hobnail epithelium was positive with estrogen receptor and hepatocyte nuclear factor 1- beta and exhibited wild-type immunoreactivity with p53 in all cases where these markers were performed. In addition, in 2 of 3 uterine adenosarcomas with focal hobnail change the epithelium was Napsin A positive. Pathologists should be aware that Napsin A may be expressed in benign/reactive hobnail epithelium in endometrial and endocervical polyps and should not consider positivity with this marker as a diagnostic of clear cell carcinoma.

Treatment patterns and prognosis of patients with clear cell adenocarcinoma of the cervix: a population-based cohort study

OBJECTIVES

To describe treatment patterns and prognoses for clear cell adenocarcinoma of the cervix (CCAC), a poorly understood rare tumor.

METHODS

A retrospective case-control study was conducted using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database, focusing on females diagnosed with CCAC between 2000 and 2019. Kaplan-Meier analysis, propensity score matching, Cox regression analysis, and subgroup analysis were used to assess treatment outcomes and risk factors.

RESULTS

Of the 52 153 patients with cervical cancer in the SEER database, 528 had CCAC. Overall survival (OS) was worse for patients with early-stage and locally advanced CCAC disease, although no differences in survival were observed for patients with stage IVB disease compared to those with other histologies. In our investigation into treatment patterns, we have discovered that surgical treatment was the preferred choice for the majority of patients with locally advanced CCAC (58.5%). Further, Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed that surgery improved OS in CCAC patients (65.6 vs. 25.3%, P =0.000), with similar results in locally advanced-stage patients (57.9 vs. 26.7%, P =0.000). Moreover, multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed that surgery was significantly associated with a more favorable prognosis in CCAC patients with locally advanced disease (HR 0.299, 95% CI: 0.153-0.585, P =0.000). Consistent findings were observed following propensity score matching (HR 0.283, 95% CI: 0.106-0.751, P =0.011). According to the subgroup analyses, surgical intervention continued to show a beneficial effect on CCAC patients with locally advanced disease (HR=0.31, 95% CI: 0.21-0.46, P <0.001). In particular, we also found that compared to patients who received primary radiotherapy (RT), those who underwent radical surgery exhibited a significantly prolonged OS in locally advanced CCAC patients. Furthermore, multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed that surgery was associated with better outcomes in patients with stage IB3-IIA2 and locally resectable stage IIIC patients (HR 0.207, 95% CI=0.043-0.991, P =0.049). However, this trend was not observed for patients with stage IIB-IVA (except locally resectable stage IIIC) CCAC.

CONCLUSIONS

Surgery should be considered the preferred treatment option for patients with locally advanced CCAC at stage IB3-IIA2 and locally resectable stage IIIC.

State of the art of cervical cancer treatment in rare histologies

The objective of this review is to summarize the current scientific evidence to formulate clinical recommendations regarding the classification, diagnostic approach, and treatment of rare histological subtypes of cervical cancer; neuroendocrine carcinoma, gastric-type mucinous adenocarcinoma, and glassy cell adenocarcinoma. These histological subtypes are generally characterized by their low frequency, aggressive biological behavior, certain chemoradioresistance, and consequently, high recurrence rates with a deleterious impact on survival. Molecular studies have identified several associated mutations in neuroendocrine carcinoma (PIK3CA, MYC, TP53, PTEN, ARID1A, KRAS, BRCA2) and gastric-type adenocarcinoma (KRAS, ARID1A, PTEN) that may serve as molecular targets. While adenocarcinomas are typically treated and classified based on squamous histology across early, locally advanced, and advanced stages, the treatment strategies for neuroendocrine carcinomas in early stages or locally advanced cases differ, particularly in the sequencing of administering chemotherapy, chemoradiotherapy, or surgery. The chemotherapy regimen is based on etoposide plus cisplatin (EP). Unlike squamous cell carcinomas, immune checkpoint inhibitors are yet to establish a standard role in the treatment of recurrent neuroendocrine carcinomas due to the absence of clinical trials. Regarding glassy cell adenocarcinomas and gastric-type adenocarcinoma, the potential use of immunotherapy in advanced stages/disease requires further evaluation through international collaborations, given the limited number of cases.

Immunohistochemical and molecular analysis of an α-fetoprotein-producing cervical adenocarcinoma with clear cell morphology

Adenocarcinomas with clear cell morphology may be associated with elevated serum alpha-fetoprotein levels in various organs. We report the case of an alpha-fetoprotein-producing cervical adenocarcinoma with clear cell morphology and compare it immunohistochemically, molecularly, and virologically with cervical clear cell carcinoma, gastric-type mucinous carcinoma, and ovarian clear cell carcinoma. A 51-year-old Japanese woman was initially diagnosed with cervical clear cell carcinoma. The tumor was resistant to standard surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. Serum carcinoembryonic antigen and alpha-fetoprotein were elevated. The tumor was immunohistochemically positive for alpha-fetoprotein, human chorionic gonadotropin, cytokeratin 20, spalt-like transcription factor 4, glypican 3, MUC6, and HIK1083. Gene panel testing revealed CCNE1 amplification, CDKN2A loss, and TP53 R282W. We compared the present case with 120 ovarian clear cell carcinoma cases using a tissue microarray. Only one case (0.8%) showed very limited immunohistochemical positivity for alpha-fetoprotein. Of the 54 cases in which serum carcinoembryonic antigen was measured, only one (1.9%) was elevated (19.9 ng/mL). We diagnosed the case as alpha-fetoprotein-producing cervical gastric-type mucinous carcinoma with enteroblastic differentiation. In conclusion, alpha-fetoprotein-producing cervical adenocarcinoma is a rare but aggressive tumor. Clinicians and pathologists should be aware of this unfamiliar tumor, its diagnostic clues, prognostic markers, and treatment strategies.

Recent Advances in Cervical Cancer Management: A Review on Novel Prognostic Factors in Primary and Recurrent Tumors

BACKGROUND

Several pathological parameters, including tumor size, depth of stromal invasion, lympho-vascular space invasion and lymph node status, have been proposed as prognostic predictors in cervical cancer. However, given the high mortality and recurrence rate of cervical cancer, novel parameters that are able to provide additional prognostic information are needed in order to allow a better prognostic stratification of cervical cancer patients.

METHODS

A search was conducted on PubMed to identify relevant literature data regarding prognostic factors in cervical cancer. The key words "cervical cancer", "prognostic factors", "pathology", and "outcome" were used.

RESULTS

The novel pathological grading system based on tumor budding and cell nest size appeared the most relevant prognostic factor in primary neoplasms. Moreover, other potentially useful prognostic factors were tumor size, depth of stromal invasion, lympho-vascular space invasion, perineural invasion, tumor-free distance and tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes. Prognostic factors related to advanced-stage cervical cancer, including lymph-nodes status, endometrial and cervical involvement as well as distant metastases, were also taken into consideration.

CONCLUSIONS

According to our findings, tumor budding and cell nest size grading system, depth of stromal invasion, lympho-vascular space invasion, perineural invasion, tumor-free distance and tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes appeared the most relevant factors included in the pathology report.

HPV-Negative Adenocarcinomas of the Uterine Cervix: From Molecular Characterization to Clinical Implications

Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women. It is the leading cause of female deaths in developing countries. Most of these cervical neoplasms are represented by squamous lesions. Cervical adenocarcinoma causes about a quarter of cervical cancers. In contrast to squamous lesions, cervical glandular disease is HPV-negative in about 15-20% of cases. HPV-negative cervical adenocarcinomas typically present in advanced stages at clinical evaluation, resulting in a poorer prognosis. The overall and disease-free survival of glandular lesions is lower than that of squamous lesions. Treatment options require definitive treatments, as fertility-sparing is not recommended. Moreover, the impact of HPV vaccination and primary HPV screening is likely to affect these lesions less; hence, the interest in this challenging topic for clinical practice. An updated review focusing on clinical and molecular characterization, prognostic factors, and therapeutic options may be helpful for properly managing such cervical lesions.

Radical trachelectomy and adjuvant vaginal brachytherapy to preserve fertility in pediatric cervical adenocarcinoma

PURPOSE

This case report describes the use of a trachelectomy and adjuvant vaginal brachytherapy for pediatric clear cell adenocarcinoma as definitive fertility-sparing treatment.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

A previously healthy 8-year-old female presented with abdominal cramping and heavy vaginal bleeding. Diagnostic imaging revealed a 3.5 cm circumscribed cervical mass, with subsequent biopsy revealing clear cell adenocarcinoma. Fertility preserving treatment was requested.

RESULTS

The patient underwent a radical trachelectomy, with final pathology demonstrating a close radial margin. Due to close margin, adjuvant radiotherapy with a vaginal cylinder was delivered to a total dose of 18 Gray in three fractions prescribed to a depth of 5 mm from the vaginal surface using iridium-192. With 2 years of follow-up, the patient continues to do well with no evidence of recurrence or late toxicity from treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Pediatric clear cell adenocarcinoma of the cervix is a rare occurrence that lacks clinical trials to guide effective treatment. Adjuvant vaginal brachytherapy following trachelectomy in a pediatric patient with clear cell adenocarcinoma of the cervix is feasible and well-tolerated.

New Insights in the Diagnosis of Rare Adenocarcinoma Variants of the Cervix—Case Report and Review of Literature

We report the case of a 29-year-old patient with low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (L-SIL), negative human papilloma virus (HPV), positive p16/Ki-67 dual-staining and colposcopy suggestive for severe dysplastic lesion. The patient underwent a loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP), the pathology report revealing mesonephric hyperplasia and adenocarcinoma. The patient also opted for non-standard fertility-sparing treatment. The trachelectomy pathology report described a zone of hyperplasia at the limit of resection towards the uterine isthmus. Two supplementary interpretations of the slides and immunohistochemistry (IHC) were performed. The results supported the diagnosis of mesonephric adenocarcinoma, although with difficulty in differentiating it from mesonephric hyperplasia. Given the discordant pathology results that were inconclusive in establishing a precise diagnosis of the lesion and the state of the limits of resection, the patient was referred to a specialist abroad. Furthermore, the additional interpretation of the slides and IHC were performed, the results suggesting a clear cell carcinoma. The positive p16/Ki-67 dual-staining prior to LEEP, the non-specific IHC and the difficulties in establishing a diagnosis made the case interesting. Given the limitations of cytology and the fact that these variants are independent of HPV infection, dual staining p16/Ki-67 could potentially become useful in the diagnosis of rare adenocarcinoma variants of the cervix, however further documentation is required.

Factors Associated with Patient Survival in Clear Cell Adenocarcinoma of the Cervix: A Single-Center Experience in China

Purpose

Clear cell adenocarcinoma of the cervix (CCAC) is a rare pathological type of cervical cancer. This study aimed to report our clinical experience with CCAC treatment and analyze the factors associated with patient survival.

Patients and Methods

This single-center study included patients diagnosed with CCAC and treated between 01/2003 and 12/2017 at the Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University. The patients diagnosed with CCAC that underwent radical resection were included. The Kaplan–Meier method and multivariable Cox regression analysis were performed to determine factors associated with patient survival.

Results

Fifty-four patients were included. None were exposed to diethylstilbestrol. The median follow-up was 96 (13.0, 120.0) months. The median recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) were 68 and 78 months, respectively. Positive pelvic lymph nodes (HR=2.87, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.14–7.22, P=0.03), tumor size >4 cm (HR=3.31, 95% CI 1.35–8.12, P=0.01), International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) IB2-IIA2 stage (HR=2.49, 95% CI 1.56–3.99, P=0.02), and postoperative therapy (HR=1.73, 95% CI 1.07–2.81, P=0.03) were associated with OS. Multivariable analysis showed that FIGO stage IB2-IIA2 (HR=2.36, 95% CI 1.52–3.68, P<0.01) and lymph node status (HR=3.05, 95% CI 1.12–8.28, P=0.03) were independently associated with OS.

Conclusion

Advanced FIGO stage and positive lymph node status are independently associated with shorter survival in patients with CCAC who were not exposed to diethylstilbestrol. After surgery, chemotherapy and concurrent chemoradiotherapy were not independently associated with the prognosis of patients with CCAC.

Precursor Lesions of Cervical Clear Cell Carcinoma: Evidence For Origin From Tubo-Endometrial Metaplasia

Cervical clear cell carcinoma (CCC) is an HPV-independent tumor historically associated with in-utero exposure to diethylstilboestrol. With the cessation of diethylstilboestro use, most contemporary cases are sporadic and of uncertain pathogenesis, with no established precursor lesion. Following the detection of 3 incidental "early" (FIGO stage IA1) cervical CCCs, all of which displayed adjacent tubo-endometrial metaplasia, we examined further cases, including resection specimens, of this tumor in an attempt to delineate potential precursors. We identified tubo-endometrial metaplasia in proximity to the tumor in 5 of 5 additional primary cervical CCCs, with some tubo-endometrial glands exhibiting subtle mild cytologic atypia. This observation adds to the sparse existing literature proposing tubo-endometrial metaplasia as a precursor to sporadic cervical CCC, with possible progression via an "atypical" transitional phase to malignancy. We also review the published literature regarding possible precursor lesions of primary cervical CCC.

A Rare Case of Clear Cell Cervical Carcinoma to a Woman, 50 Years After Diethylstilbestrol Exposure for Lactation Suppression

A 73-year-old lady presented with post-menopausal bleeding and a suspicious-looking endocervical polyp. She had a loop biopsy of the cervix that showed clear cell cervical carcinoma, and she was referred to our Gynaecology oncology team for further management. Following imaging for staging and an MDT discussion, she had a total abdominal radical hysterectomy that confirmed the diagnosis. The diagnosis of clear cell adenocarcinoma of the cervix is rare, accounting for 4% of cervical carcinomas. However, it is often correlated with diethylstilbestrol (DES) exposure in utero. It is well documented that daughters of mothers who received DES during pregnancy are at a higher risk of adenocarcinomas in the genital tract. In our case, the patient had been administered DES for lactation suppression 50 years earlier. After reviewing the relevant literature, we present the case of our patient, the management of this uncommon case, and help identify possible correlation/long-term implications to patients who received DES.

Grading of Endocervical Adenocarcinomas: Review of the Literature and Recommendations From the International Society of Gynecological Pathologists

There is a lack of consensus regarding the prognostic value of grading endocervical adenocarcinomas and currently, no universally applied, validated system for grading exists. Several grading schemes have been proposed, most incorporating an evaluation of tumor architecture and nuclear morphology and these are often based on the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) system for endometrial endometrioid carcinoma, although some schemes modify the proportion of solid tumor required to separate grades 1 and 2 from 5% to 10%. In the absence of a validated system, we endorse this approach for most human papillomavirus-associated endocervical adenocarcinomas and, based on the available evidence, recommend that tumors with ≤10% solid growth be designated grade 1, 11% to 50% solid growth grade 2 and >50% solid growth grade 3. Tumors should be upgraded in the presence of marked nuclear atypia involving the majority (>50%) of the tumor. Grading is not recommended for human papillomavirus-independent adenocarcinomas, since no validated system has been suggested and most of these neoplasms exhibit intrinsically aggressive behavior regardless of their morphologic appearance. Importantly, grading should not be performed for gastric-type adenocarcinomas, particularly as these tumors may appear deceptively "low-grade" yet still exhibit aggressive behavior. Recently devised, validated and reproducible etiology and pattern-based tumor classification systems for endocervical adenocarcinomas appear to offer more effective risk stratification than tumor grading and, in the future, these systems may render the provision of a tumor grade redundant.